Fresno State Athletics
National Girls and Women in Sports Day Feb. 4
1/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 23, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The 23rd Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day is Feb. 4, 2009 and Fresno State Athletics invites the Central Valley Community to celebrate the entire week of Feb. 1-7. The week begins with a women's basketball game on Feb. 1 and ends with the No. 8 equestrian team on Sun, Feb. 8.
NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.
The event began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, 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.
Fresno State's defending WAC Champion women's basketball team kicks off the week on Sun, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Save Mart Center with a conference game vs. Utah State. Tickets for that game are $2 for groups/teams of 10 people or more. Following the game will be a free clinic (registration required) featuring the women's golf, soccer, softball and volleyball teams.
"Fresno State Athletics hopes to embrace our aspiring female athletes with three events close to our hearts," said head volleyball coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell. "Every women's sports team on this campus is lending a hand during our Girls and Women in Sports Week events. Athletics has given me opportunities beyond the free and valuable educations and unusual career. Words can't begin to describe what it's done for me, my sisters, friends and colleagues. We celebrate the progress we've made and teach our valley girls and women the vast opportunities that now stand before them - opportunities that weren't available for my mother's generation. Not only will our career women (administrators, coaches and support staff-members) be involved, but our energetic student-athletes too. I hope our community takes advantage of our events, as it's a terrific opportunity to pick the brains of many successful women in sports!"
A panel discussion with Fresno State Athletics women administrators, coaches and student-athletes will be held on Wed., Feb. 4 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Josephine Theatre of the Duncan Building at Fresno State. The event is targeted for high school students .The panel discussion is free and is limited to 65 students (plus one parent/adult).
Two big Fresno State women's events will be on Sat., Feb. 7, beginning with the No. 8 equestrian team taking on defending national champion Georgia and fellow WAC foe New Mexico State. The match is free at 10 a.m. at the Student Horse Center and will conclude on Sun., Feb. 8, beginning also at 10:00 a.m.
Then be a part of history on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 7) as the Fresno State lacrosse team will play its first-ever match at 1:00 p.m. in Bulldog Stadium vs. the Cal Golden Bears. Tickets are $2 for groups/teams of 10 or more people. Before the lacrosse match there will be a pre-game fun zone from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the White Lot/Practice Field. The activities are free and feature soccer and track and field activities.
"I think that it's great that our department is stepping up and trying to mentor the females in this community through athletics," said head lacrosse coach Sue Behme. "This week is a way for us to touch on the importance of girls in sports. I really appreciate the fact that we have been connected as the first-ever women's lacrosse game to sort of bring the whole week together. It's an honor. I hope that the girls and parents and community see what a positive impact all of women's athletics has for young girls."
NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sport Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of the five premiere girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, National Women's Law Center and the Women's Sports Foundation.
Collectively, these organizations have been in existence for over 427 years and have a membership reach of 5.5 million girls and women.
To participate in the clinic or the panel discussion you must register in advance and will receive a voucher for a NGWSD t-shirt that you can redeem at the marketing table inside Bulldog Stadium on Saturday during the lacrosse match. To register please fill out form attached and return to the Fresno State Athletic Department address on the form. For more questions please contact Christina Rodriguez, the Group Sales Coordinator at (559) 244-5621.
"This is always an energizing time of year as we review the past and look to the future of girls and women in sport," said Betsy Mosher, Senior Associate Director of Athletics. "We invite the community to join us as we honor the past and the future of girls and women in sport by supporting the efforts of our present Fresno State student-athletes. "
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State Lacrosse team hosts their first ever match on Saturday, February 7 as they take on the Cal Bears at 1:00 pm at Bulldog Stadium. For more information visit gobulldogs.com.
