VICTORIA - February 5, 2025, marks the 38th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a day dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of sports in the lives of girls and women. This year, the University of Victoria women's basketball team is amplifying the message with a dynamic series of events to build connections, inspire future leaders, and fuel the ongoing movement toward gender equity in sports.
"We were fortunate to partner with She's Got Next early this season and work with their organization to create some experiences to highlight the tremendous impact that sports have on women, and that women have on sports," said Carrie Watts, women's basketball head coach.
"The EmpowerHER event features a fantastic lineup of speakers who bring a range of experiences across different sports and careers, while Friday's clinic will be a great opportunity to expose a new generation of girls to the many benefits that come through sport. The weekend's events also tie in well with our fundraising efforts for Vikes Giving Day, which focuses on creating leadership opportunities for women in coaching."
Empowering the next generation
In partnership with She's Got Next—a nonprofit community of powerful women turning collective experiences into opportunities—the Vikes women's basketball team is hosting a networking and panel event on February 6 at the Strathcona Hotel's Maple Room. With tickets nearly sold out, this event promises engaging discussions from a panel of trailblazers:
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Karla Karch, UVic women's basketball alumna, two-time Olympian (1996, 2000), and current Director of Athletics and Recreation at Mount Royal University, shares her journey of perseverance and growth.
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Sara Gross, CEO of Feisty Media, and Katie Hamilton, BC Lions in-game host and founder of Her Love of Sport podcast, will dive into the power of media in elevating women's sports.
Attendees will walk away with more than inspiration—they'll receive a complimentary ticket to the Girls & Women in Sports game against TRU on Friday, February 7, where the celebration continues.
The Friday night match up isn't just a game; it's a showcase of community, representation, and support.
Highlights include:
Beyond the court
The women's basketball is also hosting a free skills clinic on February 7, at UVic's McKinnon Gym, designed to encourage young girls to develop their game in a supportive environment. Register here.
The team is also hoping to raise money for their Five-for-Five program, which helps fund assistant coach positions and enhance the coaching staff for Vikes Nation youth programming by providing more opportunities for women in coaching.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is not a one-day affair—it's an ongoing movement to exemplify how sports can be a powerful catalyst for change, shaping not just athletes but confident, capable leaders ready to take on the world.
