Since 1987, the United States Congress has recognized the contributions of women to the world of sports with the observance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Within the University of Oregon community alone, the contributions and achievements are numerous.
In 1986, five years after earning her degree from the University of Oregon, Ann Bancroft became the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot and by sled. And then several years later the first to cross both polar ice caps. Bancroft went on to lead the first all-female expedition to the South Pole and one of the first women to ski across Antarctica.
Other athletes have made their impact while still here at Oregon as student athletes, coaches and administrators.
Oregon Volleyball, McArthur Court, late 1970s. © University of OregonDuring her tenure in the Physical Education Department and later the Athletic Department in the 60s and 70s, Dr. Becky Sisley led Oregon’s Title IX compliance efforts and was a fierce advocate for women’s athletics. In addition to coaching several sports herself, Sisley hired the first full-time women’s coaches. By her last year as Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics, the budget for women’s sports had increased elevenfold.
On the track, court and field, generations of student-athletes have inspired the next. There are Olympians from Lynn Winbigler to Ariana Washington and legendary teams from the 1985 Women’s Track & Field Team to today’s Women’s Basketball Team.
This day serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating these accomplishments and sharing these stories — that shining a light on this history can spark something more.
We are proud to be a part of a community that has a reputation for supporting female athletes. We asked alumni, staff and some of our own team members to share their thoughts on the importance of championing women and girls in sports and what comes next in supporting them.
Oregon Women's Basketball, Matthew Knight Arena, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Emerald/DL Young (@cinematicsonly)It is important to champion girls and women in sports because the benefits of sports and participation are more than just wins and losses, games, titles, or championships. These are certainly rewarding in themselves, however the real benefits of sports participation for girls and women is a matter of health and well being.
Girls and women who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self esteem. Sport teaches young girls and women the value of teamwork, hard work, goal setting, and the pursuit of excellence in performance. Not only are these skills important on the field of play, but just as important for girls and young women as they begin to compete in the workplace and in daily pursuits.
The latest trends are clear: the increased participation and success of female athletes at the Olympic Games, increased television coverage of women’s college sports, and for new women’s professional sports leagues, creates increases across the board of females in all sports and at all age levels. We need to continue to provide access to opportunity for girls as research shows that a large percentage of girls leave sport at the age of 13. Opportunity and allowing girls to see what sports can be is as important today as it has ever been as you can't be what you can't see.
— Bev Smith
Executive Director, KidSports
Oregon Women's Basketball Coach (2001 - 2009)
I always had people telling me I could. I could make an impact on my teammates, I could do a skill I was afraid of, and I could always find a way to improve. My parents, teachers, and coaches spoke to me with confidence and expectation. I learned the hardest work was mandatory. Respect was non-negotiable and I couldn’t do it alone. The ones who spoke to me were and are my backbone. Because of them… in business, life, family, future, whatever it is… I know I can. Sports isn’t every little girl’s thing and being in the WNBA isn’t every little girl’s dream; but, fulfillment doesn’t come from being the best. If you know a young woman who loves something… whatever it may be, tell her she can.
— Alexis Cross
Director, Women in Flight, University of Oregon
It’s so important to champion girls and women in sports. Yes, there are the physical benefits; but it's more than that; it’s about building leaders, developing relationships, increasing confidence, self-esteem and reaching one’s potential. Support must come financially, in policy and by showing up and celebrating and cheering our girls and women both on and off the courts and playing fields.
— Brent Harrison
Associate Director for Programs, Department of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Oregon
We have seen study after study prove that women who hold leadership positions later in life were significantly more likely to have competed in college or high school athletics. The intangible lessons of teamwork and resiliency that we learn as girls in sport translates to increased confidence and self-assurance, not to mention the health benefits that stay with us throughout our lives.