More than 50 female student-athletes recently spent their lunch period together in the McKay High School gym. They shared a meal, cheered through a basketball relay and connected with students who compete in different sports throughout the school year.
The gathering was part of WIS3 UP, a McKay program created to help female athletes develop confidence, leadership skills and a stronger sense of community.
WIS3 UP stands for Women in Sports: Engage, Equip and Empower. McKay educators Laura Lopez, Amanda Rivera, Chris Feskens and Ryan Kuboyama founded the program in 2025 after recognizing that female students could benefit from a dedicated place to connect through athletics.
Connecting Students Across Different Sports
High school sports teams often spend much of their time within their own seasons and practice schedules. WIS3 UP creates opportunities for athletes in fall, winter, and spring sports to meet one another and build connections across teams.
The program holds monthly activities that may include lunches, relays, workshops, barbecues, and other team-building events. Students learn about women in sports, explore leadership skills, and hear from coaches and local role models.
A monthly newsletter also highlights women in sports history and gives students examples of what female athletes and leaders have accomplished.
Additionally, the program isn’t just limited to experienced varsity athletes. Students who are new to sports or considering joining a team can participate, meet other students, and become more connected to McKay’s athletic community.
Making Participation More Accessible
McKay is a Title I school, meaning a significant portion of its students come from lower-income households. Jobs, family responsibilities, childcare, and transportation can make it difficult for some teenagers to participate in activities outside of regular school hours.
By holding activities during lunch and creating free opportunities on campus, WIS3 UP gives more students a chance to get involved. It also provides a point of connection for students who might not otherwise meet because they play different sports or compete during different seasons.
Coaches hope those relationships will strengthen McKay’s teams while helping students feel more comfortable participating in school activities.
Building Skills That Extend Beyond Sports
The lessons emphasized through WIS3 UP aren’t limited to the court, field, or track. Confidence, teamwork, and communication are skills that can help students speak up, support their peers, and take on leadership roles throughout school.
Participants also have opportunities to learn about women’s athletics beyond the sports they already know. Seeing famous female athletes and leaders represented in different settings can help students recognize more possibilities for themselves.
Now in its second full year, the program continues to grow with support from McKay administrators, coaches, and staff. More than 50 students attended its first event of the 2026–27 school year, giving the club a strong start as it works to welcome current athletes and encourage more girls to participate in sports.
By creating a place where students can connect and grow together, WIS3 UP is helping McKay athletes build skills they can carry into their teams, classrooms, and lives beyond high school.
Official Reporting and Source Links
McKay Coaches Build Confidence, Leadership Among Female Athletes — Salem Reporter
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders — McKay High School — Salem-Keizer Public Schools