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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
JMU Hosts 2019 National Girls & Women in Sports Day
2/6/2019 1:06:00 PM | Civic Engagement
On Sunday February 3rd, James Madison Athletics celebrated the 2019 National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a two-hour clinic in Sinclair Gymnasium inside Godwin Hall. Afterwards the girls attended the women's basketball game at the Convocation Center against Towson.
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The morning started at 11 a.m. with athletes discussing the important role that sports have played in their lives. The main spokesman for the event, field hockey senior Miranda Rigg, talked about the life of a student-athlete and how it has made her a well-rounded individual. She said, "Playing a sport in college has pushed me to not only work hard on the field but in the classroom too, because I'm representing my team."
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The field hockey team took turns adding to the positive impact that sports have had in helping them to find a home at JMU and in striving to push themselves as both athletes and as students. The girls then did an icebreaker in which they had to use communication and work as a team to defend themselves from an opponent. Following the icebreaker the girls were broken evenly into six groups with an athletic team. The teams included field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, golf, volleyball and track and field. The girls stayed with each of the teams for 15 minutes, practicing various activities and shooting drills before rotating to the next team.
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Many athletes expressed that participating in National Girls and Women in Sports Day and serving as role models to the young girls in attendance was one of the "best feelings ever." Each valued the opportunity to interact with the younger girls and show them the comradery and friendships that they have built in their shared passion for sports.
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Track and Field freshman Sinead Sergeant said, "It's an irreplaceable feeling just to see the smile on the girls' faces and to be able to show young girls that if they follow their passion in sports, set goals for themselves, and work hard that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to, such as being a part of a college varsity athletic team."
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Riggs added, "It's a special day to empower women and to get out and do something fun."
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When asked if there was a female athlete that they look up to, women's golf junior Lauren Comegys listed two role models: former women's golf assistant coach Katie Futcher and current assistant coach, Brooke Beegle. Comegys indicated that both females have not only helped her to improve as an athlete, but they have been there to support her with life advice as well over the past few years.
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Soccer sophomore Ginger Deel recalled attending college soccer games in her youth hoping to someday have a chance to play at a competitive level. When asked at the clinic how she felt to be a collegiate athlete and serve as a role model to younger girls, she said, "Being here and a part of this event is incredible, having the girls ask questions and some even for my signature feels amazing, and to know that I could leave a lasting impression on them is invaluable."
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Once the girls had the opportunity to interact with each of the sports team and try out a variety of sports, the event was concluded with a message for the younger girls to continue following their passion for sports and working together to set goals for themselves. Afterwards, the girls were encouraged to attend the JMU women's basketball game with their families at the Convocation Center, where they watched the Dukes win a key conference game, defeating Towson 71-59.
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The morning started at 11 a.m. with athletes discussing the important role that sports have played in their lives. The main spokesman for the event, field hockey senior Miranda Rigg, talked about the life of a student-athlete and how it has made her a well-rounded individual. She said, "Playing a sport in college has pushed me to not only work hard on the field but in the classroom too, because I'm representing my team."
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The field hockey team took turns adding to the positive impact that sports have had in helping them to find a home at JMU and in striving to push themselves as both athletes and as students. The girls then did an icebreaker in which they had to use communication and work as a team to defend themselves from an opponent. Following the icebreaker the girls were broken evenly into six groups with an athletic team. The teams included field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, golf, volleyball and track and field. The girls stayed with each of the teams for 15 minutes, practicing various activities and shooting drills before rotating to the next team.
Â
Many athletes expressed that participating in National Girls and Women in Sports Day and serving as role models to the young girls in attendance was one of the "best feelings ever." Each valued the opportunity to interact with the younger girls and show them the comradery and friendships that they have built in their shared passion for sports.
Â
Track and Field freshman Sinead Sergeant said, "It's an irreplaceable feeling just to see the smile on the girls' faces and to be able to show young girls that if they follow their passion in sports, set goals for themselves, and work hard that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to, such as being a part of a college varsity athletic team."
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Riggs added, "It's a special day to empower women and to get out and do something fun."
Â
When asked if there was a female athlete that they look up to, women's golf junior Lauren Comegys listed two role models: former women's golf assistant coach Katie Futcher and current assistant coach, Brooke Beegle. Comegys indicated that both females have not only helped her to improve as an athlete, but they have been there to support her with life advice as well over the past few years.
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Soccer sophomore Ginger Deel recalled attending college soccer games in her youth hoping to someday have a chance to play at a competitive level. When asked at the clinic how she felt to be a collegiate athlete and serve as a role model to younger girls, she said, "Being here and a part of this event is incredible, having the girls ask questions and some even for my signature feels amazing, and to know that I could leave a lasting impression on them is invaluable."
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Once the girls had the opportunity to interact with each of the sports team and try out a variety of sports, the event was concluded with a message for the younger girls to continue following their passion for sports and working together to set goals for themselves. Afterwards, the girls were encouraged to attend the JMU women's basketball game with their families at the Convocation Center, where they watched the Dukes win a key conference game, defeating Towson 71-59.
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This past weekend we celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day!
— James Madison Athletics (@JMUSports) February 6, 2019
Check out some highlights and read up on the event! 👇
📰 | https://t.co/WFpBEs4UOF#NGWSD | #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ydZP24l4U9
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JMU Field Hockey | Dukes Power Past Central Michigan
Thursday, November 06
JMU Athletics Launches 2025 Diggin' Dukes Campaign
Monday, November 03
JMU Men's Basketball | Looking forward to the Challenge
Monday, November 03
JMU Women's Soccer | All Eyes on Foley
Monday, November 03
