Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
Darria Hunter at track and field meet. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
The University of Lynchburg celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Wednesday, February 5, by hosting a multi-sport skills clinic. Female student-athletes led the event, sharing their expertise and passion with local girls in kindergarten through seventh grade.
With five women’s sports in season this spring, the event highlighted women’s progress in collegiate athletics, once unavailable opportunities. The clinic promoted skill development and underscored the importance of representation and empowerment in sports.
For Darria Hunter, a junior thrower for the Lynchburg Track & Field Team, the importance of this day comes from the history of and the work that women before put into making space for female athletes today.
“It highlights how far we’ve come in breaking barriers in sports. Many years ago, women weren’t even allowed to participate, but now we continue to make history and inspire future generations,” she said.
Emma Nicol hitting a golf ball. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
As a senior on the women’s golf team, Emma Nicol reminisces on some of her fondest memories she was able to experience as a woman in sports, highlighting her time spent with fellow teammates.
“The night before the ODAC tournament last year, we all got together for one last dinner with everyone’s parents before saying goodbye to our seniors for their last collegiate round ever. The dinner was just filled with so many laughs and stories reminiscing on all of our time together, so it is definitely one of the fondest memories I have from being on the women’s golf team,” said Nicol.
Alex DiNardo celebrating with a teammate. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
Lynchburg Softball catcher Alex DiNardo paid homage to the women who forged a path for future women in sports and their dedication to the craft.
“It is a testimony for women and girls in sports who have paved the way for newer generations to pursue their dreams in sports. It allows a light to be shone on girls and women and how they are able to express themselves within the sport they play. For the younger generation, it gives them hope that one day they will be able to be in professional sports leagues, such as professional softball, volleyball, and basketball,” said DiNardo.
After a successful day celebrating women in sports by giving back to the future generation of female athletes developing their love for sports, Lynchburg’s female student-athletes prepare to grasp each opportunity in the spring for success in their sport.
For more information on the women’s teams in season this spring visit: the Lynchburg Sports Calendar
