For years, female athletes were underestimated, criticized and overlooked. They had to fight tirelessly for the same respect and opportunities as their male counterparts. On Feb. 5, Stevenson, along with the rest of the country, will honor those who paved the way for today’s female athletes. Wednesday, Feb. 5, marks the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day. To celebrate, Stevenson’s women’s basketball team is dedicating its game against York College to all female athletes, regardless of age or sport.
“Even if they’re not basketball players, it doesn’t matter,” said head women’s basketball coach, Jackie Boswell. “Wear your softball shirt, wear your field hockey shirt, soccer, whatever it is, and come to the game.”
The festivities will unite all female athletes from Stevenson and the local community, featuring halftime activities, an autograph session, and an exciting basketball game. The theme for the event is a whiteout, and the team hopes to fill the stands with fans decked out in white.
The other female athletes on campus are excited to participate in the event.
“I think it’s going to be a really fun night for everyone involved,” said junior golf team member, Emma Groth. “I used to be a little girl looking up to college athletes, so escorting these girls will be a full circle moment. It’s really a great way to celebrate.”

While the evening promises to be fun and lively, Coach Boswell urges everyone to remember the true purpose of the celebration.
“It’s about all the women that came before us, that forged through,” she said. “They did that without recognition. I think the fact that we get the recognition makes it more important for us to recognize them and thank them for the past.”