As the Northwestern women's basketball team took to the hardwood on Feb. 7, against Minnesota, the Wildcats celebrated their fifth-annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, NGWSD has evolved into a nationwide commemoration to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuation for equality for women in sports. Claire Woodruff participates in NGWSD Claire Woodruff, a sixth grader at Haven Middle School in Evanston, was one of 100 participants for NGWSD. As an active athlete herself, Claire was able to experience what it was like to be a Wildcat through the eyes of current female Northwestern student-athletes, coaches and staff members.
As the daughter of Northwestern's Assistant Athletic Director of Ticket Sales and Services Scott Woodruff, Claire spends a lot time donning the Purple and White and talks about all the role models she has in the Wildcats. Specifically, women's basketball senior captain Maggie Lyon.
"Maggie is just incredible," she said. "I love hearing across Welsh-Ryan, 'Maggie Lyon for three!' I really look up to her. She is someone that really draws me in and I think she is so inspiring."
Claire broke her foot one year ago while at gymnastics practice, but after fourth months of physical therapy, she was back in action and competing once again in her favorite sports. Despite adversity at an early age, Claire draws her inspiration from Northwestern student-athletes.
"I am sure Maggie has had bad days before," Claire said. "It is really cool to see her play basketball and know that if I have a bad day, I can still succeed like her." Participants at the Fueling Station The event included an interactive session where participants learned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle from Northwestern student-athletes, coaches, staff and industry professionals. The girls were able to explore various athletic stations, including a stop at the 'Fueling Station," where they learned the importance of clean eating and practiced building "winning plates" with Northwestern Sports Dietitian Katie Knappenberger.
Claire, who once had dreams of being a veterinarian, is now considering a career as an athletic trainer.
"For one of our stations, we got to go into the athletic training room and I loved that," she said. "Because I broke my foot, I would love to be able to help people who have gone through the same thing."
Tamera Young of the Chicago Sky and Michelle Gascoigne, NU Assistant Softball Coach and Chicago Bandits pitcher, spoke with the girls about what it means to be a good teammate. In addition, members of the women's soccer and swimming and diving teams discussed their paths to becoming student-athletes and how they balance academic and athletics. Participants make a stop in the athletic training room"I loved the entire event," Claire said. "I was just really inspired. I want to go to Northwestern and I want to be a student-athlete, so the event really got me thinking about my future."
The stations were followed by keynote speaker Kate Drohan and a Q&A session with event participants.
Drohan is in her 15th season as the head coach of Northwestern softball. She has led the Wildcats to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Big Ten championships and two top-three finishes at the Women's College World Series. Kate is a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and her staff was named the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2006.
"An event like this means a lot to me as a parent of a daughter," said Scott Woodruff. "To have such incredible female role models that you can put right in front of your daughter is extremely valuable."
