National Girls and Women in Sports Day has recognized that women in sports are important, representation truly matters, and women athletes deserve the same recognition, respect, and support as their male counterparts, because they dedicate just as much effort and bring incredible talent and passion to the game. As women’s sports continue to grow each year, the more people who attend, watch, and cheer them on, the more they flourish and inspire others.

At Stockton University, women’s sports are a key part of the community. There are over 200 female student-athletes at Stockton, and they continue to represent the school with pride and enthusiasm. Stockton women athletes are not just part of the story; they are leading it. Across various programs, these athletes continue to make history and set school records, including Kayla Kass and Elaina Styer in Track and Field, Zemirah Enalls in Women’s Basketball, and Gina Marotta, who has also made a strong impact in Stockton athletics for Women’s Lacrosse. Many more Stockton female athletes continue breaking school records each season.

This week felt even more special because of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Wednesday, February 4. NGWSD has been celebrated every year on the first Wednesday of February. It recognizes female athletes and the influence of sports on girls and women everywhere. It highlights the progress women’s sports have made since Title IX, and it reminds us why support, visibility, and equal opportunity still matter.

Across social media, Stockton earned strong support. Numerous Stockton teams celebrated their athletes for NGWSD, including women’s lacrosse, softball, basketball, and others. This highlighted that women’s sports at Stockton are not only supported but also respected and celebrated.

What made NGWSD even more special was the Stockton Women’s Basketball home game. The night was full of support and community. Local high school basketball teams from around the area came out to cheer for Stockton, and Stockton’s own Women’s Volleyball team also came to support the women’s basketball team that night.

On Saturday, February 7, Stockton Women’s Basketball played an important game supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, playing for more than just a game. The Ospreys wore pink warm-up shirts, and their opponents wore pink socks, playing for a bigger cause: honoring survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those lost to breast cancer. As breast cancer affects people daily, awareness reminds everyone how vital it is to support research, screening, and early testing for detection.

The game was especially meaningful because the cause is personal for Stockton Women’s Basketball Coach Devin Jefferson. In June 2022, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. The team delivered a strong, impressive performance, defeating the Red Hawks of Montclair State University.

Stocktons women’s athletes continue to excel both on and off the field, showcasing their strength and resilience. The Stockton community is encouraged to support all women’s athletics on campus.