GSB Celebrates Female Athletes at 2023 National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Gill St. Bernard’s proudly celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day with a full slate of athletic competitions, school spirit activities, and a special award ceremony for this year’s award recipient, Paige Brucker ’23.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023, marked the 37th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) which began in 1987 in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite women athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.

NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing mission for equality in women’s sports.

Gill recognized NGWSD over a two-day span in a variety of ways to bring awareness to the history of female sports and celebrate current female athletes at Gill St. Bernard’s. The celebration was highlighted by recognizing GSB’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day Award Recipient, Paige Brucker. As a three-sport athlete, Paige has made a significant contribution to Gill’s athletic program and school culture through her hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Paige is a vital member of the Girls’ Tennis, Ice Hockey, and Girls’ Lacrosse teams.

As part of the celebration, Paige joined GSB Athletic Director Jenn Noon at the Lower School Town Hall and Middle School Assembly to share details about her athletic career with aspiring athletes.

“I accept this award on behalf of all my teammates that have come and gone, the coaches that have pushed me along the way and the little girl that fell in love with the game,” said Paige. “It really came full circle when I spoke in front of the lower school and saw so many girls bright eyed saying ‘I play field hockey, I play soccer’ because I too once was that little girl. Hearing that and seeing the smiles on all of their faces is why I love sports. It brings people together and I encourage all of them to work hard, support their teammates, and participate in as many sports as they can.” 

During Upper School Assembly, Ms. Noon joined Paige on stage to share the history of Title IX, a federal law for gender equity that paved the way for tremendous strides in access to education, scholarship, athletics, and more for millions of students across US college campuses.

"Five decades ago, in 1972, thirty-seven words changed the game for girls and women in education and sports,” said Ms. Noon.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

As the celebration continued on Thursday, February 2nd, female athletes gathered in the Athletic Center to sign autographs for younger fans. The day also featured dominant performances across the board from our female sports teams, with Middle School Volleyball A and B teams defeating Newark Academy 2-1, Middle School Girls’ Basketball defeating Newark Academy 27-15, and the Varsity Girls’ Basketball posting a 65-47 victory over Sparta. The GSB Ice Hockey team also came out on top over division rival Vernon with a 3-2 victory.

The State of New Jersey has celebrated NGWSD for the past several decades and this year will be celebrating on Saturday, February 18th at Seton Hall University. Every school in the state of New Jersey, 4-year colleges, 2 year colleges and high schools are able to select one senior female athlete to represent their school at the Seton Hall Women’s Basketball Game vs. Xavier. This is the 1st of ten senior athletic awards GSB recognizes.

Thank you to all of our student athletes, coaches, and mentors for continuing to inspire us!