HPU Celebrates National Girls & Women in Sports Day with Inspiring Events

High Point University Athletics proudly joined the nation in celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day, highlighting the achievements and contributions of female athletes on campus. This annual observance, dedicated to promoting gender equity and empowering women in sports, showcased HPU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for its student-athletes. Through a series of events and acknowledgments, the university underscored the importance of female participation in athletics and honored those who continue to break barriers in the world of sports.

HPU Honors Female Athletes with Special Events and Recognitions

High Point University marked National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a series of special events celebrating the achievements of its female athletes. Throughout the day, the university hosted recognition ceremonies, interactive workshops, and panel discussions featuring standout players and coaches from various sports programs. The activities emphasized leadership, empowerment, and the vital role women play in shaping collegiate athletics. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with athletes who shared personal stories of perseverance and success, underscoring the importance of representation and support for women in sports.

In addition to live events, HPU unveiled a new digital “Wall of Honor” on its athletics website, spotlighting trailblazing female athletes from past and present. The initiative aims to inspire current students while honoring those who have contributed significantly to the university’s rich sports legacy. Below is a snapshot of key highlights from the day’s celebrations:

Guest Speakers: Prominent alumni and current athletes shared insights on career and sport.
Recognition Awards: Outstanding female athletes received accolades in various categories.
Community Engagement: Partnerships with local schools encouraged youth participation in sports.

Event	Purpose	Featured Guests
Leadership Workshop	Empowering female athletes	Coach Riley, Soccer Team Captain
Awards Ceremony	Recognize excellence in performance	Women’s Basketball MVP, Tennis Player of the Year
Panel Discussion	Share experiences and advice	Alumni Athletes, Sports Psychologist

Highlighting Trailblazers in Women’s Sports at High Point University

At High Point University, the legacy of women athletes goes beyond just records and trophies; it embodies resilience, passion, and groundbreaking achievements that have paved the way for future generations. From national champions to record-breaking performances, HPU’s women in sports have continuously shattered barriers and elevated the university’s athletic prestige on both regional and national stages. Their commitment not only inspires teammates but also motivates an entire community to strive for excellence with courage and determination.

In recognizing these remarkable trailblazers, HPU Athletics embraces a culture of empowerment and representation. Some key figures who have left an indelible mark include:

Jasmine Howard – Leading scorer and multiple All-Conference honoree for HPU women’s basketball
Kelsey Thompson – Four-time NCAA qualifier and record-holder in track and field sprint events
Alicia Barnes – Captain of the championship-winning volleyball squad, known for her leadership and sportsmanship

Athlete

Sport

Major Accolades

Jasmine Howard

Basketball

2x All-Conference, 1,500+ career points

Kelsey Thompson

Track & Field

4x NCAA Qualifier, Conference Record Holder

In recognizing these remarkable trailblazers, HPU Athletics embraces a culture of empowerment and representation. Some key figures who have left an indelible mark include:

Jasmine Howard – Leading scorer and multiple All-Conference honoree for HPU women’s basketball

Kelsey Thompson – Four-time NCAA qualifier and record-holder in track and field sprint events

Alicia Barnes – Captain of the championship-winning volleyball squad, known for her leadership and sportsmanship

Athlete

Sport

Major Accolades

Jasmine Howard

Basketball

2x All-Conference, 1,500+ career points

Kelsey Thompson

Track & Field

Promoting Gender Equality Through Campus Athletic Programs

High Point University continues to lead the charge in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment by championing gender equality through its dynamic campus athletic programs. By expanding opportunities for female athletes, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, and supporting leadership development, HPU ensures that women and girls receive the recognition and resources necessary to thrive both on and off the field. Initiatives such as mentorship programs and scholarship offerings play a critical role in breaking down barriers and encouraging female participation across all levels of sport.

Key components of HPU’s commitment include:

Equal Funding: Allocating resources fairly to women’s and men’s sports programs to promote balanced growth.
Community Engagement: Hosting workshops and panels that spotlight female athletes and highlight issues such as equity and empowerment.
Recruitment Efforts: Targeted strategies to attract diverse female talent from high schools regionally and nationally.

Program	Participants (Spring 2024)	Percentage Female
Women’s Basketball	25	100%
Co-Ed Track & Field	45	53%
Women’s Soccer	30	100%
Intramural Sports	150	48%

Encouraging Young Girls to Pursue Sports at HPU and Beyond

At High Point University, fostering an environment where young girls feel empowered to explore athletics is a cornerstone of the athletics department’s mission. Through targeted mentorship programs, skill-building clinics, and access to top-tier facilities, HPU actively breaks down barriers that often discourage female participation in sports. Coaches and current female athletes consistently serve as role models, inspiring the next generation to embrace competition, teamwork, and healthy living as integral parts of their personal development.

Beyond campus, HPU’s outreach efforts extend into local schools and community centers, promoting physical activity and leadership through sports. Initiatives include:

After-school sports workshops designed to introduce girls aged 8-14 to various athletic disciplines
Scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting female student-athletes both financially and academically
Collaborations with regional organizations to expand access to sports resources and events

These strategic programs represent HPU’s commitment to not only increasing participation rates but also to helping young women develop lifelong skills that extend well beyond the playing field.

Program	Age Group	Focus Areas
Future Flyers Clinic	8-12	Basic skills, confidence building
Trailblazer Leadership Camp	13-17	Teamwork, leadership, scholarships
Beyond the Game Talks	All ages	Career paths & mentorship

The Conclusion

As High Point University continues to champion inclusivity and empower female athletes, the celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day stands as a testament to its commitment to fostering equal opportunities in collegiate athletics. Through events, recognition, and community engagement, HPU not only honors the achievements of women in sports but also inspires the next generation of athletes to pursue their passions with determination and pride.