What Does National Girls and Women in Sports Day Mean to the Gaels?
2/1/2023 9:57:00 AM | General, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Beach Volleyball, Women's Rowing, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Women's Cross Country
MORAGA, Calif. - National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual day of observance held during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
Each year since its inception in 1987, the United States Congress recognizes women's contributions to sports and society on a day during the first week of February. NGWSD is celebrated annually across the United States and features community-based events, notable women athletes, awards, and other activities.
Saint Mary's College Athletics celebrated NGWSD at halftime of the women's basketball game versus BYU on January 26, but on the day itself, SMC would like to give our women-athletes the chance to say why celebrating NGWSD is important to them and to everyone.
Emily Jensen – Women's Soccer
I think it's important to celebrate NGWSD to honor the women and girls who have paved the way for all female
athletes, as well as those who are currently participating. It hasn't always been an option for women to participate in sport at the level that we can now, and it's important to recognize this opportunity.
There is something empowering about being a part of a group of women who are strong, motivated, and determined both on and off the field. My teammates influence me for the better, as I see them striving to be the best versions of themselves while also lifting others along the way. I am grateful for the ways in which they support and encourage me and I hope to do the same for them.
Being an athlete competing at the collegiate level, it's fun to see younger generations of girls playing sports and growing and learning it as I did. I hope to play a part in encouraging girls to strive to accomplish their goals both in sports and other aspects of their life.
Bryanna Waters - Softball
Celebrating NGWSD is important because of the strides it took for women to be recognized for their athletic abilities. With all of the work it took for equality in sports, this day helps acknowledge these female athletes and recognize their success and continuously influences younger generations of girls to participate in sports if that's something they want to do.
Being a woman in sports now is motivation for the younger girls who want to pursue athletics. Seeing women my age or even the professional female athletes involved in sports encourages these girls to participate themselves without fear of being told "no" or that they can't do it.
Kaylee Barnes – Women's Track/Cross Country
I believe it's important to celebrate women in sports because for so many years we weren't allowed to be part of them, but now we have a chance to display our abilities and talents.
It should be recognized, as women athletes are such strong individuals that are able to excel in all sports, it's only right to celebrate us.
Ellie Croco – Women's Basketball
NGWSD is a great opportunity to celebrate women in sports and to inspire younger girls to become involved. Sports aren't just significant for physical health but also mental
health. It helps you gain life skills in a healthy competitive environment that all young girls should be encouraged to do.
It is so great to have a day to honor all women and girls in sports and those who made this day and women in sports possible.
Growing up and going to a ton of different college basketball camps was a super positive experience for me. Seeing college players interact with younger generations is very impactful. It motivated and inspired me to want to continue playing basketball throughout elementary, middle, and high school with the goal of playing in college. I try to connect with the girls who come to our games or camps and be the best role model I can be, both on and off the court, to encourage and promote playing sports to girls.
Jade Kirisome – Women's Basketball
Celebrating NGWSD not only allows us to appreciate the amazing talent of various female athletes, but to also honor and recognize the progress that's been made toward gender equality for women in sports, as well as breaking gender stereotypes.
As a collegiate female athlete, I am very grateful for the platform that sports have given me to inspire the younger generation of girls coming through. It's always such a special feeling being asked to sign post-game autographs by the younger girls who come to support us, especially because I can remember being in their exact position.
#GaelsRise
Each year since its inception in 1987, the United States Congress recognizes women's contributions to sports and society on a day during the first week of February. NGWSD is celebrated annually across the United States and features community-based events, notable women athletes, awards, and other activities.
Saint Mary's College Athletics celebrated NGWSD at halftime of the women's basketball game versus BYU on January 26, but on the day itself, SMC would like to give our women-athletes the chance to say why celebrating NGWSD is important to them and to everyone.
Emily Jensen – Women's Soccer
I think it's important to celebrate NGWSD to honor the women and girls who have paved the way for all female
athletes, as well as those who are currently participating. It hasn't always been an option for women to participate in sport at the level that we can now, and it's important to recognize this opportunity.There is something empowering about being a part of a group of women who are strong, motivated, and determined both on and off the field. My teammates influence me for the better, as I see them striving to be the best versions of themselves while also lifting others along the way. I am grateful for the ways in which they support and encourage me and I hope to do the same for them.
Being an athlete competing at the collegiate level, it's fun to see younger generations of girls playing sports and growing and learning it as I did. I hope to play a part in encouraging girls to strive to accomplish their goals both in sports and other aspects of their life.
Bryanna Waters - Softball
Celebrating NGWSD is important because of the strides it took for women to be recognized for their athletic abilities. With all of the work it took for equality in sports, this day helps acknowledge these female athletes and recognize their success and continuously influences younger generations of girls to participate in sports if that's something they want to do.
Being a woman in sports now is motivation for the younger girls who want to pursue athletics. Seeing women my age or even the professional female athletes involved in sports encourages these girls to participate themselves without fear of being told "no" or that they can't do it.
Kaylee Barnes – Women's Track/Cross Country
I believe it's important to celebrate women in sports because for so many years we weren't allowed to be part of them, but now we have a chance to display our abilities and talents.
It should be recognized, as women athletes are such strong individuals that are able to excel in all sports, it's only right to celebrate us.
Ellie Croco – Women's Basketball
NGWSD is a great opportunity to celebrate women in sports and to inspire younger girls to become involved. Sports aren't just significant for physical health but also mental
health. It helps you gain life skills in a healthy competitive environment that all young girls should be encouraged to do.It is so great to have a day to honor all women and girls in sports and those who made this day and women in sports possible.
Growing up and going to a ton of different college basketball camps was a super positive experience for me. Seeing college players interact with younger generations is very impactful. It motivated and inspired me to want to continue playing basketball throughout elementary, middle, and high school with the goal of playing in college. I try to connect with the girls who come to our games or camps and be the best role model I can be, both on and off the court, to encourage and promote playing sports to girls.
Jade Kirisome – Women's Basketball
Celebrating NGWSD not only allows us to appreciate the amazing talent of various female athletes, but to also honor and recognize the progress that's been made toward gender equality for women in sports, as well as breaking gender stereotypes.
As a collegiate female athlete, I am very grateful for the platform that sports have given me to inspire the younger generation of girls coming through. It's always such a special feeling being asked to sign post-game autographs by the younger girls who come to support us, especially because I can remember being in their exact position.
#GaelsRise
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