Pitt Celebrates NGWSD '26
National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) celebrates the advancement, growth, and positive impact women bring to athletics. Since 1987, this day has recognized the lasting influence of Title IX, which created opportunities for women in sports that otherwise may not have existed.
Ava Peterson, Lacrosse
Describe women in sports in one word.
Perseverance.
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
A message I would share with my younger self is to be grateful for the journey I have been fortunate to experience. As I have grown older, I have truly come to cherish the opportunities that I have been given in athletics. I would tell my younger self to appreciate every opportunity I have as an athlete, because each one has allowed me to grow in ways that I cannot begin to describe. Even the chance to learn through challenges and obstacles is something that I did not fully recognize then -though I wish I had- but has become a crucial part of who I am today.
Blaire Bayless, Volleyball
What does the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
It recognizes the strength, sacrifice, resilience, and power of female athletes and celebrates the growth in accessibility and attention in women’s sports! The opportunity to play the sport I love at this level is one of the things I am most grateful for.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
I always remind myself that I do it for “her.” My growth as an athlete, a teammate, and a leader throughout my career is something that I know my younger self dreamed of and more. I hope that my journey inspires other girls to chase their passions as well and to never limit themselves because of what others tell you.
Jaime Pratt, Gymnastics
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
A message I would share to my younger self is to be present in every moment and find joy and gratitude throughout every step of the process.
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a career?
Advice I would share to young women in sports is to remember you are a person before you’re an athlete. It’s easy to get caught up in scores and wins but remember it’s just a sport at the end of the day and it is meant to be fun.
Gianna Cagliola, Cross Country and Track & Field
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
My teammates are the ultimate driver for me in sport. They are the reason why I get out of bed every day, and why I continue to train through hardship. They have been my rock, and I could not be more grateful for everything they have taught me inside and outside of sport. These girls mean the absolute world to me, and I strive every day to leave this program better than I found it. I want nothing more for my teammates and future Pitt women’s teams to have more opportunities and better opportunities than I have had.
Are there any women you would like to thank for their support in your journey?
I would love to thank my mom, Lisa, for her tireless dedication to bettering myself every day as a woman in sport, my coach, Cassie Graves, and my basketball coach, Michele Dunleavy (Coach D) for instilling confidence in my early athletic career.
Hailey Kravetz, Track & Field
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a career?
If I were to give advice to young women in sports, I would challenge them to remain persistent and strong throughout their journey. I would remind them to not only find joy in results and accomplishments, but the journey itself. Most importantly, I would encourage them to surround themselves with people that share common values and goals. Those who push you to be not only the best athlete you can be, but the best person as a whole.
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
I would teach my younger self to enjoy the process. I would teach her that results take time and each day is a new opportunity. Being a woman in sports is all about perspective, finding the positives, being in the moment, and believing in yourself. Set the standard and remain true to yourself.
Ahmari Braden, Softball
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
Take up space and don’t apologize for it. Work hard, ask questions, and believe you belong in every room you step into. Your talent is only part of the equation. Your discipline, confidence, and willingness to keep going when it gets uncomfortable will take you far. And don’t let anybody rush your process. Your timing is yours.
What does the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
It’s a reminder that we didn’t just stumble into these opportunities. Women fought for this space. This day celebrates visibility, progress, and the fact that we are still pushing forward. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.
Mary Clarke, Swimming
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
The advice I’d give young women in sports is to be confident in yourself, approach everything you do in confidence and don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are, in any aspect.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
What drives me to move forward as a woman leader in sports is the hope that I can someday inspire girls younger than me and show them how you can accomplish all of your dreams when you put your mind to it.
Describe women in sports in one word.
One word to describe women in sports is Fearless.
Katie Zailski, Women’s Soccer
Are there any women you would like to thank for their support in your journey?
I would like to thank every female coach, trainer and all of my teammates past and present for pushing me to be a better player and person every day. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. I would also like to give a special shoutout to my mom who is someone I have looked up to my whole life. I am so incredibly thankful to have someone as awesome as she is in my corner. She has supported me through all of my highs and my lows and I cannot thank her enough for her endless support and sacrifice she has made for me.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
What pushes me forward as a leader in sports is the chance to become the kind of person I once needed. I grew up surrounded by people who believed in me, challenged me, and showed me what real leadership looks like. Their impact shaped who I am, and now I am excited to be able to pass on what I learned. If I can be that steady, encouraging presence for someone coming up behind me, carrying that impact forward is what fuels me to keep growing.
Ayla Debowsky, Diving
What does the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
It means a lot to me because it shows how far we have come and what it’s taken to get here. It’s so important that we keep paving the way and creating more opportunities for the next female athletes.
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
To never give up and that you can do anything you put your mind to, even if it gets hard. Every challenge and setback have their reasons, but it is all part of the journey. Be proud of yourself!
Lola Abraham, Women’s Soccer
What does the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
The celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day is very meaningful to me, as this day celebrates the progress women and girls have made in athletics. This day recognizes the dedication, investment, and hard work that continues to impact and move women’s sports forward.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
What drives me to move forward everyday as a woman leader in sports is to want to help make an impact on the sport as a whole. I want to be able to leave it better off compared to when I started playing, especially for the young women and girls in sports who are pursuing a future in athletics.
Mikayla Johnson, Women’s Basketball
Where have you seen growth for women in sports?
I’ve seen growth in women’s sports pick up these last couple of years and not just in basketball. Almost every sport you can think of has grown and in many different ways such as viewership, getting better pay, better treatment, etc. There is always more work that can be done, but watching everything grow and unfold and getting to be a part of that is very special to me.
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a career?
My advice for young women in sport would be to follow what your heart truly desires. My mom always preaches that when your heart is truly into something, anything is possible. Although that is probably something said a lot, I feel like it’s very true because no matter how far this ball takes me at least I’m enjoying every second of the journey. Another big piece of advice I would give is to always be confident in yourself. That will show up in so many ways in and outside of your sport.
Jewels Harris, Panther Club
Describe women in sports in one word.
Ascendant.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
I’m driven by the younger version of myself who achieved her goal of competing as an athlete in the SEC, the women who came before us and how far women’s athletics has grown because of their courage, and by the power of representation. It's a great feeling knowing that young female athletes are seeing women working and leading in sports because it shows them what’s possible.
Deirdre Chatlos, Sports Medicine
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a career?
You owe it to the student athlete in front of you to be your best. Learn how you can impact their success and be the best at it.
Are there any women you would like to thank for their support in your journey?
Donna Sanft and Donna Sloan were two leaders within athletics I had the opportunity to work with in college before ever being an athletic trainer. Their impact on me lasts today, and I am so grateful to have learned from them.
Kira Neszpaul, Executive Team
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
Stay determined and don't let any obstacles hold you back. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Remember to run your own race and try not to compare yourself to others!
Where have you seen growth for women in sports?
Women's sports have experienced explosive growth in recent years. New professional leagues are emerging, visibility has never been higher, and more women are landing high level positions. Little girls all over the world are seeing what is possible and that gives me great joy and hope for the future!
Therese Pitman, Life Skills
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
What drives me forward each day as a woman leader in sports is a deep appreciation for those who paved the way before me and a strong sense of responsibility to continue that work. More than 50 years ago, my grandfather was one of the first advocates for Title IX in Upstate, New York. Because of his tireless efforts, and the courage of countless women and allies, I never take for granted the opportunity to compete, work, and lead in collegiate athletics.
At the same time, I’m motivated by the understanding that our work is far from finished. There are still critical milestones ahead, including fully including all women, especially transgender and nonbinary individuals, building inaugural programs, and continuing to equalize the athletic landscape. Knowing there is still so much progress to be made fuels my commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering experience for women student-athletes.
Brenna MacDonald, Strength & Conditioning
What does the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
I think this day is incredibly important. The fact that at one point women didn't have the opportunity that we do today to now look back and see how much we have achieved is definitely worth celebrating and recognizing.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
I had a lot of great people in my corner that believed in me and helped me reach my goals and I want to be that person for our athletes. If anything I do can help inspire or motivate the female athletes I work with, then I view my role as a success.
Describe women in sports in one word.
Tough!
Rachel Bilenki, Strategic Communications
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
Be kind to yourself! The sports world can be highly competitive and fast-paced and constantly pushing yourself to new limits can be exhausting. Prioritize your well-being, recognize when you need rest, and don’t be afraid to hit pause and breathe. Taking care of yourself is just as important as chasing your goals.
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
I am driven by the change and progress I know I can help create. The sports industry, especially today, is constantly evolving, with more opportunities for meaningful change than ever before. Being part of that evolution and having the chance to help shape a better future for women working in and participating in sports, makes every challenge along the way worthwhile.
Shirah Wasik, Facilities, Operations and Event Management & Sports Camps
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
I would encourage young women to make as many connections as they can when pursing a future in athletics. It makes the work we do a lot more meaningful and can help you significantly down the road! I’m so grateful for all the connections I’ve made because they have all made an impact on my career. I look forward to making more meaningful connections and helping young women progress in their own careers.
Describe women in sports in one word.
Determined.
Winter Steele, Pitt Studios
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
Showing others in the industry or those interested that it's possible to be where I'm at today. It's a very rare sight so if I can be the one reason another person decides to pursue this career, I've done what I wanted to accomplish.
Describe women in sports in one word.
Warriors.
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
Anything you put your mind to is very possible, as long as you believe you can do it.
Ashleigh Wick, Women’s Basketball
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
Know that you belong. You belong in every room and every space, even when you are the only woman there. While it may sometimes feel like there are barriers to entry in male-dominated spaces and sports, know that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. Work so hard that you are undeniable. Master your craft. Lead with conviction and courage, and nothing will stand in the way of achieving your dreams.
What’s a message you’d like to share with your younger self?
Keep going. Trust the work you’re putting in day after day. Keep pouring into others, keep reaching out, even when it feels awkward. Keep asking the “silly” questions and never be afraid to make mistakes. Growth lives there.
Elisha Brewer, Track & Field
What drives you to move forward every day as a woman leader in sports?
My motivation as a female coach is to show up every day to help my athletes be better people, better competitors and better student athletes. I get the opportunity to show them I care; I want the best for them and hold them accountable to a higher standard that goes beyond the track and the 4-5 years that they are in our program.
What advice would you give to young women in sports pursuing a future in athletics as a competitor or as a career?
My advice to a young woman interested in athletics would be it’s one of the best decisions. Athletics has provided me so many opportunities: to play sports, to travel, to meet amazing people who have become lifelong friends, teammates, to receive an athletic scholarship to play a sport in college, to having an amazing career in coaching. Without athletics, I am not the same woman I am today.