NEW YORK/MILWAUKEE – Wednesday, February 3, 2021, marks the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.
A vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of female athletes, coaches and leaders and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.
"As a women's university that supports development of the whole person, Mount Mary believes that Athletics is an important part of the education of mind, body and spirit!" Mount Mary University President Dr. Christine Pharr said. "National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a great way to celebrate what we profess as our mission!"
While this spring marks the 11th year Mount Mary has offered NCAA Division III intervarsity competition, the Blue Angels (and formerly, Crusaders) have a long history of celebrating women in sports. (For a brief look, check out our history page.)
"We are considerably blessed to work with so many diverse and uniquely talented women at Mount Mary," MMU Director of Athletics Natalie Balleto said. "Obviously, women comprise our entire student-athlete population, but it is equally important to honor our women in leadership roles—from campus-wide administration, to Athletics coaching staffs, to graduate assistants. I am gracious to those before us who have paved the way to make these opportunities possible."
History of NGWSD
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation's capital to recognize women's sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
In the beginning, NGWSD served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women's sports; Hyman died of Marfan syndrome in 1986. It has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
NGWSD is powered by the Women's Sports Foundation, supported by its team of champion athletes and celebrated throughout the year by schools and community‑serving organizations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
About the Women's Sports Foundation
The Women's Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships.
The Women's Sports Foundation has positively shaped the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. We're building a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation.
To learn more about the Women's Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org
