{"id":76882,"date":"2026-02-02T13:04:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T20:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/?p=76882"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:04:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T20:04:42","slug":"celebrating-national-girls-and-women-in-sport-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/celebrating-national-girls-and-women-in-sport-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sport Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

For National\u00a0Girls and Women\u00a0in Sport Day on Feb.\u00a04, hear from student-athletes\u00a0across NAU Athletics about the first time they picked up a ball or club or laced on running shoes, their best moments wearing blue and gold and how their athletic careers are helping prepare them for their professional careers, in their sport or in an office.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"LizzieLizzle\u00a0Neale<\/span><\/b>, senior<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport: Golf<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major:\u00a0University Studies<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown: Nelson, New Zealand<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>My first memory of golf was with my Papa, my\u00a0dad’s\u00a0dad, at my local golf club. I went to a junior golf session with him and got hooked.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>My highlights at NAU have been winning the Big Sky Conference in 2024 individually and winning a tournament last season with my parents watching!\u00a0Also\u00a0having\u00a0the\u00a0opportunity to be surrounded by my incredible teammates and friends every\u00a0day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being an athlete has helped me in school as I have had to learn time management, discipline and how to stay focused under pressure whilst also balancing academics and sport.\u00a0It\u00a0has\u00a0also pushed me to be accountable and resilient when things\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0go as planned. These skills will translate into my career, and will help me stay consistent,\u00a0adaptable\u00a0and committed to long-term goals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"AgnesAgnes McTighe<\/span><\/b>, graduate student<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport:\u00a0Cross\u00a0country\/track &\u00a0field<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major:\u00a0Communication (MA)<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0St-Jean, Switzerland<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I started running cross country at 11 years old. My mum signed me up for a local race, unattached, and I took the W. I have enjoyed it ever since.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Some highlights include placing eighth at cross-country nationals with the team and toeing the line at NCAA track nationals alongside my friend Ava.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being an athlete has taught me to stay persistent when things get tough and that through consistency, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. I bring this skill set to the classroom and strive to apply the same discipline to my academic and professional goals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ShanyeShanye Harris<\/span><\/b>, sophomore<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport: Track & field<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major:\u00a0Psychological\u00a0sciences<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0Stockton, California<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I\u00a0played\u00a0soccer\u00a0in elementary school\u00a0and was always the fastest one\u00a0on\u00a0the field, so in sixth grade I started my career\u00a0in\u00a0club track and have been running ever since.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Some of\u00a0the\u00a0highlights of my athletic career\u00a0were\u00a0having the opportunities to compete in both indoor and outdoor conference as a\u00a0freshman\u00a0and getting Freshman of the Year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being a college athlete has helped me stay disciplined in academics as well as athletics.\u00a0I realized the more\u00a0I stay\u00a0disciplined, the more successful I\u00a0become\u00a0in both categories.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ReeceReece Reichwald<\/span><\/b>,\u00a0freshman<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport:\u00a0Soccer<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major: Biomedical science<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0Scottsdale<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I\u00a0got\u00a0started in soccer when I was\u00a06\u00a0years old in a local club in Scottsdale. I was a dual-sport athlete growing up, playing both club soccer and club softball. When I had to decide which sport to stick with, soccer was the obvious answer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Highlights include three shutouts,\u00a0a\u00a0career\u00a0high of 10 saves against Weber State, ranking second in the conference for\u00a0save\u00a0percentage at\u00a00.813, totaling 74 saves during my\u00a0freshman\u00a0season. I started 15 games during my\u00a0freshman\u00a0season\u00a0and\u00a0recorded\u00a01,204 minutes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>As a student-athlete,\u00a0I have learned critical life skills such as time management, leadership,\u00a0collaboration\u00a0and so much more. The training I have received as an athlete has allowed me to be confident in the classroom and stay dedicated and focused on my goals academically. In the future, I see this benefitting my career immensely,\u00a0such as my ability to work in teams, my problem-solving skills, and my determination to get work done.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PatrycjaPatrycja Niewiadomska<\/span><\/b>, senior<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport:\u00a0Women\u2019s\u00a0tennis<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major: Science of nutrition<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0Bielsko-Bia\u0142a, Poland<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I started playing tennis when I was\u00a05\u00a0years old. I used to watch major tournaments on TV with my grandma, and one day she took me to a nearby park where there was a small tennis club. From that moment on, I fell in love with the sport and have loved it ever since.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>One of the biggest highlights was my\u00a0freshman\u00a0year clinching the match against Weber State at home, in front of our crowd. I won the match\u00a07-6 in the third set, which was an unforgettable experience. That same year, we advanced to the final of the Big Sky Conference, and I was honored to receive the Big Sky Freshman of the Year award. Additionally, I qualified twice for the All-American tournament during my sophomore and senior years.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being an athlete has shaped my mindset both in school and in life. I approach challenges the same way I do on the tennis court, by staying committed, continuing to\u00a0fight\u00a0and pushing forward no matter how many setbacks I face. The determination and resilience that helped me succeed in tennis are qualities I carry into academics and will continue to rely on in my future career, as they motivate me to work hard, pursue my\u00a0goals\u00a0and never give up.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GraceGrace Greenlee<\/span><\/b>, junior<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport:\u00a0Volleyball<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major:\u00a0Marketing<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0Scottsdale<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I\u00a0started\u00a0volleyball when I was in seventh grade because all my friends were doing it, so of course I had\u00a0to\u00a0as well. I was on the second\u00a0team\u00a0my first year, third\u00a0team\u00a0my second year and jumped up to the top\u00a0team\u00a0my third year all at the same club.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>A few highlights for me at NAU include having my first career start being the\u00a0Astrojacks\u00a0game my sophomore year after ACL surgery my senior year of high school. Also,\u00a0junior\u00a0year, winning the regular season conference title and making the first team all-conference was an amazing way to end the season. Finally, getting to travel to Europe with my teammates\u00a0last\u00a0summer was one of the best ways I\u00a0could\u2019ve\u00a0thought\u00a0to spend\u00a0our break.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being a student-athlete forces me to always give 100%, even though that might vary depending on the day. Additionally, time management and teamwork are huge in volleyball,\u00a0academics\u00a0and any future career.\u00a0Since I\u2019m going into marketing, the aspect of problem solving and creativity that comes from quick decision making in volleyball will help me immensely in my\u00a0particular field.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"NaomiNaomi White<\/span><\/b>, redshirt freshman<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport: Women\u2019s basketball<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major: Health science \u2013 nutrition and foods<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>I\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0really remember how I got started with\u00a0basketball;\u00a0as far as I know\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0always had one in my hand.\u00a0All of\u00a0my parents\u00a0played the sport\u00a0and some others.\u00a0I guess I\u00a0was just born to play something, no matter if it was soccer and basketball, or T-ball and basketball. Basketball has just always been there.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>A highlight from my athletic career\u00a0has got\u00a0to be my first game at New Mexico, having scored 24 points. Another highlight was playing\u00a0at\u00a0Arizona. The atmosphere was crazy, and it was a fantastic experience for me.\u00a0My favorite highlight of all was scoring 37 points against Weber State. I broke the record for\u00a0made\u00a03s in a game at NAU,\u00a0and I surpassed my career- high.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Being an athlete has given me a great foundation of discipline. Without performing in school,\u00a0I\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0perform on the court. It has also aided me in being able to build\u00a0relationships with classmates the same way you have\u00a0to\u00a0on the court. I want to go to the WNBA.\u00a0All of\u00a0these experiences I\u2019m having will benefit me in that career choice.\u00a0As for other career paths,\u00a0being an athlete will help in everything.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0hard,\u00a0and you\u00a0have to\u00a0fight through various things, stay focused and be disciplined,\u00a0which\u00a0are\u00a0also skills you need to be successful in your field.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"CydnieCydnie Perkins<\/span><\/b>, senior<\/span>
\n<\/span>Sport:\u00a0Swimming &\u00a0diving<\/span>
\n<\/span>Major:\u00a0Hotel and\u00a0restaurant\u00a0management<\/span>
\n<\/span>Hometown:\u00a0Scottsdale<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you get started in your sport?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>When I was a kid, I had endless amounts of energy. My parents put me in every sport under the moon and I loved it, but it\u00a0wasn’t\u00a0until I started swimming that I discovered true passion and commitment. I started swimming competitively when I was\u00a06\u00a0and never looked back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0some highlights from your athletic career at NAU?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>At\u00a0the\u00a0top of the list\u00a0is\u00a0helping the team win three conference meets in a row,\u00a0and\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0looking to add a fourth in a few weeks. Another moment I’ll never forget was when we had a home meet against a rival team,\u00a0and I was a part of the relay team that started the meet off by\u00a0setting\u00a0a school record, followed by setting an individual pool record in the 100-meter\u00a0breaststroke after. I was also grateful to receive the honors of WAC Swimmer of the Week last year for the first time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has being an athlete helped you in school, and how do you see it\u00a0benefitting\u00a0you in your career?<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>Swimming and college\u202fathletics\u00a0as a whole have\u00a0tremendously impacted my school and career.\u00a0Swim\u00a0has taught me to stay committed,\u00a0disciplined\u00a0and focused even with pressure and expectations breathing down my neck. This sport has taught me how to multitask, prioritize and follow through with everything from the projects I start, to achieving\u00a0all of\u00a0my goals and helping my peers and coworkers fulfill their individual potential and the\u00a0team’s\u00a0as a whole.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For National\u00a0Girls and Women\u00a0in Sport Day on Feb.\u00a04, hear from student-athletes\u00a0across NAU Athletics about the first time they picked up a ball or club or laced on running shoes, their best moments wearing blue and gold and how their athletic careers are helping prepare them for their professional careers, in their sport or in an…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":76891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1829],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-community","category-student-edition"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76882"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76882\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}