University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: NIC TERRY PRODUCTIONS
Lead Her Forward: A National Girls And Women In Sports Day Celebration
2/10/2024 1:00:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the University of Delaware Athletics Department played gracious hosts as Governor John Carney and the Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy honored Delaware female high school athletes on Friday, Feb. 9 inside Whitney Athletic Center.
The celebration featured a proclamation ceremony, an engaging panel discussion titled "Taking the Next Step as a Student-Athlete," and special recognition during the women's basketball home game against William & Mary.
The esteemed panelists included UD's distinguished student-athletes, coaches, and leaders, who serve as exemplary role models for girls in sports:
Angie Hall emphasized the importance of representation in sports, stating, "Any time I have an opportunity to shine a light on women and girls in sport, I take it. As both a woman in athletics as well as a mom to a young daughter who is active in sports, I see first-hand how important it is to have visible representatives – people who look like you in leadership roles. I hope the girls who attended tonight were able to hear something that struck them and inspired them to continue being leaders both on their teams and in life.
"Any of us who have played organized sports know of the commitment, dedication, training, and skill that goes into being successful on the court or field. But there is an added challenge when you talk about young women in sports. Female athletes have persisted and continue to overcome stigma, resource barriers, and other obstacles," said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. "I am incredibly proud of Delaware women and girls who role model the highest levels of success in athletics. I always enjoy seeing our state champions visit Legislative Hall, and I'm always particularly proud of the women's teams that come before us in the Senate."
Halima Scott shared her perspective, remarking, "As a student-athlete who has faced challenges ranging from coaching changes to injury, being honored on National Girls and Women's in Sports Day is not just a recognition of my journey and accomplishments, but a platform to empower girls and women. I will always pay it forward by sharing my experience while encouraging women to exceed expectations and change the narrative."
"Delaware High School girls are proving time and again that they belong on the playing field, court, and track. This Girls and Women in Sports Day, let's celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equitable access to sports through continued Title IX education and advocacy." Melanie Ross Levin - Director, Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy
The 302 native Savannah Seemans added, "I was honored to speak in front of these female Delaware high school athletes. I was in their exact shoes at one point. Being able to give back and be a source of inspiration or even just someone to answer some of their questions about the student athlete experience in college means a lot. I remember the anxiety about the unknown of college athletics, so being able to support them in that way means a lot. I also think it is a great event for women's sports in general. We need to continue to support the past, current, and future generations of female athletes because we all play a part in getting women the recognition they deserve."
Delaware Athletics continues to celebrate the achievements of Delaware's female athletes and remains committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment in sports.
Gallery: (2-9-2024) NGWSD Panel
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The celebration featured a proclamation ceremony, an engaging panel discussion titled "Taking the Next Step as a Student-Athlete," and special recognition during the women's basketball home game against William & Mary.
The esteemed panelists included UD's distinguished student-athletes, coaches, and leaders, who serve as exemplary role models for girls in sports:
- Brielle Herbst, All-Girl Cheer
- Meghan Rogers, Rowing
- Halima Scott, Track & Field
- Savannah Seemans, Volleyball
- Shannon Coley, Assistant Women's Soccer Coach
- Chelsey Burk, Deputy AD, Internal Operations
- Angie Hull, Deputy AD, Sport Administration and Student Success/SWA
- Alex DiFelice, Assistant Director, Student-Athlete Success & Leadership Development – Moderator
Angie Hall emphasized the importance of representation in sports, stating, "Any time I have an opportunity to shine a light on women and girls in sport, I take it. As both a woman in athletics as well as a mom to a young daughter who is active in sports, I see first-hand how important it is to have visible representatives – people who look like you in leadership roles. I hope the girls who attended tonight were able to hear something that struck them and inspired them to continue being leaders both on their teams and in life.
"Any of us who have played organized sports know of the commitment, dedication, training, and skill that goes into being successful on the court or field. But there is an added challenge when you talk about young women in sports. Female athletes have persisted and continue to overcome stigma, resource barriers, and other obstacles," said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. "I am incredibly proud of Delaware women and girls who role model the highest levels of success in athletics. I always enjoy seeing our state champions visit Legislative Hall, and I'm always particularly proud of the women's teams that come before us in the Senate."
Halima Scott shared her perspective, remarking, "As a student-athlete who has faced challenges ranging from coaching changes to injury, being honored on National Girls and Women's in Sports Day is not just a recognition of my journey and accomplishments, but a platform to empower girls and women. I will always pay it forward by sharing my experience while encouraging women to exceed expectations and change the narrative."
"Delaware High School girls are proving time and again that they belong on the playing field, court, and track. This Girls and Women in Sports Day, let's celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equitable access to sports through continued Title IX education and advocacy." Melanie Ross Levin - Director, Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy
The 302 native Savannah Seemans added, "I was honored to speak in front of these female Delaware high school athletes. I was in their exact shoes at one point. Being able to give back and be a source of inspiration or even just someone to answer some of their questions about the student athlete experience in college means a lot. I remember the anxiety about the unknown of college athletics, so being able to support them in that way means a lot. I also think it is a great event for women's sports in general. We need to continue to support the past, current, and future generations of female athletes because we all play a part in getting women the recognition they deserve."
Delaware Athletics continues to celebrate the achievements of Delaware's female athletes and remains committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment in sports.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware Athletics, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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