Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University’s Department of Athletics will host its annual celebration of National Girls And Women In Sports Day (NGWSD) at 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center Gymnasium. 

Coaches and student-athletes representing each of Wittenberg’s 12 varsity women’s teams will be assembled in the Gymnasium, conducting demonstrations of their sports, publicizing upcoming season schedules, youth camps and clinics, and interacting with participants. Girls of any age interested in athletics are invited to participate in the event, which is free of charge, and they will have the opportunity to get autographs from Wittenberg coaches and student-athletes. 

The NGWSD theme in 2014 is “Passing the Torch, Blazing the Trail,” which fits nicely with Wittenberg’s famed motto “Having Light, We Pass It On To Others.” Wittenberg has long been at the forefront of collegiate women’s athletics, thanks to such pioneers as Betty Dillahunt, Ruth Helsel, Dottie Lemieux, Pat Clouse, Caroline Zimmerman, Pam Smith and Linda Arena, who have spearheaded nearly 100 years of expanding opportunities and encouraging excellence. 

Hosting an NGWSD event each year allows today’s Tiger coaches and student-athletes to maintain that leadership role, as Lily Watson, class of 2014 from Bexley, Ohio, is doing as this year’s student coordinator. 

“This year’s theme is something everyone at Wittenberg can really take to heart,” said Watson, who works as a student assistant coach for the Tiger women’s basketball team. “This is a way for all Wittenberg student-athletes to pass their light on to the young girls in the Springfield community. We have the opportunity to show them how sports have helped shape our lives and teach them how to become the next generation of strong female leaders.” 

Wittenberg’s NGWSD celebration is scheduled to conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m., but participants are encouraged to cross Legends Lobby to attend Wittenberg’s women’s basketball game against Allegheny at 3 p.m. in Pam Evans Smith Arena. All NGWSD participants will receive free admission into the game. 

NGWSD began in 1987 to honor former Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. Since its inception, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

Written By: Ryan Maurer