All About Opportunity

It was such an impossible dream that even Bailey Stenson Gordon’s own father was stunned when it actually came true.

“When the coaches told us they were offering me a scholarship to play softball at the University of Washington, my dad replied ‘Who, her?’” Gordon now laughs. “Growing up in Auburn, you always want to play for your hometown team. But in my wildest dreams I never thought I’d be lucky enough to go to Washington.”

Outfielder Gordon (BS General Studies, 2010) made an impact all four years at Washington, including helping the 2009 Husky Hall of Fame team earn a Women’s College World Series title.

Today, the professional photographer and author of Who We Are Is Why We Win, a book about that special 2009 season, recognizes the impact of two critical factors — Title IX and the generosity of Husky donors — that provided her with an experience that shaped the rest of her life.

“We were aware of Title IX and knew that without it, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to play sports at the highest levels, with and against the greatest athletes in the country,” says Gordon, who still lives in Auburn with her husband, Kellen; twins Willa and Hazel, 3; and son McLane, 2. “The women before us paved the way to make it all possible.”

She recalls meeting so many fans whose donations paid for big items — like lights for the Husky Softball Stadium — along with the countless smaller gifts that contributed to high-tech equipment, scholarships, travel and much more.

“The few years of the pandemic underscored how important donations are every year to continue to provide for the needs of student-athletes,” Gordon explains, as she encourages other alumni and fans to give back on Husky Giving Day on

Thursday, April 6. “The UW gave us so many opportunities and this is our chance to give back what we can. It doesn’t have to be huge. Do what you can and know that your dollars directly support every team and every student-athlete — just like other caring alumni supported us while we were at Washington.”

In addition to supporting their favorite team on Husky Giving Day, donors can also contribute to the Mighty are the Women Fund, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Title IX that supports every women’s team. In addition, a gift made to the Competitive Edge Fund is an investment towards the future generations of Washington studentathletes. Every academic program also benefits from the single day of focused giving.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to wear the purple and gold,” Gordon concludes. “It feels great to give back.”

One day. One cause. One Husky Nation coming together to support you favorite sports teams, academic programs and the entire University.