DALLAS (SMU) - On Saturday, Feb. 4, SMU celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day, with multiple Mustang women's teams represented in attendance at Moody Coliseum.
 
Athletes from various teams conducted an autograph signing before SMU's Women's Basketball team took on the 25th ranked South Florida Bulls. These SMU Student-Athletes handed out commemorative shirts, emblazoned with the message "we're not done yet," whilst meeting fans and aspiring future-Mustangs from the local community. There was also the opportunity for these young fans to take pictures with, and get autographs from, the stars of SMU athletics today.
 
Maggie Feeney, a parent, whose children were involved in the autograph signing, said that having the opportunity to be up close and personal in attendance for the Mustangs was a great learning experience. "They just played their own basketball season through the Y (YMCA), but they never watch anyone else play basketball, so I think they'll get a lot out of it." Feeney also stated the importance of SMU's commitment to highlighting National Girls & Women in Sports Day was "paramount" to inspiring a future generation of athletes.
 
During the game, SMU athletes competed in activities with fans as part of the interval entertainment. Members of the women's soccer team raced in a soccer dribbling course, whilst equestrian athletes took part in a relay race, and volleyball players competed in a "Serve It" Challenge with two young fans, before tossing out T-Shirts to fans during a timeout.
 
The young fans in attendance were loud throughout the SMU Women's Basketball match, with Head Coach Toyelle Wilson noting "I really love the support, we heard them screaming from the beginning, from the introductions, the crowd was lively, and that's what we need, that's the 'Moody Magic' that we need."
 
Spurred on by the crowd at Moody Coliseum, senior guard Jasmine Smith scored a career-high 26 points for the Mustangs, in a narrow 65-63 loss to #25 USF, and stated how much she enjoys the opportunity and responsibility of inspiring young women. "I loved it. I love when they come, because I was there back in the day. I looked up to the girls that were in my position right now, so it's nice that I'm able to be their role model, or be an example for them," Smith said.
 
The day was a collaborative celebration, with members of multiple SMU Women's teams talking about how important the opportunity to inspire young athletes is. Alex Glover, a senior on the Mustang Volleyball team, said: "I think it's definitely important to inspire those who are younger than us, because we always had that kind of role model… so it's kind of a full circle moment to be that role model for the younger girls, so they can look up to us on the court and off the court, and support other women in sport."
 
Devin Seek, of SMU Equestrian, also noted, "It's a great thing. The only way people can know about it is through awareness; this is a great opportunity just to make sure that we're out here walking around in our gear. It just feels like they (SMU Administration) care, and they want everyone to be here for every other team and we're here supporting basketball with all the other girls, and I hope that they'll return the favor as well, and we're looking out for each other."
 
Coach Wilson closed her post-game press conference saying, "It's a great recognition (the celebration of NGWSD). (It's about) Being that example for the next person. For me it's being the first Black female Head Coach here, knowing that they (young fans) can do anything, and be the first, or the second, in history, whatever the case may be… but when you see it, you believe it."
 
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation's capital to recognize women's sports. The day united premier organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
 
In 1987, NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women's sports; Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
 
NGWSD is celebrated annually across all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and other celebratory activities.