ABOUT NGWSD
The year 2022 marks the 36th annual celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), in addition to the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
In coordination with the Women's Sports Foundation, NGWSD "inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. 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." - via womenssportsfoundation.org
A Q&A WITH DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS HEATHER LYKE
In 2017, Heather Lyke was named the first woman to hold the full-time director of athletics post at Pitt. Now, in her fifth year at the helm, her influence has been evident in the recruitment of nationally regarded head coaches, a strengthened focus on the total student-athlete experience and the establishment of a culture of comprehensive excellence. As of February 2022, she is one of seven women currently leading a NCAA Division I Power Five department of athletics.
Get to know Heather Lyke a little better:
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
I only knew when I considered the positive impact that my college athletics experience had on me and the lessons it taught me. I hoped to provide an atmosphere where student-athletes have as positive experience at Pitt as I had as a student-athlete.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The relationships you get to build with coaches, student-athletes and staff and helping them have success in all aspects of their lives. Creating a vision and doing what people do not believe is possible.
What advice do you have for girls that want to pursue a career in sports?
Never underestimate the impact you can have and never let others put limits on your ability. Work hard, take initiative, build great relationships with others and make your department better every day!
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to?
Peg Bradey-Doppes was a great mentor and role model for me at Michigan and as the AD at Denver. She was a quintessential leader, competitor and genuinely cared about my professional and personal success.
Join Us in celebrating NGWSD!
Pitt vs. Duke Women's Basketball | Thursday, Feb. 3 | Petersen Events Center | 6 p.m. Tipoff
Collection Drive for Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
At the Pitt vs. Duke Women's Basketball game, Pitt Athletics will be conducting a collection drive for the women residing at the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, which provides safety, shelter, support and guidance to survivors of domestic violence and their children. The following is a list of items that are needed. Please email Celeste Welsh with any questions at cwelsh@athletics.pitt.edu. Thank you!
- CLOTHING (*New or gently used, washed and labeled by size, Plus sizes are in demand): Sweat pants, Hoodies, Fleece items, Leggings, Long-sleeve t-shirts
- GIFT CARDS: Giant Eagle, Walmart, Target
- FOOD: Snacks, Sweets
- CHILD ITEMS: Larger sized diapers, Pull ups, sizes 4-6 (They already have a good supply of newborn and infant sizes), Wipes
Pre-Game Chat with Pitt Athletics Women Administrators
We'd like to welcome female Pitt students to join us at 5:20 p.m. in the Campus View Club at the Petersen Events Center to hear from Pitt Athletics women administrators!
SHARING OUR STORIES
Pitt coaches, student-athletes and staff share their favorite experiences, memories and best advice about working in the world of sports.
KAMALANI AKEO
Director of Operations - Volleyball
Forever Panther '19 (Volleyball)
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I watched so many of my family members coach growing up. Working in sports always seemed like the perfect avenue to make a real impact in a person’s life.
What was your first job in sports?
My start in working in the sports industry was here at Pitt. I started as a volunteer assistant coach for the volleyball team and am now the director of operations. What makes it so special is that I get to work with, learn from and build even better relationships with the staff I played for and respect so much.
EMILY BOISSONNEAULT
Head Coach - Lacrosse
What impact has sports had on your life?
Sports have helped me develop my philosophies and core values that I live by every day. I have learned to problem solve, appreciate every opportunity I am given and build relationships I will have for the rest of my life.
michaela burton
Panthers to Pros Mentorship Program Coordinator
Forever Panther '20 (Gymnastics)
What advice do you have for girls that want to pursue a career in sports?
My advice to girls is to be curious! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there’s something you’re interested in and aren’t sure what steps you’d need to take to get there - ask. If you don’t know exactly what a day-to-day of someone’s job is – ask. And if you want to get connected to someone and you don’t know how to – ask. A major thing I’ve learned so far working in athletics is that it’s a very small world. Someone knows someone, who knows someone.
CASEY GARROW
Assistant Athletic Director of Broadcast and Video Production
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
My dad has always been an avid sports fan and from a young age I knew I wanted to be involved in some way. Preferably it would have been as an athlete but with little to no skills the best way to be involved was from the sidelines. After taking a TV production class in high school, I was confident this would be the best and most exciting route to take. From there, I made it my goal to be involved in sports from the production side of the operation. I hope to continue my work within the sports industry for many years to come!
How has the sports industry evolved for women since you began you career?
When I look around the room, I see more women at the table than ever before. I remember when I first started, I used to count how little women were in the room alongside me, which is surprising considering I’ve only been in the business for 8 years or so.
KAILEY GILLINGS
Graduate Student - Gymnastics
What impact has sports had on your life?
Sports have opened so many doors to opportunities I will cherish for a lifetime. Gymnastics has given me an outlet to express myself and become the confident woman I am today.
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to?
I have always looked up to Aly Raisman because of her courage and determination to reach her goals.
EMILY JOBES
Freshman - Cross Country
What impact has sports had on your life?
Sports have been a part of my life for longer than I can remember. They have given me a greater perspective on life, alongside a lifelong family. From a young age, running has taught me the importance of having resilience and handling adversity. Strength is not defined by build, but rather by the ability to get back up time and time again to keep going. Every day, I get the opportunity to push myself past my mental and physical limits towards becoming the best version of myself. I would not be the person I am today without the life lessons sports have taught me. I want to inspire all female athletes to believe they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to and why?
Maura Henderson, my high school coach, has impacted my life the most as an athlete. Maura is the epitome of a female athlete who possesses grit and grace. She inspires everyone around her through her courage and bravery to give everything her all. She takes risks, chases big goals, and keeps moving forward because anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Her passion in life empowers her athletes to want to work hard while keeping a positive mindset. Every time I lace up my spikes to race, I give it my all because perfection doesn’t exist. Instead, I take each opportunity like it’s the last. As Maura would say, “just keep running.”
BRIANNA LIPSCOMB
Assistant Athletic Director of Event Management
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
As a former student-athlete, I knew I wanted to have a career in sports. During undergrad I was fortunate to get an internship with our event management department. I remember working my first basketball game and setting everything up pre-game and how I was a small part in making the event happen. I knew I wanted to be behind the scenes, supporting our coaches and student-athletes on game days and event management seemed like the perfect opportunity to make that happen.
What advice do you have for girls that want to pursue a career in sports?
There is a place for you in the sports industry. No matter your gender identity. If you have passion and drive, you’ll be able to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Ryann McConnell
Director of Signature Events and Donor Experience
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
I knew I wanted to work in sports because I was a collegiate student-athlete myself and after being away from sports for a couple years post college I just really missed the exciting environment that surrounds athletics. There is an energy being a part of athletics brings to my life that I couldn’t find in other industries. Being around student-athletes, coaches, teams, and competitions brings me joy.
How has the sports industry evolved for women since you began you career?
Through the growth of social media and streaming services, there is so much more access to view women’s athletics. This has contributed to a whole new generation of young girls and athletes who have so much more exposure to a wide variety of women’s athletics.
ATHENA MILLER
Assistant Coach - Swimming & Diving
What impact has sports had on your life?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without sport. Sport continues to teach me how to develop relationships, leadership, grit, and empowerment of those around me. Sport is the bridge that connects me to everyone I meet in one way or another. I am deeply grateful that I get to spend my life immersed in sport and the lessons it gives us.
terri mitchell
Associate Head Coach - Women's Basketball
Sports, in my opinion are a microcosm of life. The impact of playing and coaching basketball has taught me invaluable lessons. These lessons include the commitment to work hard, focus, discipline, teamwork, time management, overcoming obstacles and handling success as well as failure. You learn to work with a wide variety of people and merge those talents to achieve a common goal. I have learned what it is to be “all in” to the sport I love, and that passion and lessons learned spill over into every aspect of my life.
STEPHANIE MOCK
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance
How did you know you wanted to work in sports?
Growing up in Pittsburgh, you learned to love sports at a young age supporting the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. After my college playing career, my strength and conditioning coach had a very large impact on me, so I knew I wanted to pay it back to the next generation.
What advice do you have for girls that want to pursue a career in sports?
Surround yourself with male and/or female mentors that empower you that the sky is the limit. Don’t let people put you in a box because you are a female and can only work with “female athletes or female sports.” You can do anything your heart desires, you just must put the work in. At the end of the day it’s about hiring the best person for the job, regardless of gender
SHAWN MUELLER
Athletic Trainer - Gymnastics
Forever Panther '08 (Cheer)
How has the industry evolved for women since you began your career?
Seeing the growth and increase of women in higher authority positions is huge, especially in the athletic director role. I was lucky to have multiple strong, female mentors throughout my career path and was able to see them work their way to the top.
ATHALIE PALOMO
Junior Defender - Women's Soccer
Soccer has impacted my life in many ways. It’s taught me life lessons, surrounded me with people I consider family, and provided me with opportunities. I’ve been able to travel to multiple countries, create/build relationships, represent my country at a youth World Cup, make memories, etc. Soccer has definitely played a major role in my life and I am forever thankful for all that it’s given me.
When I was little, I didn’t really watch sports. I just played them and so I didn’t really look up to anyone other than my mom. As of now, there’s been a lot more exposure and awareness to women in sports. Now that I am older, there’s been progress in making female sports known to the world. It’s not where it needs to be but it’s gradually developing. A few women I look up to are Maria Sanchez, Jenni Hermoso, Maribel Domínguez and Mónica Vergara. I’d say I look up to Mónica Vergara the most because of everything she’s taught me. I had the privilege of having her as a coach. The times I was able to be in her presence were memorable. I was able to learn important values and morals that she wanted us to keep as a player and as a person. The amount of passion and love she has for the game is unmatched and that’s something that has inspired me.
BREANNA PHILLIPS
Graduate Student - Track & Field
What impact has sports had on your life?
Sports have played such a crucial role in shaping who I am as a woman. Showing up to practice or competition, day in and day out, has forced me to develop a level of discipline I never imagined I would have. Sports have taught me what it means to show up ready to give it my all regardless of how motivated I'm feeling on a given day. Looking back on the hours of practice I've put in and the accomplishments those hours have yielded me gives me a sense of confidence that I'll have for the rest of my life.
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to and why?
Ashley Spencer, Alysia Montaño, and Sanya Richards-Ross are three woman I looked up to while growing up. My father and I would watch track meets on the T.V. and we always watched the 800meter race, 400meter race and 400 hurdle meter race.
Makenzie Stiles
Junior Pitcher - Softball
What impact has sports had on your life?
I grew up around sports, whether I was playing or I was watching my brother play. As I got older, sports, especially softball, really helped me become the person I am today. I have gotten to do and see things that I never would have been able to do/see if I didn't play sports. If it weren't for sports, I really don't know what I would be doing. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities that softball has brought me.
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to?
One of the biggest role models that I looked up to in softball was Jennie Finch. I grew up watching her play, and I always loved how passionate and determined she was while playing. She was such a great role model for girls that were just starting out with softball.
BRITTANY WATTS
Compliance Coordinator
How has the sports industry evolved for women since you began you career?
Women are now penetrating roles that before they couldn’t. From being ADs, NBA coaches, NFL coaches, and even GMs of minor league baseball teams.
Who were/are some of the women in sports role models you looked/look up to?
Tiffini Grimes, Heather Lyke, Nicole Lynn, Shoshanna Engel Lewis
AUBURN WEISENSALE
Assistant Athletic Director for Performance Nutrition
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with our amazing student-athletes every day and watching them grow throughout their collegiate career!
What advice do you have for girls that want to pursue a career in sports?
Be assertive and help others understand your value. If your input and expertise is valued, you will have a seat at the table regardless of gender