The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford will hold a National Girls and Women in Sports Day event on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

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When USJ student Jenna Zup was 10 years old, she attended a local National Girls and Women in Sports Day event.

“At the time, I played soccer, softball, and basketball. Some of my teammates and other kids from my town signed up for this event to hang out and learn from college athletes. I loved sports and this event was just another opportunity to play and learn from people that I aspired to become,” Zup said.

Today Zup plays on both the women’s soccer and softball teams at the University of Saint Joseph. “Girls and Women in Sports Day gave me the confidence to be able to play sports in college,” she said. “I have always enjoyed playing sports and this opened my eyes to the opportunity to play sports while also going to college.”

Just as Zup did 11 years ago, girls between the ages of 7 and 12 will get their own chance to experience a variety of sports when USJ hosts National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Saturday, Feb. 1. This free clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gymnasium inside USJ’s O’Connell Athletic Center.

USJ has hosted this annual event for several years, presenting each sport in which the University participates, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, softball, field hockey and tennis to its young participants. This year, for the first time, attendees will get the chance to swim with the USJ Swimming and Diving team in the Bruyette Natatorium.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day, founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation, acknowledges the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. Annually, schools and community organizations host more than 300 grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

“This year the Women’s Sports Foundation, which organizes National Girls and Women in Sports Day, celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt. “We are proud to host this annual event promoting the importance of girls’ participation in sports and the lifelong benefits of playing sports.”

“National Girls and Women in Sports Day is important because it honors the progress and advocation for equality for women in sports, brings in young girls from our local community to try a variety of sports taught by positive female role models, and gives our student-athletes a chance to have fun teaching and showcasing their sport to children,” added Wendy Davis, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at USJ. “This event hopefully inspires the young girls to want to play sports as they grow up and learn the many life skills involved such as teamwork, resiliency, and accountability.”

This year, athletes from both the women’s and men’s teams will mentor the young participants. “Most of the coaches and athletes will be there. It is a great leadership opportunity for our student-athletes,” Davis said.

In past years, attendees chose three sports to experience during the event. This year, while only a set number of participants will swim, all of them will get a taste of the remaining seven sports featured.

“Every single kid is going to do every single sport. It is all about introducing them to these eight sports, and maybe they will fall in love with a sport that they have never tried before,” said Davis.

“I am very excited to be a part of NGWSD here at USJ,” said Zup. “This is a great opportunity to give back to the local community and teach young girls about sports. As student-athletes, we are role models to these girls, and people they look up to. This event encourages girls in sports and allows them to believe that anything is possible!”

Register with this link for National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Check-in for this free event begins at 10 a.m. and runs from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents of participants are invited to stay throughout the event and can spectate from the walking indoor track located above the Auxiliary Gymnasium. Those who choose to participate in the swimming portion of the event will swim with the USJ swimming & diving team from noon to 12:30 p.m. inside the Bruyette Natatorium. A free lunch (pizza and drinks) for participants will be provided from 12:30 to 1 p.m. For more information contact Assistant Athletic Director Megan Bosworth at [email protected] or 860-231-5424. For more information or questions/concerns about the swimming portion of the event, contact Aquatics Director / Head Swimming & Diving Coach Alex Albert at [email protected] or 860-231-5709.

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