DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University is gearing up to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 5. The festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. before the Huskie women’s basketball game against Kent State, which starts at 6 p.m. Join us for a special panel discussion featuring accomplished former NIU female athletes and a Youth Sports Clinic for kids.
Kristin Hoffman, a Hall of Fame volleyball player from NIU, will be part of the panel. She’s recently made partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Chicago. Kristen Brown, a Huskie basketball alum, now serves as deputy athletic director at the University of Nebraska. Cindy Tucker, another NIU Hall of Famer from the women’s gymnastics team, works as the director of rehabilitation services at Northwestern Medicine. They’ll engage with Courtney Vinson, NIU’s executive associate athletic director, to discuss “Growing the Game: Women’s Athletics Then and Now.” This conversation will take place in the South Lobby of the NIU Convocation Center and is free with the purchase of a game ticket.
“This day is significant for NIU, showcasing our proud history in women’s sports,” Vinson shared. “We’ll discuss the growth in support for women’s athletics and the unique experiences of our panelists, who have taken varied paths in their careers. I’m eager to see fans come out and show their support for the Women’s Excellence Fund, which greatly benefits our female athletes.”
The youth sports clinic, aimed at kids ages 6-12, will feature interactive stations with student-athletes from the Huskie women’s sports programs, cheerleaders, and the dance team from 5-5:45 PM in Victor E. Court. Every participant will receive a free T-shirt (while supplies last) and complimentary entry to the basketball game. Families of pre-registered children will be emailed a link for discounted game tickets. Pre-registration ends at 5 p.m. on January 31, but walk-ups are welcome if space permits.
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, there are several ways to support the Women’s Excellence Fund, which aids NIU’s nine women’s sports programs. By purchasing tickets to the game through this link, a $2 donation will go to the Women’s Excellence Fund for each ticket sold. There’s also an option to contribute more at checkout.
Additionally, the special NGWSD T-shirts given at the Kids’ Clinic will be available for adults to purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Women’s Excellence Fund.
For more details about the Women’s Excellence Fund, you can reach out to the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or via email at huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.
Stay connected with NIU Athletics on social media: Twitter: @NIUAthletics, Facebook: NIU Huskies, Instagram: niuhuskies, YouTube: NIU Athletics Official.
