February 5, 2025 - National Girls & Women in Sports Day
WATERVILLE, Maine – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) is proud to recognize and promote the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
NGWSD is a nationwide celebration co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) and supported by its team of champion athletes. The event inspires girls and women to participate in sports, stay active, and realize their full potential. The confidence, strength, and character gained through sports are the very tools that empower girls and women to become strong leaders in both athletics and life. The WSF enters 2025 energized after commemorating its 50th anniversary throughout the past year.
A vibrant movement celebrated annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of girls and women in sports while continuing to Lead Her Forward by recognizing the power of sports to unlock limitless potential.
The WSF applauds the vital contributions of individuals and organizations who champion this effort: advocates working to protect Title IX and advance gender equity, athletes using their platform to inspire greatness, and coaches who promote participation and excellence in sports every day.
As part of this year’s celebration, the NAC will recognize four women serving in prominent roles at their respective conference institutions with “Spotlight” features on the conference website:
- Marie Curran-Headley – Director of Athletics, SUNY Cobleskill (LINK)
- MacKenzie Oberholzer – Director of Sports Information/Athletic Communications, Thomas College (LINK)
- Kate Harney – Head Athletic Trainer / Senior Woman Administrator, VTSU-Johnson (LINK)
- Jessica Russo – Head Coach, Women’s Tennis, Lesley University (LINK)
The 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 women 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’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
Annually, schools and community-serving organizations host over 300 grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with an estimated reach of 200,000 girls and women.