Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs host eighth annual NGWSD
2/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | General
Clinic Photo Gallery | Alumni Reception Photo Gallery
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State Athletics hosted its eighth annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebration on a special weekend in the month of February.
The two-day event featured a sports clinic for children hosted by female Fresno State student-athletes and an afternoon dedicated to celebrating former Fresno State female student-athletes.
The fun-filled day began with a welcoming speech by Fresno State Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sport Services and Senior Woman Administrator Carrie Coll.
"All of the female student-athletes that we have at Fresno State benefitted from opportunities they were given and we want to pay it forward," said Coll. "This is a way for us to give back to our community and introduce these young girls to Fresno State and the Bulldog family."
Approximately 100 children participated in the clinic that was run by Fresno State female student-athletes who taught different skills and spread knowledge of their respective sports.
"It warms my heart to see these kids out here. It is awesome to see them out here playing the sports that they love. We want to ignite their drive to make it to the next level," said Fresno State volleyball player Aleisha Coates.
The kids went through six different sport stations, which featured volleyball, basketball, track, soccer, equestrian, and golf. The clinic was followed by a lunch period, which allowed the youth to mingle and take pictures with the student-athletes.
"Today is really fun for us athletes. We get to see how excited all these young girls are about getting involved in sports," said Fresno State golfer Kayla Luis. "It really puts in perspective how close our community is to Fresno State."
The participants of the clinic are able to attend the Bulldog women's basketball game on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. as Fresno State takes on Nevada at the Save Mart Center.
Prior to the basketball game, former Bulldog student-athletes will meet at the Smittcamp Alumni House for a reception. This reception will honor how the Alumni's participation has helped pave the way for today's student-athlete opportunities for women.
The alumni will be honored at halftime during the women's basketball game for their continued support and dedication to Fresno State.
"The chance to recognize all of our former student-athletes at the reception on Sunday is so amazing because those are the trailblazers and are the women that set it up for us to get to this point," said Coll. "I am so glad we are able to continue this tradition of recognizing our alumni, and I know they enjoy seeing the next generation of Fresno State female student-athletes."
Tomorrow we will take a look into the past that has made the future of Fresno State so bright.
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