By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

Every year, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) shines a spotlight on the accomplishments and contributions of women in athletics while encouraging young girls to pursue their passions in sports. As we mark the 39th annual celebration, it's evident that the skills girls develop through sports are invaluable—helping them grow into strong leaders in both sports and life. As Brielle Minor, a sophomore on the women's basketball team, puts it: "Being a college athlete was always a dream of mine, and I looked up to older teammates and those around me who became college athletes or had those aspirations. I tried to follow their path as I grew up."

At institutions like Cal Poly Pomona, sports are more than just competition—they are about personal growth and leadership development. The NCAA Division II philosophy of "Make it Yours" allows athletes to shape their own experiences both on and off the field. For senior athletes like Cookie Marques, this approach fosters important qualities. "Being a female collegiate athlete means a lot to me. I am able to show qualities on and off the court, such as leadership, time management, and discipline. It's rewarding to inspire young aspiring student-athletes, just like myself, to continue working toward their dreams." The influence of role models like Marques, who inspire the next generation, are an essential part of what NGWSD celebrates.

Transforming Through Sports: Confidence, Leadership, and Perseverance
Sports offer transformative experiences that go beyond athletics. As Kylie Leopard, a freshman on the women's volleyball team, shared: "Being a female collegiate athlete means everything to me because it proves that my hard work and dedication have paid off. Also, as a woman, being able to play at the collegiate level makes me want to inspire young girls who want to play at this level. I have three younger sisters, and being a role model for them—someone they can look up to as both a player and a person—makes me want to succeed for them and all the other young girls in sports out there." For many athletes, sports provide the foundation for personal growth and self-confidence, as Isabelle Carreon, a senior on the women's track and field team, reflected: "Growing up, I was incredibly shy, but sports became the foundation that transformed me. Through every challenge, every practice, and every meet, I learned to push myself beyond my comfort zone and believe in myself."
 
These experiences create lasting change, teaching athletes to embrace challenges and develop critical leadership skills. "Sports taught me that success isn't given; it's earned through dedication, perseverance, and an unshakeable work ethic," Carreon continued. For many athletes, these lessons extend far beyond their sport, shaping their confidence in school, work, and life. This growth is evident in their approach to challenges both in athletics and in their personal lives.

Life Lessons Learned Through Sports
The lessons learned through sports shape the future careers of many athletes, especially when it comes to resilience and leadership. Jenna O'Shea, a senior on the women's volleyball team, noted how sports fostered not only athletic skills but personal qualities: "Through playing sports, I have learned life lessons like how to be a leader, maintain strong friendships with my team, and be grateful for every day that I get to do what I love." For others, sports have taught them how to use their voice, as Helen McMullin, another senior on the volleyball team, shared: "Sports have shown me how to use my voice to motivate, speak out, and communicate effectively."
For many athletes, the lessons learned through sports serve as a guide to perseverance. Vanessa Cruz, a junior on the women's soccer team, spoke about how her athletic experiences have shaped her outlook on overcoming obstacles: "The biggest life lessons I have learned through sports that I plan to take into my future career are: if there's someone who tells me I can't or I won't, I have the motivation and strength to show why I can and I will." These lessons in determination are carried into all aspects of their lives, providing a framework for resilience in both professional and personal endeavors.

Perseverance and the Power of the Process
Through sports, athletes learn the importance of perseverance and the process of continual growth, even in the face of adversity. "Always persevering, no matter what. Things will never be easy, and that is life. I have learned how to keep pushing forward because life doesn't stop just because it gets hard," explained Angelina Rivas, a junior on the women's soccer team. This mindset has helped many athletes tackle life's challenges head-on, knowing that difficult moments are just part of the journey. As Aly Papka, a freshman on the women's soccer team, shared: "The biggest life lesson I have learned through sports is to trust the process. Everyone and everything has a process, and you can't force any of it. There will be good days and not-so-good days, but that's a part of the process of being a better version of yourself in whatever you do."

These lessons in patience and trust in the process are foundational in all walks of life, whether as an athlete or in a future career. For McMullin, the perseverance and teamwork she developed through volleyball are invaluable as she looks toward a future in teaching: "The work ethic, perseverance, and team-oriented mindset I've cultivated as an athlete are things I plan to carry into my future career as a teacher to navigate obstacles and work toward long-term success."

Embracing Growth and Success with Purpose
Sports also teach athletes the importance of performing under pressure and leading with confidence. Elle Walker, a freshman on the women's volleyball team, shared how sports have helped her step outside her comfort zone: "A life lesson I've learned is being comfortable with the uncomfortable in order to grow." For Isabelle Carreon, this mindset has been integral in her athletic and personal development: "I've learned to embrace challenges, perform under pressure, and lead with confidence. Just like in sports, success comes from preparation, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Most importantly, I've learned to do everything with purpose, knowing that intentional effort leads to meaningful results."

As athletes learn to embrace discomfort and focus on purposeful action, they realize that success comes from dedication and continuous growth—lessons they carry forward into their careers and everyday lives.

Empowering Future Generations
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to action for future generations of women in sports. As these athletes reflect on their experiences, it's clear that the lessons learned through sports—whether in leadership, perseverance, or personal growth—are key to shaping strong, confident leaders. For every young girl dreaming of playing sports, the message is clear: when women play, they lead. And with their strength, resilience, and determination, these women are inspiring the next generation of athletes to break down barriers and lead with purpose.

Here's to the women who made it possible for the next generation to run, jump, and soar. Your legacy lives in every dream we chase.#WeAreCPP #NGWSD pic.twitter.com/CcXiFUTDcM

— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) February 5, 2025