Posted: Feb 02, 2022
NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY:
"February 2, 2022, marks the 36th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). This celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life. This year's event will also serve as the kickoff of WSF's activations for the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, happening throughout 2022.
A vibrant movement we celebrate annually, NGWSD honors the achievements of girls and women in sports and continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential." - www.womenssportsfoundation.org
With this day we hope to inspire young female athletes by sharing the stories of our current student-athletes. We posed the same five questions to members of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and will feature their answers and photos every day during NGWSD week.
When did you realize you had a passion for your sport?
For most of my younger life I was an accomplished gymnast, which is mostly an individual sport. As I started to play softball more, I began to enjoy the team aspect and the idea of everyone working together to be the best. This is when I realized I had a passion for softball because it brought more of a cooperative effort to sports.
At what age did you start playing sports/your sport?
I started playing softball at the age of seven which branched off from me playing T-ball at the age of 6. I also started competitive gymnastics at the age of five.
Did someone inspire you?
My older sister, Megan, inspired me throughout my years of playing softball. She recently graduated from St. Joe's and was also on the softball team. With her being a catcher and me being a pitcher, we were able to practice together, and she was always the one getting me out onto the field to try to improve more and more everyday. Megan inspired me to work harder.
Who is your biggest fan?
My family is my biggest fan, but if I had to make the tough decision to have one biggest fan I would say it is my Dad. My Dad was with me through every summer tournament, driving me around two hours to pitching and hitting lessons, and also at the beginning of my softball career was my coach. He always knew exactly what needed to be said to me to be able to be the best player I could be. So, for him always trying and helping me to be the best player and teammate on the field I would say he is my biggest fan.
Why do you play?
I play softball because I have always enjoyed being athletic and outside doing activities. Softball was a way for me to make friends and be active at the same time as well as adding a competitive component to which I love to win.
-Emily Eagleston, Softball, Class of 2023
-Emily Eagleston, Softball, Class of 2023
