Over 500 women flooded Loyola Maryland’s Reitz Arena to celebrate Women In Sports Day, or WISD, on Feb. 19. Loyola’s female student-athletes were invited to join young girls in kindergarten through 8th grade for a day filled with pizza, face painting, photo booths, poster signing, and celebration.
WISD is an annual event that Loyola Athletics throws to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of women in sports. Director of Athletics, Donna Woodruff and Associate Athletic Director, Teddi Burns spearheaded the event with the help of the athletics department.
Green and black decor filled Reitz Arena and McGuire Hall, as well as different activity stations that kept the girls entertained from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Guests could enjoy a slice of one of the 150 pizzas that were delivered as well as hotdogs, cupcakes, beverages, and smaller snacks. WISD-themed green and white t-shirts were given out to all athletes and guests to celebrate the day. This event provided girls from the community to see women in all types of college-level sports first-hand
Anna Schiller ‘26, an athlete on the Loyola Women’s Rowing Team, said, “It’s just about representation. When I was younger and I did all of these sports, all I could really look to was women’s soccer; it was the only thing that I saw and knew.” A lot of female athletes feel like there is a lack of representation or appreciation for what they do.
Jaimie Adams ‘26, a three-time school record breaker on Loyola’s Track and Field team, said “Being a woman in sports means a lot to me because I feel like people underestimate us, and it shows that women are strong! Also, being a black student-athlete means a lot, especially going to a PWI, so it just shows I deserve to have a spot just like everyone else.”
After an afternoon of activities and food, athletes and guests were encouraged to pack into Reitz Arena to watch the Loyola Women’s Basketball team face off against Navy and to continue the recognition of Loyola’s women in sports throughout the years.
After the 24-point win against Navy, the Loyola Women’s Basketball team spent time signing apparel and talking to all the young girls who came out to support them. Parents of young girls mentioned how their children are inspired by the female athletes they met and hope to continue in their footsteps. Additionally, Adams is looking forward to the future of women’s sports.
She said, “I hope that there can be more advertisements for the women’s sports games as well as funding to be the same between both men and women in all sports.” Helena Marquina ‘25, a member of the Loyola Volleyball Team, agrees with Adams.
“I hope the future of women in sports includes diversity and expansion in programs and organizations everywhere,” Marquina said. “I would love to see a larger recognition for the less popular sports, and equity in benefits for female athletes at the collegiate level.”
Featured Image Courtesy of Asia Garrison.
