Now in its 40th year, National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) unfolds with events nationwide, blending celebration of hard‑won progress with a clear‑eyed look at the inequities that remain. What began in 1987 as a tribute to Olympic volleyball star Flo Hyman has evolved into a national movement powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), which continues to push for equal access, investment and leadership opportunities in sports.
This year’s celebration arrives at a pivotal moment: women’s sports are experiencing record‑breaking viewership, unprecedented sponsorship growth, and expanding professional leagues — yet participation gaps, funding disparities and policy battles remain deeply entrenched.
“NGWSD exists because access, opportunity, and leadership in sport have never been equal, and progress has never happened by accident,” said Danette Leighton, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “Even with the momentum we’re seeing, high school girls still have one million fewer opportunities to play than boys. That gap follows them into college and beyond.”
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: A Movement Rooted in Advocacy and Data
Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation has invested more than $115 million in research, advocacy, and community programs. New WSF data builds on longstanding national research showing that only 1 in 3 girls ages 6–12 participate in sports regularly (Aspen Institute, 2019), 40% of teen girls are not active in sports at all (WSF Teen Sport Report, 2018), and high school boys receive 1.13 million more sports opportunities each year than girls (NFHS, 2018–2019). These gaps illustrate the systemic inequities NGWSD seeks to address.
“National Girls & Women in Sports Day reminds us that access to sport is not a privilege — it is a pathway to confidence, resilience, and leadership,” said Swin Cash, president of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “When we invest in girls, we invest in stronger communities and a more equitable future.”
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: What’s Happening Today
Across the country, schools, leagues, and community organizations are hosting:
- Youth sports clinics
- Title IX education workshops
- Athlete‑led leadership panels
- Community celebrations honoring local trailblazers
In New York City, WSF is hosting its flagship NGWSD event featuring Olympians, student‑athletes, and coaches discussing the future of women’s sports.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Athletes Leading the Way
The Women’s Sports Foundation highlights a diverse roster of athletes across disciplines — a group that not only excels in competition but also drives advocacy, mentorship and cultural change. These athletes appear on the WSF’s official roster and represent the breadth of talent shaping the future of women’s sports.
Among them:
- Toni Breidinger (Auto Racing)
- Sophia Herzog‑Gibb (Swimming)
- Rachel Garcia (Softball)
- Oksana Masters (Para Nordic Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para‑Cycling, Para‑Rowing)
- Meghan Duggan (Ice Hockey)
- Lauryn Williams (Track & Field, Bobsled)
- Sasha DiGiulian (Climbing)
- Phaidra Knight (Rugby, MMA)
- Meryl Davis (Ice Dancing)
- Jessica Long (Swimming)
- Alana Nichols (Alpine Skiing, Wheelchair Basketball, Paracanoe, Para Surfing)
- Aimee Mullins (Track & Field)
- Angela Hucles (Soccer)
- Angela Ruggiero (Ice Hockey)
- Brenda Villa (Water Polo)
- Elana Meyers Taylor (Bobsled)
- Grete Eliassen (Skiing)
- Jessica Mendoza (Softball)
- Sarah Hughes (Figure Skating)
- Scout Bassett (Track & Field)
Together, these athletes embody the power and possibility of women’s sports. Their achievements are matched by their leadership: mentoring young girls, elevating the fight for equal pay, and pushing for a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape.
“Sports taught me how to lead, how to fail, and how to get back up,” said Jessica Long in a statement. “Every girl deserves that chance.”
Winter Sports Spotlight: A Legacy of Excellence
With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, WSF is highlighting its long‑standing partnerships with winter athletes and organizations. Athletes across disciplines — from bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor to figure skating champion Sarah Hughes — have relied on the WSF’s Travel & Training Fund as they prepare for the world stage.
The foundation notes that its impact extends well beyond competition results, focusing on fair funding, athlete safety and the long‑term support needed to build lasting careers.
