Today is the 36th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), and in addition to being a day of celebration and inspiration, this year’s event also serves as the Women’s Sports Foundations’ kickoff for the 50th anniversary of Title IX (the 1972 law enacted to prevent gender discrimination in the United States educational athletic system).
The confidence, strength, and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to be strong leaders in life, and Director of Athletics Nancy Collins shares the importance of sports—and Title IX—in her career and life.
“Growing up, I played every sport I could—and there wasn’t always a team for people who identified like me. I was the only girl who played on the boys’ teams and they didn’t want me there: players and parents let me know that every single day. I was told ‘girls don’t belong on the ice.’ I skated my way to the top of Division I hockey program in the country.”
I play because I want my kids and students to know their bodies and minds are strong. I play because people worked hard to create more opportunities for me. I play because I’m committed to furthering that work so that everyone has access to play. — Nancy Collins, Director of Athletics.
To recognize the female-identifying athletes at Beaver on this day (and always), check out the slideshow below featuring students, alumna, faculty, and staff sharing #WhyIPlay.
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