GORHAM, Maine – With a longstanding tradition of supporting highly successful women's athletic programs, coaches and student-athletes, the University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics is excited to announce a week-long series of events in recognition of its 2025 celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Established in 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an event that acknowledges the accomplishments of female athletes, and amplifies the positive effect sports participation has on girls and women, providing them with the tools and skills needed to become leaders in the world of sport and beyond. Officially, the 2025 National Girls and Women in Sports Day will be celebrated on February 5.
Continuing the theme "Lead Her Forward" for the 2025 NGWSD celebration, Huskies' Athletics - under the guidance of Kimberly Turner, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator – will sponsor the following activities in recognition of this year's National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Mindfulness Mondays - 7 pm - Hill Gym - Room 201
Join other Husky student-athletes for positive, open dialogues about mental health with the intent to create a supportive, welcoming community that promotes positive mental health awareness, resilience and a strong sense of self. No registration required.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
USM Spin Class – 8:45 am - 9:25 am - USM Field House
Join teammates, colleagues and friends for a high energy spin class led by Mental Performance Coach, Jim Karcanes. 15 bikes are available, on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is required.
Please register here.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
USM Athletics presentation to Gorham Middle School - 10:30 am - Gorham Middle School
Select members of the Huskies' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will meet with the Gorham Middle School 8th grade class to discuss the significance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and to engage 8th graders in a healthy conversation about the many benefits of participation in sport.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
USM Spin Class – 8:30 am - 9:10 am - USM Field House
Join teammates, colleagues and friends for a high energy spin class led by Mental Performance Coach, Jim Karcanes. 15 bikes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is required.
Please register here
Friday, February 7, 2025
National Girls & Women in Sports presentation featuring University of Southern Maine Alumna Angel Elderkin '99
Keynote: Angel Elderkin '99 (former Husky women's basketball & softball student-athlete)
Topic: From the Court to Life: What I Wish I Knew as a College Athlete
Time: 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Location: Costello Sports Complex
o 8:00 am – 8:25 am Networking session with fellow student-athletes and staff
Continental breakfast (bagels, pastries, fruit & juice) available
o 8:25 am – 8:30 am Welcome and Introduction of Keynote speaker
o 8:30 am – 9:15 am Keynote Presentation
o 9:15 am – 9:30 am Q & A
Registration is required - please register at the NGWSD presentation link below by Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Register here for February 7 event: NGWSD_presentation
"Athletic participation is vital to the development of strong, confident and ambitious female leaders," said Turner. "While there are statistics and data models illustrating that fact; simply looking around and observing our athletic department and seeing the many outstanding young women who are active members of our athletic teams is proof positive enough. We are excited and encouraged to once again join in the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day."
Research through the Women's Sports Foundation has shown that athletics participation by girls and women has directly and positively affected the belief, confidence and success: Girls who participate in sports are 14 percent more likely to believe in their academic ability and pursue their dream career, and are 13 percent more likely to pursue a career in mathematics or science. Once in their career path, 90 percent of female corporate executives report having played a sport as part of their youth, and 61 percent say playing that sport directly contributed to their career success, Finally, WSF reports that girls who play sports report higher levels of confidence and are 16 percent less likely to want to change their image.
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