Women’s Soccer: Swarthmore Celebrates National Women in Sport Day
On February 11th, members of the women's soccer team participated in the planning and celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The center of the celebration consisted of a group of young women between the ages of 8-14 from surrounding communities that came to campus to partake in a day worth of athletic activities.
In preparation for the sentiment and purpose of the day, Swarthmore female student-athletes viewed "Dare to Compete: The Struggle of Women in Sport" and wrote notes of appreciation to those that helped them on their road to participation and competition.
 Natalie Negrey '07 shows off her foot skills to a group of young athletes.. |
On Saturday, several members of the soccer team participated in a three-sport clinic put on for the young visitors. The Garnet athletes acted as coaches and helpers in the volleyball, soccer, and tennis activities that consumed much of the morning. Sophomore striker Danielle Tocchet and junior midfielder Natalie Negrey coached the soccer drills for the youngsters and officiated the short match used to highlight the young girls' newfound skills. Keeping the enthusiasm high all morning were Swat kickers Megan Sanborn '08, Melinda Petre '09, and Anna de Regt '09.
 Soccer players Megan Sanborn '08 (left) and Anna de Regt '09 play pass with NGWSD participants. |
After the clinics, the student-athletes took the girls to the Swarthmore women's basketball game to watch. The girls along, with senior captain Laura Twichell, helped cheer on the Garnet and two of the soccer team's own, Caitlin Mullarkey '09 and Kristen Traband '08 as they battled visiting Gettysburg College.
The day culminated with a pizza lunch for all involved and an autograph session with Swarthmore athletes. By the end, the girls weren't ready to go but they left with a smile on their faces and a nice memory of an athletic day with college female role models.