Purdue Northwest Athletics is proud to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day and showcase our female coaches and student-athletes. 

This special day recognizes student-athletes, champion athletes, coaches, and administrators committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and women.

"We are proud to celebrate our female student-athletes, coaches, and staff today." said Director of Athletics, Rick Costello. "The amazing successes in the classroom and in competition from our female student-athletes is truly inspiring. We are excited to grow female participation opportunities and look forward to adding STUNT next year.

Several of our coaches and student-athletes talked about what this day means to them:

"Sports have always played an important role and it will continue to do so for the rest of my life. It has helped shaped me into the woman I am today," said Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success/Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach. "Today as we celebrate National Women in Sports Day, while we have come a long way, we're reminded that fighting for equality in sports is not a female thing, it's an us thing. Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day!"

"It's always exciting to honor our young women and how far they have come." said Women's Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives, Courtney Locke. "In celebrating 50 years of Title IX last year a quote stuck with met that I will never forget...'this is the floor not the ceiling.' Let's keep recognizing, honoring, and spotlighting our female student-athletes and continue to press for progress."

"Leading as a woman in coaching is about to breaking barriers and inspiring others to reach their full potential. " said Head Women's Soccer Coach, Mary Whisler. "It's about embracing and harnessing the power of collaboration to achieve success. As a woman, I bring a unique perspective, resilience, and empathy to the table, creating a nurturing environment where growth and empowerment thrive."

"Softball has impacted my life in more ways that I can describe." said softball graduate student, Selena Michko. "It has taught me to have a strong work ethic, to put in extra work when no one is watching, to have grace and to always be humble and kind. Softball has given me family who I will love forever."

"To me, National Women in Sports Days means a lot considering the fact that women didn't always have this opportunity." said women's basketball senior, Dash Shaw. "It's makes me value how far we've come. It also sheds light on the females prior to me and all their accomplishments. Equality in sports for women is still a struggle, but we continue progress."

"To me, being a female athlete is about so much more than just a game or competing, it's about empowerment, resilience, and breaking barriers alongside my teammates," said women's tennis sophomore Salma Raslan. "My sport has taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and pushing beyond the limits. As a female in sports, I have faced challenges and stereotypes, but each obstacle has only increased my determination. Being a woman in sports is a true privilege and the best opportunity one can get."

"As a woman in sports, National Women and Girls in Sports Day shows the dedication and determination of female athletes, who continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female athletes," said volleyball junior Olivia Brooke.