Baruch College Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day

February 3, 2021

Baruch College joined colleges, organizations, and institutions across the country to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a virtual event featuring student-athletes, coaches, and professional athletes on February 2.

This annual day of observance, which occurs the first week of February for the last 35 years, recognizes the achievements of women athletes, acknowledges the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honors the progress and continuing struggles for equality in sports. This year marks the fourth time Baruch joined in the national celebration.

“I am so thrilled to be able to continue to celebrate women in sports albeit virtually this year with our Bearcats family,” said Heather MacCulloch, director of athletics and recreation at Baruch College. “Now more than ever it is important to continue to reflect on the benefits of sports on our young women and girls throughout the country and world. And let’s also look to the future we want for sports, make plans to get there, and get to work building opportunities for future athletes, coaches and administrators.”

Superstars from This is Us joined the Baruch event: Silver medal winning Team USA Olympian Monica Abbott, former Nebraska softball standout Kiki Stokes, Ally Carda, named to the 2020 Summer Olympics Softball USA Team, and Aubrey Leach, who has earned multiple athletic and academic hours. Formed last June, This is Us is a group of 18 professional fastpitch softball athletes who are using their platforms to raise awareness, empower young women, and unite the softball community.

Hear from Baruch Student-Athletes

Julia Cuttone, softball

Julia Cuttone (’23), who is the vice president for external affairs at Baruch College’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee, helped organize this event. She believes now is an important time to reflect on how far women have come and to be proud of the accomplishments that have been made.

“Sports is more than just a game to women,” explained Cuttone, who is majoring in journalism and psychology at the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. “It is where we are meant to be, an outlet, a place that we call home. Knowing that women can stand amongst each other today and talk about what sports mean to them goes to show how much growth was formed throughout the years. We don’t only celebrate the achievements, but the setbacks that come with it and we use those lessons to empower each other.”

Amanda Lee, women’s swimming

For Amanda Lee (’21), who is majoring in marketing at the Zicklin School of Business, this year is not only the last chance—but a special one—to participate in National Girls and Women in Sports Day as a student-athlete. Due to Covid-related restrictions, there has been limited interaction with athletes from other teams.

“I think it’s important to celebrate this event because, most of the time, the focus and spotlight is on male athletes and their sports,” Lee noted. “Men generally receive the most recognition for their accomplishments, even if women achieve or exceed those goals. Sometimes athletics can be seen as ‘masculine,’ so it is important to emphasize and recognize female athletes and their participation in sports. Women have so much power and potential to be successful in athletics!”

Kevin Chen, men’s swimming and men’s cross country

Kevin Chen (’23), who is majoring in marketing and minoring in communication at the Weissman School, believes participating in Baruch’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day is important for the entire community of student-athletes.

“In the Baruch Athletics community, each team is equally celebrated. Because of this, we are a community of support and shared values, and being there for each other means a lot,” Chen stated. “I think it is essential to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day because I can celebrate the women that work hard to break glass ceilings and fight for a place as a strong-willed and diligent athlete. It is also a platform for me because I get to celebrate many of my friends and colleagues for their leadership and inspirational moments.”

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