Iowa State’s fifth annual Women in Athletics celebration came to a climactic end Saturday as athletes from past Cyclone athletic teams were honored for their achievements.

The members of past Cyclone squads were recognized at a banquet Saturday afternoon and were introduced at halftime of the ISU women’s basketball game against Missouri that night.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of NCAA women’s intercollegiate athletics.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and athletic director Bruce Van De Velde were the featured speakers of the afternoon banquet, a time in which each athlete was honored individually.

More than 80 alumni turned out for the ceremony.

The returning athletes were given the opportunity to address their peers, allowing former teammates to play a little catch-up.

“It’s a great chance for [the athletes] to be recognized and to see some of their former teammates and coaches,” associate athletic director Calli Theisen Sanders said. “I think it’s a moving experience for them. They hope it continues, and so do I.”

A pep rally was held after the banquet where the ISU pep band and cheer and pom squads performed.

ISU head football coach Dan McCarney spoke to the athletes about the impact they had on women’s athletics.

“The people being honored this weekend are the trailblazers,” McCarney said. “Without you, women’s athletics would not be where they are today.

“The opportunities, the scholarships, Title IX; all those things that are in place today, all those things that every young lady in America deserves would not be there without you. We will never forget what you did for Iowa State and what you did for women’s athletics.”

The final event took place at halftime of the women’s basketball game as the former athletes and coaches were introduced to the crowd at Hilton Coliseum.

“It means a great deal to the university, but it means a great deal to the people [who are involved] to come back and be recognized,” Sanders said. “In the past, women weren’t given the attention they deserved, and these women worked hard to establish the foundation from which we work today.”