The Holy Family Department of Athletics recently hosted a free National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic in the Campus Center on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Local girls aged 5-12 were joined by HFU student-athletes from the women's basketball, cheerleading, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball teams to learn more about several of the sports offered at the university.
"We had a great turnout for our first year running the clinic," said Senior Woman Administrator Jami Hughes. "All the participants had a lot of fun while learning about some of the sports we have here at Holy Family. It was a great way to honor the spirit of National Girls and Women in Sports Day."
Participants were broken into six groups and spent 15 minutes at each station, one for each sport, which featured dialogue, training and drills.
Afterwards, they were given goodies bags that included souvenirs, snacks, tickets and schedules.
About National Girls and Women in Sports Day
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual day of observance held during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and advocation for equality for women in sports.
What Holy Family Student-Athletes Said
"Getting to meet so many sweet and determined girls this weekend was inspiring. They truly have a great future ahead of them, if they stay positive and keep working hard!" – Volleyball's Kaila Espenlaub
"It was so eye opening to see how we were able to influence and inspire these young girls to try new sports in just two hours! At the beginning I remember asking my group what sports they played. I did the same at the end and many of them said a different sport than what they played! I hope these girls go out and try something new and remember us when they do. It was so much fun, and I look forward to doing it again." – Volleyball's
Ava Kidd (Walton, Ky./Larry A. Ryle (Saint Anselm))
"I enjoyed helping the girls find their passion in sports and interacting with them through the sport that I love!" – Women's Soccer's
Maura Kilkenny (Huntingdon Valley, Pa./Little Flower Catholic)
"I loved being able to work with little girls knowing I was once in their shoes. It made me so happy to share my love of soccer with them, while giving back to the community!" – Women's Soccer's
Jessica Levush (Perkasie, Pa./Pennridge)
"It was so rewarding to see each girl leave with a smile on their face. I am extremely thankful for Holy Family for giving me the opportunity to introduce soccer to girls whose shoes we were once in. It was an opportunity I am extremely grateful for." – Women's Soccer's
Allison Loper (Bensalem, Pa./Nazareth Academy (Georgian Court))
"I really enjoyed the opportunity to give back and show the girls the awesome sport of soccer. I'm so grateful Holy Family was able to make this happen!" – Women's Soccer's
Alexandria McGonigle (Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert's)
"I loved celebrating NGWSD with all these girls because it reminded me why I started playing volleyball. It was such a cool opportunity to share a huge part of my life with them!" – Volleyball's
Morgan Steck (Lakewood, Colo./Lakewood)
"The clinic was a great experience and it was exciting to see each group's different passions and drive to be the best! It was amazing being able to witness the next generation of women's sports!" – Women's Lacrosse Team
