Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Celebrates 12th Annual NGWSD
2/8/2020 5:07:00 PM | General
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State hosted its 12th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) in the Save Mart Center on Saturday. Current and former Bulldog student-athletes volunteered their Saturday afternoon to celebrate NGWSD with the local area youth by hosting a fun-packed afternoon that concluded with complimentary tickets for the women's basketball game for the participants and their families.
Fresno State female student-athletes joined together to make this event a special and memorable day for the youths in the community. Kids from the Fresno area, ages kindergarten to eighth grade, participated in the clinic this morning.
NGWSD was established in 1987 to recognize the impact of participation in sports for girls and women. The day acknowledges the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports and the achievements of female athletes. NGWSD is celebrated all across the country throughout the first week of February.
"The lacrosse team looks forward to this event every year," said senior attacker Tiffiny Wallace. "We love being able to put smiles on young girls' faces by introducing them to the sport we love. It gives us an opportunity to give back to the community that supports and enhances our experiences here at Fresno State. Nothing brightens your day quite like spending time with kids, and the lacrosse team had so much fun, and is excited to be back again next year!"
The day began with a youth sports clinic. The participating kids were welcomed by the student-athletes and divided into groups of their respective sports. The student athletes focused on sharing their knowledge on the game along with expressing their appreciation for their sport and sharing their experiences.
After the clinic, the participants were invited to the Fresno State women's basketball game against UNLV, to cheer them to victory.
The Fresno State alumni were honored on the court at halftime during the women's basketball game for their commitment and support to Fresno State female student-athletes. Wendy Martell was also honored at halftime by her jersey retirement unveiling celebration for laying the foundation for Fresno State women's basketball and being an inspiration to countless women and young girls.
NGWSD remains a remarkable day for Fresno State every year to honor the extraordinary women who have paved the way, appreciate the women who are opening new doors and inspiring younger women to gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their aspirations.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Fresno State female student-athletes joined together to make this event a special and memorable day for the youths in the community. Kids from the Fresno area, ages kindergarten to eighth grade, participated in the clinic this morning.
NGWSD was established in 1987 to recognize the impact of participation in sports for girls and women. The day acknowledges the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports and the achievements of female athletes. NGWSD is celebrated all across the country throughout the first week of February.
"The lacrosse team looks forward to this event every year," said senior attacker Tiffiny Wallace. "We love being able to put smiles on young girls' faces by introducing them to the sport we love. It gives us an opportunity to give back to the community that supports and enhances our experiences here at Fresno State. Nothing brightens your day quite like spending time with kids, and the lacrosse team had so much fun, and is excited to be back again next year!"
The day began with a youth sports clinic. The participating kids were welcomed by the student-athletes and divided into groups of their respective sports. The student athletes focused on sharing their knowledge on the game along with expressing their appreciation for their sport and sharing their experiences.
"My experience from today's National Girls and Women in Sports Day was incredible," explained Fresno State volleyball junior Desiree Sukhov. "There's nothing purer and more inspiring than getting to share a special day with strong young women, playing and teaching the sport you love. Seeing the girls' smiles and hearing the laughs only made me more driven to be better as a person and to be so grateful for the opportunities we have as women in collegiate sports."
The kids spent approximately an hour rotating through different sport stations to gain practical athletic skills with the student-athletes, learning the fundamentals of each sport. A lunch period followed the clinic allowing the kids to connect further with the student-athletes, get their autograph cards signed by their favorite players, and take pictures. The participants received a complimentary t-shirt as a keepsake of Fresno State's 2020 NGWSD event while also having a special visit from Time-out.After the clinic, the participants were invited to the Fresno State women's basketball game against UNLV, to cheer them to victory.
The Fresno State alumni were honored on the court at halftime during the women's basketball game for their commitment and support to Fresno State female student-athletes. Wendy Martell was also honored at halftime by her jersey retirement unveiling celebration for laying the foundation for Fresno State women's basketball and being an inspiration to countless women and young girls.
NGWSD remains a remarkable day for Fresno State every year to honor the extraordinary women who have paved the way, appreciate the women who are opening new doors and inspiring younger women to gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their aspirations.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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