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National Girls & Women in Sports Day Celebrating the power of sport in the lives of women

February 5 the Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department joins organizations and individuals around the world in celebrating the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Hear from our current student-athletes on the positive impact that sports have had on their lives.

"The biggest impact that sport has had on my life had been giving me every single one of my best friends. Sports have also given me so many opportunities to improve myself, and to learn how to work hard and give my all to something. My participation in sports has led to opportunities off the field by showing me how hard work pays off, and by giving me so many people who have my back and have helped me out in so many ways,"

-Lacrosse's Katrina Moran

"Sports have been a way for me to push myself physically and mentally. When in your mind you believe full heartedly you can’t do something but you have the best practice of the season it helps you understand a lot of your struggles are just mental. That truly helps me build my confidence on and off the track."

-Track & Field's D’Yhana Clemons

"Because rowing is such a physically demanding and mentally challenging sport, it has helped to hone my tenacity and perseverance, and ambition - it has pushed me to constantly strive to be better. And from that, I’ve found myself more capable in areas of my life that were lacking the confidence that rowing has given me. It’s empowering to step into any situation knowing that you can handle it. I often find myself thinking “I’ve done a 2k, whatever I’m about to do is more than achievable in comparison.”

-Rowing's Adia Carei

"The biggest impact on my life that my sport has taught me is how to be the best version of myself. Soccer has allowed me to find my passion and learn the values of discipline and hard work. It has also taught me to not falter in the face of adversity but rather take them as learning opportunities. Sports have also allowed me to meet some of my best friends, and build relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life!"

-Soccer's Bella Hanna

"Sports have taught me the value of perseverance and resilience, especially through challenges such as injuries or setbacks. They have also helped me appreciate teamwork and the importance of supporting others, both on and off the field. Most importantly, sports have shown me how dedication and hard work can lead to personal growth and achievement."

-Track & Field's Madelyn Requa

"Being a student athlete, you grow as much off the field as you do on the field-I’ve found my place at PLU through sports but even further, found community, discipline, consistency, confidence, and a voice."

-Lacrosse's Issabella Marchio

"Participating in sports has helped me prepare and be ready to make the most of opportunities that are presented to me. It's also taught me life lessons that continue to help me navigate my life."

-Softball's Syan Yamamoto

"My sports participation has taught me teamwork, leadership, and determination, which are valuable in school, work, and personal life. It also provided networking opportunities, connecting me with people who can help with friendships, mentorships, and career prospects."

-Golf's Emily Alicea

"The biggest impact sports have had on my life is giving me a place to better myself physically and emotionally. It’s allowed me to meet a lot of great people and created long lasting friendships."

-Basketball's Kylie Griffin

"The biggest impact sports had on my life is that it gave me a bigger family. Family isn't something that your born into its the people you choose to call your family. Sports throughout my life time provided me with many more brothers and sisters and parent figures."

-Rowing's Ashley Teague

"Being a part of college sports has provided me with lifelong friendships and so many amazing memories. It's taught me how to hold myself accountable and how to work hard both in my sport and academically."

-Volleyball's Jordan Freer

"My participation in sports has led to opportunities away from the field, such as making meaningful, lifelong connections with teammates, coaches, and mentors. These relationships have provided me with a strong support network and opened doors to leadership roles, like serving as PR Director for ASPLU, and representing on SAAC. The perseverance, teamwork, and time management skills I’ve developed as a student-athlete have also translated into academic success and prepared me for future professional opportunities. Sports have shaped not only my character but also my ability to seize opportunities in all areas of life."

-Track & Field's Madison Downey

"Sports have taught me grit, as well as giving me a supportive environment to improve and have fun. It’s also given me the skills to succeed in group settings,"

-Swimming's Alyssa Anderson

"Being involved in sports has honestly opened up so many doors for me. It’s helped me grow as a leader, not just by calling the shots but by learning how to lift people up, keep everyone focused, and lead by example. I’ve also been able to connect with so many different kinds of people, which has made me more comfortable in new situations and with people who think differently than I do."

-Track & Field's Tulip Carter

"Through sports I have learned what it means to work as a team, encouraging others, and being apart of something bigger than myself. Sports have taught me about work ethic and how if you put in the work you can achieve a greater goal."

-Soccer's Kelan Betts

"It's allowed me to be a part of a community of women where we are incredibly open with eachother about our lives. We are bonded in a way unlike any other that comes from the hundreds of miles run together."

-Cross Country and Track & Field's Annika Deazley

"Participating in sports has taught me to be a leader on and off the field. As someone who has been a captain before on their sports team, having that opportunity has led me to be a strong leader in a lot of things outside the field."