National Girls and Women in Sports Day

By Savannah Koga / Staff Writer 

National Girls and Women in sports day is Wednesday, February 7. 

“Women in sports have come a long way in 50 years. I admire the strong women in the past that have made a way for us to connect in sports and get us to a similar playing field of men’s sports.” says Jessica Biegert, Head Women’s Volleyball coach and Senior Women’s Leader. 

“Women in sports have come a long way in 50 years. I admire the strong women in the past that have made a way for us to connect in sports and get us to a similar playing field of men’s sports.”

Jessica Biegert, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and Senior Women’s Leader

2024 marks the 38th annual National Girls and Women In Sports Day (NGWSD). It’s defined as a vibrant movement that is celebrated to a shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements, resilience, and impact of female athletes everywhere. 

Behind every successful female athlete, there is a roller coaster of emotions and a story to be told. Every athlete goes through so many challenges to become the best they can be. But typically, girls and women fight for inclusion and equal opportunities on and off the court and field. There are many female athletes that will speak out on gender-based bias and and social injustice. 

“[In high school] Playing volleyball it was never even a question but we did see some differences when it came to basketball compared to the boys.” Says Joee Bussman, a freshman, from Manhattan, Kansas when asked about the difference in men’s and women’s sports.

Women In Sports In The Public 

After some instances that caused a lot of public disagreements, equality within sports, and the incorporation of title nine, has come to light. Some of the public situations include; the quality and amount of gear and weight room equipment given to the NCAA march madness women’s team compared to the men’s; LSU basketball player, Angel Reese getting backlash for similar actions male players have taken; Tennis player, Serena Williams and wrestler, Ronda Rousey both being verbally attacked for their appearance and questioning sexuality. 

Kansas Wesleyan University Women’s Basketball Team

Some of the big name female athletes like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Sue Bird take the time to empower future girl and women athletes while still being successful at their sport. They do anything they set their mind to and pave the way for more a more inclusive and equitable future tomorrow. 

Women In Sports at KWU

Coach Jessica Biegert of Kansas Wesleyan University set up a recognition for all women student-athletes. 

“I’m excited about our game on Wednesday at Bethany. We have always had a long time rivalry and this is a game we can come together for the bigger picture of women in sports” Biegert said.

“I’m excited about our game on Wednesday at Bethany. We have always had a long time rivalry and this is a game we can come together for the bigger picture of women in sports”

The recognition will take place during halftime of the KWU vs Bethany women’s basketball game in Lindsborg on Wednesday February 7th.