Her Turn Turns 3!
Kallie Theisen
Her Turn celebrates its third anniversary in February, so we are taking a moment to highlight the achievements of year three and dream about what can be accomplished in year four.
Generous Donors
Her Turn started off year three by hosting its first Day of Giving. In 24 hours, Her Turn received contributions from 152 donors and raised over $20,000. The co-founders Tori Nelson and Myah Selland were overwhelmed by the support they received on Her Turn’s inaugural Day of Giving.
Nelson and Selland are eager to host their second 24-hour fundraiser on Feb. 5, 2025.
“We are so excited for our upcoming Day of Giving,” Selland said. “For us, the event is an opportunity to celebrate both National Girls and Women in Sports Day and our organization’s anniversary with our community!”
The Year of 24
In 2024, Her Turn provided 24 scholarships, which was six more than in 2023. When asked about her favorite memory from year three, Nelson said she enjoyed meeting with the scholarship recipients and awarding them with Her Turn certificates.
“It is one of the most special moments of the year because we can truly see the excitement of the girls,” Nelson said.
Volleyball remained the most popular sport for Her Turn campers, with nine girls attending the camp. Soccer had seven Her Turn campers, and the basketball camp had five attendees. In addition, three girls attended softball camp.
Two-thirds of the 2024 campers were first-time Her Turn recipients, and one-third of the recipients had received scholarships in 2023.
Nelson and Selland enlisted the help of five Her Turn ambassadors to assist them in ensuring that each scholarship recipient’s experience was positive. The ambassadors communicated with families, delivered gear bags, and drove recipients to camp.
“Our Her Turn ambassadors play a key role in the success of our organization,” Nelson said. “We are so thankful to have them as part of our team!”
All Fun and Games
Nelson and Selland organized three Her Turn games at SDSU sporting events in 2024. There were 65 attendees across the three games. These games involved inviting middle school girls' sports teams from Brookings, as well as Her Turn scholarship recipients and their families, to attend an SDSU sporting event for free. Nelson and Selland view the Her Turn games as an opportunity to empower and inspire girls.
“As young girls, our dreams were inspired by athletes who had come before us,” Selland said. “Our Her Turn games give local girls the opportunity to see themselves as future student-athletes.”
Year Four and Beyond
This upcoming scholarship season will be the first year in which neither of the co-founders will be living in Brookings. However, the co-founders are dedicated to continuing to build the nonprofit. Nelson and Selland are excited for the creative ways in which they will continue to grow Her Turn.
One goal that Nelson and Selland have for year four is to distribute 30 Her Turn scholarships. The duo also hopes to continue to grow the attendance of the Her Turn games.
Nelson and Selland are very excited to continue providing athletic opportunities to girls in the Brookings community. They are both thankful for all of the support they have received throughout the past three years, and they are eager to see Her Turn continue to grow in year four.
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