Big group photo from AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event on February 7, 2026
Grayson Rupp

Fantastic Turnout for Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Event

WASHINGTON - More than 80 local youths participated in an annual event held by American University Athletics to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Bender Arena was the site of the February 7 free clinic for kids, following a game for the AU women's basketball team against Navy. 

Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event

“Being able to connect with young athletes is so impactful to me because when I was growing up, it was the high school and college athletes in my small town who further ignited my passion for the sport. Seeing women who looked like me competing at higher levels made everything feel possible and reminded me that I belonged in these spaces. Representation matters, especially for young girls. It opens doors they may not have known existed. Sharing my passion for sports is how I hope to inspire the next generation to believe they belong and that their dreams are worth chasing.”

Mia De Villegas-Decker, Women's Soccer Sophomore

Mia De Villegas-Decker of women's soccer signing autographs on National Girls and Women in Sports Day

The gym came alive as kids rotated through interactive stations led by American student-athletes, learning new skills and experiencing a variety of sports in a fast-paced, high-energy setting. The participating teams set up stations to teach skills, introduce their sports, and allow the kids to just have fun while also being active and engaged.

Max Leete at the wrestling skills station on National Girls and Women in Sports Day

“Working with the girls during the National Girls and Women in Sports Day event was an amazing experience for both me and the entire wrestling team. Being able to give back to the sport that has given us so much is always an amazing opportunity! The kids had so much fun and really loved getting to beat us up and learn some real life wrestling moves.”

Maximilian Leete, Wrestling Graduate Student

Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
Student-athletes teaching skills to local youths at AU Athletics' annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event
We're proud to continue this tradition in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Sports can shape confidence and resilience, foster teamwork, and inspire young girls and women to pursue their goals. This event is a special opportunity for our student-athletes to share their passion and give back to the community.
Deputy AD/SWA Katie Benoit
2026 NGWSD Photo Gallery

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