National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a vibrant movement we celebrate annually, which honors the achievements of girls and women in sports. It continues to Lead Her Forward by acknowledging the power of sports to unlock her limitless potential.

Advocating for effective policies to keep the women’s sports ecosystem strong has been a staple of NGWSD.

On the national day itself, February 5, Women Sports Foundation leadership, athletes, coaches, and sports industry leaders will be on Capitol Hill, holding meetings with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss a myriad of advocacy issues impacting girls and women in sports, and legislation needed to advance equal access and opportunity.

National Girls & Women in Sports Day® (NGWSD®) was co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports.

The day united premiere organizations and elite women 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 girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.

NGWSD is powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation, supported by its team of champion athletes and celebrated throughout the year by schools and community-serving organizations across all 50 states. Learn more here, and follow the hashtag #NGWSD2025 on social media. 

Section XI supports all the women who came before and the girls who play and coach today!