Empowering Women: Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day

In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the University of Maryland has doubled down on empowering young women through athletics. This annual event shines a light on how sports shape confidence, leadership, and lifelong opportunities for girls and women.

Jim Smith, the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, spoke about the need to create an environment where female athletes can thrive both on and off the field. At Maryland, the celebration isn’t just about honoring trailblazers—it’s about sparking inspiration in the next generation of strong, fearless women.

Student-athletes, coaches, and administrators at Maryland have shared their stories, showing how sports can break barriers and create real opportunities. Together, they’re building a culture of belonging, resilience, and representation.

The Impact of Athletics on Young Women

Sports have always been a pretty powerful tool for personal growth, especially for young women. Getting involved in athletics builds confidence, teaches leadership, and offers lifelong growth.

At Maryland, the focus is on making sure female athletes have a place to excel, both personally and professionally. The university backs this up with a range of sports programs and initiatives that empower young women.

Building Confidence

Playing sports gives young women a chance to build self-confidence by achieving goals and facing challenges head-on. Whether they’re scoring a winning goal or just mastering a new skill, these moments add up to a real sense of accomplishment.

Maryland’s athletic programs aim to create these opportunities, helping female athletes trust in themselves and what they can do.

Leadership Development

Sports are a great way to develop leadership skills. Being on a team teaches young women how to lead, work together, and communicate—skills that matter way beyond the field.

Maryland supports female coaches and administrators who mentor young athletes and set examples of leadership every day.

Creating Lifelong Opportunities

Getting involved in sports can open up a world of opportunities for young women. From scholarships to future careers, the experiences gained through athletics can really set the stage for success.

Maryland works to make sure female athletes have what they need to reach their goals, whether in sports or beyond.

Scholarships and Academic Support

Maryland offers a variety of scholarships and academic support for female athletes. These resources help them succeed both in their sport and in the classroom.

The university puts a real emphasis on academic excellence, helping student-athletes balance their athletic and academic commitments.

Professional Development

Maryland also gives female athletes plenty of professional development opportunities. There are internships, networking events, and programs meant to help young women prepare for life after sports.

The university wants to make sure female athletes are ready for whatever comes next, not just what happens on the field.

Honoring Trailblazers and Inspiring the Next Generation

National Girls and Women in Sports Day also honors the trailblazers who paved the way for others. At Maryland, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more there is to do.

The university keeps pushing forward, opening doors for the next wave of female athletes.

Recognizing Achievements

Maryland takes real pride in recognizing the achievements of its female athletes, coaches, and administrators. These people have broken barriers and set new standards in their sports.

By celebrating what they’ve accomplished, the university hopes to encourage young women to dream big and chase their passions—no matter what.