Athletes around the world observed the progress of women and girls in sports February 7. The first Wednesday of every February celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The holiday recognizes the milestones of female growth in the world of sports. By designating a specific day each year, the initiative emphasizes the need to highlight the contributions of female athletes, coaches, and leaders, fostering a culture that values and respects their accomplishments.
In 1972, former President Richard M. Nixon signed Title IX, which granted equal access to sports for girls in the United States (US). Fifteen years later, former President Ronald Reagan established National Girls and Women in Sports Day in 1987 to commemorate the role of women in sports. The creation of the holiday served to honor the significant achievements of female athletes.
The day commemorates one woman in particular. Ms. Flo Hyman was a volleyball player for the University of Houston from 1973 to 1977 and for the US National Volleyball team from 1974 to 1984. Ms. Hyman was the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship, which holds significance as her achievements paved the way for increased opportunities for female athletes in higher education, according to uhcougars.com. Ms. Hyman strongly advocated for women in collegiate sports throughout her short career. She died at the age of 31 while playing in a tournament in Japan, but her legacy continues to live on through this commemorative event.
The national holiday originally celebrated female athletes at the professional level, but it rapidly expanded to include amateur and aspiring athletes and younger generations of girls in sports. The Women’s Sports Foundation, Girls Inc., The National Women’s Law Center, and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition collaborated to advocate for the recognition of this celebration as a national holiday. Their influential support led to widespread acknowledgment of the celebration by schools, colleges, and other organizations. National Girls and Women in Sports Day benefits female athletes by making them more competitive, more confident, and healthier, according to daysoftheyear.com. The recognition of women in sports allows them to fit into leadership roles that can positively affect their lives.
Sophomore Georgia Lillis grew up playing sports and feels they are an influential part of her life. She commented on the way engaging in sports has been instrumental in part of her growth, not only as an athlete, but also as a person, instilling qualities of discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the field.
“It has affected me physically and mentally and pushes me to my absolute limits,” Georgia said. “Although it is extremely challenging in these ways, sports are my outlet. It is what makes me want to keep playing.”
As the holiday becomes more popular, so does the viewership for female sports at both collegiate and professional levels. Iowa University and Louisiana State University played each other April 2, 2023 in the NCAA Division 1 National Championship game. Media coverage, including extensive television broadcasts, social media engagement, and news articles, played a crucial role in amplifying the championship. Social platforms highlighted the remarkable performances, close games, and standout plays. The game gained over two times more viewers than the year before. The average for the game was about 9.9 million viewers, and at one point it reached 12.6 million, which is the highest in the history of women’s basketball, according to sportsvideo.org. Just months later at the US Open finals, Miss Coco Gauff, American tennis player, hit another record in her match against Ms. Aryna Sabalenka, a tennis player from Belarus. During the women’s singles, the pair gained 3.4 million viewers. The match surpassed the men’s final by 90,000 viewers, according to espnpressroom.com.
Recognizing women in sports is not just a matter of fairness, but also a step toward dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting equality. By highlighting the achievements and contributions of female athletes, there can be a challenge to the preconceived notions about women’s capabilities in sports. This recognition not only empowers women and girls to pursue their athletic ambitions but also encourages a shift in societal attitudes toward inclusivity.
Georgia acknowledged that the achievements of female athletes contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the athleticism, skill, and dedication of women within sports. By appreciating women in sports, one embraces a diverse range of talents and narratives, highlighting the unique strengths and accomplishments of each athlete.
“There is so much importance behind the success of women’s achievements,” Georgia said. “The work behind the scenes takes so long to complete especially when women have generally a harder time gaining the respect they deserve.”
Featured Image by Casey Smith ’26
