William Paterson University celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day Feb. 9, honoring the achievements, and encouraging the participation of, girls and women in sports. 

WP Athletics sponsored a special program following a home doubleheader against Richard Stockton, featuring women in professional sports.  Appearing at the program were boxing/kickboxing champion Alicia Ashley, former WNBA standout Kym Hampton, assistant general manager of the Philadelphia Force Erin Statmore, and member of both the National Field Hockey and Amateur Softball Association Halls of Fame Joan Moser.

The speakers participated in a question-and-answer forum, and audience members were able to learn about the achievements and hardships of women in professional sports, specifically including the important of the constitutional amendment, Title IX. 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone based on sex.  Under this law, males and females are expected to receive fair and equal treatment in all arenas of public schooling.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day – first chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 – honors female athletic achievement and recognizes the positive influence of sports participation for girls and women.