Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day: Empowering Young Women Through Marianist Education
- Admin
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a dynamic panel of alumni and current women sports leaders that translated the Marianist commitment to women in education into an inspiring dialogue on leadership, resilience, and the holistic development of young women.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day offers more than a moment of recognition—it is a call to action. Within the Marianist Family’s Global Compact on Education, the fourth commitment urges the promotion of full participation of girls and young women in education. Goal Two of the Marianist Family Encounters Project echoes this priority, emphasizing the need to further advance the education and empowerment of women and girls.
At Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, this mission came to life on Wednesday, February 4, when Women Engaged hosted a dynamic panel featuring alumnae and current athletic leaders in women’s sports. The event brought together Brianna O’Neil ’12, Head Girls Softball Coach; Coach Emily Winburn ’19, Administrative Assistant for Athletics; Kayla Mobley, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach; and Sydney Armbrister ’15, who joined virtually. Each panelist offered a candid look at her collegiate athletic journey, sharing stories of perseverance, leadership, balance, and faith as a female student-athlete.
Their reflections resonated deeply with our students. Through honest dialogue, the panelists illuminated the realities of competing at the collegiate level—managing academic rigor, navigating adversity, building confidence, and staying grounded in personal values. Their presence alone served as a powerful reminder that young women thrive when they see themselves reflected in positions of strength, resilience, and influence.
This encounter directly supported the Marianist Family Encounters Project by fostering authentic relationships across generations and elevating women’s voices within our community. It modeled the Marianist values of community, service, and the formation of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
By creating intentional space for mentorship and shared experience, the event affirmed the dignity and potential of every young woman in the room. Students were encouraged to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout their lives.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day reminds us that empowerment is not a one‑day celebration but an ongoing commitment. Through programs like this, our Marianist educational community continues to champion the full participation of girls and young women, ensuring they are equipped to shape the future with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Update sent by Bro. Jack Ventura, SM,
Ministry Lead, Marianist Encounters,
Director, Mission Integration Team,
Hollywood, FL