The Women’s Sports Foundation to Celebrate the 39th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day® by Showing How Sport Fuels Women’s Leadership That Positively Impacts Society

February 3, 2025

Propelling the Foundation's 50-year legacy into 2025 and beyond, WSF's NGWSD events will amplify the monumental moments being seen across women's sports thanks to Title IX, while touting a powerful message: when girls play, they lead, and we all win!™

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2025 /SPORTSWIRE WOMEN/ — Gathering in the nation’s capital this week, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF^®) will unite with barrier-breaking athletes, advocates, coaches and leaders to celebrate the 39^th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD^®), a national day co-founded and powered by WSF. A leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF is one of the first organizations to recognize the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. Throughout its NGWSD events on February 4-5, the Foundation will amplify the monumental moments being seen across women’s sports thanks to Title IX, while touting a powerful message: equal access to sports is critical to positively impact society’s future, because when girls play, they lead, and we all win!^™ WSF’s NGWSD events come on the heels of its 50^th anniversary celebrations in 2024, a milestone that commemorated the progress made since the organization was founded in 1974 by sports icon and social justice pioneer, Billie Jean King, and the imperative need to maintain the progress gained for girls and women across the sports landscape.

Two breakthrough WSF research reports, released amid its anniversary celebrations, emphasize why sports are not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for all girls and women. Its “Play to Lead: The Generational Impact of Sport on Women’s Leadership,” illuminated that through the transformative power of sport, girls learn fundamental leadership skills, including teamwork, learning from mistakes and handling pressure that empower them to become strong leaders in their schools, workplaces and communities. Further, its “Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact on Girls Mental Health,” placed a spotlight on how sport participation is an integral part of cultivating positive mental health in girls – fostering lower levels of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of meaning and purpose. Both reports are the latest proof from WSF that even if girls do not go on to play at the collegiate or elite level of sport, they learn invaluable leadership skills that they will take into the workforce and society, which will help bolster the economy, and empower them to thrive by living healthier, more enriched lives.

“For 50 years and counting, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s vast research has continued to prove that a powerful way to positively impact society’s future is by investing in girls’ and women’s sports,” said WSF CEO, Danette Leighton. “This National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we are back in the nation’s capital to both celebrate the momentum throughout the women’s sports ecosystem and to ensure progress continues, so that all girls and women have a chance to play and reap the lifelong benefits of sport.”

WSF’s 50 years of impact will be on full display this week with game-changing athletes, women’s sports advocates and leaders joining them for this year’s NGWSD events, including: former WSF VanDerveer Fellow and Fordham University assistant Track & Field coach, Keela Austin; WSF President, Paralympian and world record holder in Track & Field, Scout Bassett; WNBA legend and Washington Mystics Hall of Fame inductee, Alana Beard; WSF Trustee, Olympic medalist in softball and Women’s College World Series champion, Rachel Garcia; head women’s soccer coach at American University, Marsha Harper; WSF Board Chair and Ivy League Executive Director, Robin Harris; WSF Trustee and Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach, Muffet McGraw; Olympic bronze medalist and seven-time national champion in Track & Field, Alysia Montaño; and two-time NWSL champion and athlete advocate, Mana Shim.

Since its launch in 1987, NGWSD has set out to encourage girls to break through barriers and follow their dreams. Tomorrow, February 4, on the eve of the national day, WSF will host an Athlete Ambassador Program event in partnership with National Partner Delta Air Lines. The activations include a youth sports clinic at American University (AU) for D.C.-area girls between the ages of 8-14 years old, who will participate in a variety of basketball and soccer skills led by the Washington Mystics and AU student-athletes. They will also hear from a group of champion athletes and leaders during a panel conversation that will focus on the importance of NGWSD. During the clinic, WSF will also offer a parent workshop that will utilize the Foundation’s latest research to help educate guardians about the vital role they play in empowering their children to thrive in sport. Earlier in the day, an intimate group of athletes, advocates, administrators and leaders will join WSF for a thought leadership convening to discuss the future of collegiate athletics, including current issues and policy.

“As a Paralympian, I know more must be done to get additional girls and women in the game and advocate for policies that bolster inclusion and eliminate barriers, especially for those with disabilities,” said WSF President Scout Bassett. “It is my hope that National Girls & Women in Sports Day encourages positive conversations that will lead to lasting change so all girls and women can play, compete and lead – in sports and beyond.”

Advocating for effective policies to keep the women’s sports ecosystem strong has been a staple of NGWSD. On the national day itself, February 5, WSF leadership, athletes, coaches and sports industry leaders will be on Capitol Hill holding meetings with Members of Congress and their staff, to discuss a myriad of advocacy issues impacting girls and women in sports, and legislation needed to advance equal access and opportunity. WSF will also host a Capitol Hill briefing focusing on its ‘Play to Lead’ report and the greater economic impact of access to sports for girls and women. WSF will cap off its NGWSD celebrations by hosting an evening reception, where advocates, athletes, policy makers and sports business executives will have the opportunity to learn more about WSF’s work and the vital role they can play in helping level the playing field for girls and women in sport.

Learn more about #NGWSD2025 on WSF’s website, which features a map of events taking place across the country and stories from professional athletes, student-athletes and coaches sharing their personal experiences on the transformative power of sports.

The Women’s Sports Foundation is grateful to Bread Financial for its generous multi-year support of NGWSD.

About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation^® (WSF^®) exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow’s leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. For 50 years and counting, WSF has been changing the game through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $100 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. When girls play, they lead, and we all win!™ To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

About National Girls & Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day^® (NGWSD^®) was co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite women athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports. In 1987, NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. NGWSD is powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation, supported by its team of champion athletes and celebrated throughout the year by schools and community-serving organizations across all 50 states. Learn more here, and follow the hashtag #NGWSD2025 on social media.

Media Contacts:
Patty Bifulco
Women’s Sports Foundation
631.230.3322
PBifulco@WomensSportsFoundation.org

Kandice Miller
Women’s Sports Foundation
479.409.7779
KMiller@WomensSportsFoundation.org

SOURCE Women’s Sports Foundation