Southern Miss honored female athletes and athletics personnel at the women’s basketball game against Georgia Southern on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
Southern Miss joined the national celebration to recognize the achievements of female athletes, promote gender equality in sports, and highlight the power and potential of women’s athletics. Established by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1987, NGWSD is observed annually on the first weekend of February.
“This national celebration means allowing others—fans, supporters, donors, etc.—to know the exceptional accomplishments of women’s teams at Southern Miss,” said Sonya Varnell, senior associate director of athletics.
Varnell credited the implementation of Title IX in 1972 and ongoing efforts for providing female athletes with improved access to resources once available only to men. She highlighted advancements in budget allocations, equipment, facilities, marketing, and salaries for female coaches.
“These changes allow for better access to all resources that have always been available to male athletes and coaches,” said Varnell.
Varnell, a former track and field athlete, emphasized the significance of NGWSD in honoring past, present, and future generations of women athletes. “Current athletes will have a greater appreciation for what they have achieved during their careers,” she said.
Southern Miss athlete Alma Betoret expressed similar sentiments.
“I am hoping to show future generations the value of hard work and having to work for what they want,” she said.
Betoret added that being recognized for her efforts motivates her to strive for more.
“Being recognized for my work and effort is something that makes me feel valued and motivated,” she said.
The celebration aims to increase the visibility of women’s sports and demonstrate their potential.
“Once society gives us a chance, they’ll see how committed, disciplined, and competitive we are,” Varnell said.
Betoret acknowledged the progress made but noted that inequalities still exist in women’s sports. However, she said the recognition of their efforts helps push female athletes toward greater achievements.
“Knowing that what we do doesn’t go unnoticed is something that makes us proud of our work and drives us to set high standards,” she said.
