News & Views

October 2008

Announcing two important resources for parents, coaches, and others who care about girls’ physical activity!

Written by Diane Whaley, PhD, University of Virginia

Recently, two reports have been issued that everyone with an interest in girls and women in sport should put on their “must read” list. The first is an update of a 1997 publication and is called, “Developing Physically Active Girls: An Evidence-based Multidisciplinary Approach”. Don’t be turned off by the official-sounding name; this is an easy-to-read report that backs up their findings and recommendations with research. Issued by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport (University of Minnesota), it covers the psychological, sociological, and physiological dimensions of sport, and concludes with a chapter on “best practices” for programs and research. I know many of the folks involved with this report, and this is something they should be very proud of. The information is thorough, usable, and current. It is available for download at: http://cehd.umn.edu/tuckercenter/projects/TCRR/default.html, but go to their main page to see lots of other wonderful information! www.tuckercenter.org.

Just last week, the Women’s Sports Foundation released their report entitled, “Who’s Playing College Sports: Money, Race, and Gender.” It is the most up-to-the-minute information on the state of young women’s and men’s opportunities at the college level. It puts to rest some long-held beliefs that Title IX has “hurt” men’s sport, and is a must-read for any parent with an aspiring athletic daughter. Download this report HERE. The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded by Billie Jean King over 30 years ago, has been championing the cause of girl’s participation in sport for a long time. This website has tons of information, from grant programs, to current news about top female athletes, and a number of research reports. Don’t miss the GoGirlGo! Program information – maybe one of you will just want to start a local chapter!

September 2008

The date has been determined for the 2009 Banquet. Mark you calendar for Monday June 1, 2009 at the STAB Convocation Center.

February 2008 - UVA honors Women in Sports

The University of Virginia Women’s Center and the UVA Athletic Department commemorated National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a memorable celebration on Sunday, Feb. 10. This annual event began in 1986 to honor the talents and accomplishments of the late Flo Hyman, who was a leading activist for equality in women’s sports. The Women’s Center and the UVA Athletic Department have been recognizing women in sports on this occasion for more than ten years. The Women in Sports organization (WinS) in Albemarle/Charlottesville was honored to be the recipient of such special recognition this year. Prior to the Virginia women’s basketball game against Florida State, the current Women in Sports members and the organization’s founding women were invited to a reception at the Colonnade Club. The founding members, who were also recognized at halftime of the game, included: Becky Anderson, Kerri Borchardt-Taylor, Claudia Dodson, Kathy Gay Groves, Regina Kirk, Brenda Langdon, Hannah Catherine Munro, Linda Perriello and Kathy Sudduth. Each founder in attendance was escorted by a UVa student, who previously attended a Central Virginia high school, where they were involved as a student-athlete. Those student-athletes included: Callie Hlavin, Charlottesville High School; Rashawnda James, Charlottesville High School; Whitney Neuhauser, Monticello High School; Rachel Rose, Albemarle High School; Smantha Stafford, Western Albemarle High School; Augusta Stratos, Charlottesville High School.

WinSPARK!

A WinSpark is a rising female athlete (usually in middle school). Select the link at the right to view WinSPARKS!

Star Search

Star Search features articles about someone who used to be a high school athlete and is working now, is in college, or has graduated and working in a new career. You can learn about our past and present Stars by clicking the link at the right.

January 2008

WinS introduced it's new website, winscville.org. Launched in January 2008, the website is a testament to the dedication of the founders and board members who strive to promote sports activity among young female athletes in the Albemarle/Charlottesville, Virginia area. Winscville.org will be a starting point for those interested in learning more about the scholarships, awards and fundraising activities, and a resource for those seeking to encourage female participation in sports.