2026 National Girls and Women in Sports Day

2026 National Girls and Women in Sports Day

February 03, 2026 | Athletics

Today, on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we proudly honor the outstanding achievements and impact of our female student-athletes, coaches, and staff members at the University of Oklahoma. Their dedication, passion, and excellence continue to inspire and shape the legacy of OU Athletics.

IN THEIR WORDS

Jenn Richardson | Athletic Medicine

“I remember watching our team and this program win their first even national championship for gymnastics in 2014. Knowing how much work had gone into building this program to finally achieve that ultimate goal and then seeing all of that hard work payoff is something I can't even put into words. Not just the 2014 team, but everyone that came before them that helped grow the program. The coaches that put the plan into place in 2006 when we all got here and never settling. The standard was set from the minute they walked onto campus and that standard continues to make this program great ever since. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with and alongside these amazing women.”

Kinley Hansen | Marketing

“I remember the first time sports looked different. Sports had always been my world. Competing, training, and pushing myself shaped who I was. Then an injury changed my path, and the future I had imagined shifted. Instead of stepping away, I found a new way to stay involved, and eventually, a new purpose. From volunteering as a statistical analysis manager with Nebraska Baseball to working across all fourteen varsity sports at Creighton University, I’ve been fortunate to support programs through marketing, fan engagement, and behind-the-scenes work that helps bring people together. That purpose came full circle when I led Creighton’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day game in partnership with FOX’s Female Forward Broadcast. We hosted a free pre-game clinic for over 150 young girls and created a shadow program that allowed middle school students to experience gameday roles firsthand. Now, as I continue my journey at Oklahoma, helping create sold-out crowds, historic wins, and memorable gameday experiences — I’m reminded that there’s more than one way to be on the field.”

Katie Roberts | Rowing

“I remember the first time I participated in a collegiate rowing race during my freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and opportunities I had as a student-athlete, and it is especially meaningful to now serve on the staff of the same program that so profoundly impacted my life.”

Sydney Kudlac | Athletic Communications

“I remember when our team won its second national championship in a row my sophomore year at OU. My heart was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy knowing the hard work every single woman on that team put in every day at practice paid off and seeing them celebrate on that podium in Fort Worth made it all worth it.”

Evi Wilson | Sooner Sports Properties

“I remember the first time I received a college offer to play Division 1 volleyball – an incredibly surreal moment and one I’ll always be grateful for, knowing I would have the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing in college at the highest level.”

Dolores Christiansen | PROS

“I remember when I realized my college volleyball team was going to be a family. We've been to each other's weddings, held babies, celebrated new jobs, and supported one another in all parts of life well beyond our playing days on the court. Our annual alumnae tournament in May has become a can't-miss gathering, reunion, and walk down memory lane for over 15 years...and counting!”

Game ChangeHER/Facility Projects

Since 2024, Oklahoma Athletics has launched and unveiled five state-of-the-art facility projects designed to deliver a world-class student athlete experience for our women’s programs. Generous support from Sooner Club members has fueled transformational investments in basketball, golf, gymnastics, tennis and softball facilities, advancing OU’s commitment to competitive excellence across its women’s sports.

From Love’s Field, the crown jewel of college softball, to the Ransom House’s finest golf experience in the country, and an elevated home for the seven-time national championship gymnastics program, our facilities set the national standard, empowering women’s athletes to excel on the field of competition, in the classroom and in life.