February 7th is the 38th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). 
 
Powered by Women's Sports Foundation (WSF), NGWSD draws national attention to the importance of equal opportunities in sport for girls and women. It's a celebration and inspiration for girls across the country to unlock their limitless potential through sport.

Founded in 1987, NGWSD began as a special day to recognize women's sports. Organizations and female athletes united to bring national attention of girls and women in sports. The event has evolved to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes and the positive influence of sports participation. Backing the NGWSD is the Women's Sports Foundation. The organization helps to expand opportunities for girls and women, of all backgrounds, in sports through research, advocacy, impact and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. Many prominent female athletes are involved with the foundation.
 
Southeast Missouri has eight women's sports which compete at the NCAA Division I level, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, track & field, softball, tennis and gymnastics. All of those sports with the exception of gymnastics are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Gymnastics is part of the Midwest Independent Conference (MIC).
 
Combined, these programs have won 48 OVC regular-season championships, 19 OVC Tournament titles, four MIC crowns and one USA Gymnastics National Championship.

During the 2022-23 year the Redhawks celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, which was signed into law on June 23, 1972, and stated "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity."

SEMO recognizes NGWSD and those who help to support our female student-athletes, coaches, administrators and lead us to a bright future.

The Redhaws will honor their female student-athletes during halftime of Thursday's women's basketball game against Tennessee Tech.