Hewitt News

Because of Athletics: Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Amy Mulligan, Director of Athletics

February 5, 2020 marked the 34th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a celebration of the extraordinary role athletics plays in the lives of girls and young women. Founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation, NGWSD reminds us that “the confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.”
 
Athletics have played a vital role in my life since middle school, when I joined the basketball team and for the first time felt what it was like to be seen and understood—to fit in. My experiences playing basketball, tennis, and softball taught me valuable life lessons, helped me find my true self, and equipped me with the skills to break down mental blocks so that when the game was on the line, I could push through to get the win. It is because of athletics that I know the value of working hard and persevering to achieve my goals. 
 
As a student, sports encouraged me to take on tough challenges, push myself through struggles, and look to my teammates for support, and in my 14 years mentoring student athletes, I have come to rely on and utilize those very same skills on a daily basis. As an athlete, I learned the value of being a leader and a follower, and the strong relationships I have developed with my teammates over the years have inspired the collaborative and positive relationships I strive to build with students and colleagues every day. 
 
In my role as Hewitt’s director of athletics, I help our student athletes prepare for the future by giving them opportunities to build confidence as well as physical and mental strength. Hewitt’s physical education teachers and athletic coaches encourage students to see the value of accountability, communication, teamwork, determination, commitment, and self-advocacy. We want our students to understand that even when things get tough and do not go their way, they should still aim for greatness, as the most powerful lessons in sports are in the mistakes and let downs that come before the triumphs. Our athletics philosophy teaches the girls and young women of Hewitt not only to become better athletes, but also to develop into strong women who can tackle any situation they face. Hewitt students leave our program feeling empowered as leaders who know they have the tools to thrive. 

Hewitt Hawks varsity squash player

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.

Hewitt Hawks varsity squash player

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.

Hewitt Hawks varsity volleyball player

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.

Hewitt Hawks varsity tennis player

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.

Hewitt Hawks varsity track athlete

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.

Hewitt Hawks varsity track athlete

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a selection of varsity athletes from the Class of 2020 share how sports have impacted them and what lessons they will carry with them as they prepare for life beyond Hewitt.