University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn to Celebrate 40th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day
2/9/2026 9:56:00 AM | General
STORRS, CT — In recognition of the 40th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), UConn will host a special NGWSD event on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the UConn Volleyball Center.
The event will begin with a youth sports clinic featuring local middle school girls from the Boys & Girls Club, supported by volunteers from UConn's women's athletic teams. The clinic is designed to promote confidence, skill development, and positive engagement through sport.
Following the clinic, participants will attend a dinner and educational session titled "Real Talk: What Female Athletes Should Know About Their Bodies." The session will be led by members of UConn's Sports Medicine team and moderated by Allison Schafer, Director of Sports Medicine and Head Team Physician.
The discussion will focus on building foundational knowledge, increasing awareness, reducing stigma, clarifying when and how athletes should seek help, and strengthening trust between athletes and their care teams.
Additional panelists include:
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Dr. Kathy Coyner, Orthopedic Team Physician
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Moe Butler, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance
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Dr. Chelsea Morales, Athletics Multicultural Mental Health Clinician
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Dr. Samantha Morris, Athlete Mental Health Clinician (Psychologist)
National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrates the achievements of girls and women in sport while recognizing the ongoing work needed to ensure equal opportunity, access, and representation.
