Vikings serve as role models on National Girls and Women in Sports Day

When Washington Junior High eighth graders walked into Augustana’s PepsiCo Recreation Center, they weren’t quite sure what to think about pole vaulting, javelin throws or wrestling takedowns. Soon, curiosity replaced doubt, and they were all in.

For the 38 junior high girls, National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Augustana focused on athletics and so much more.

Hosted by the Vikings women’s track & field and wrestling teams, the event was designed to introduce junior high girls to new sports, connect them with role models and reinforce the confidence that comes from stepping outside their comfort zone. The schedule included leadership sessions, breakout conversations, warmups and sport rotations before concluding with lunch on campus.

For Chad “Gunny” Gunnelson, Augustana’s director of track & field and cross country, the day reflected Augustana's mission.

“Augustana and our students are deeply rooted in community service,” he said. “Our women, as campus leaders and future leaders in their field, care about providing mentorship and inspiration to those who will soon be in their shoes. This event supported the college's three strategic pillars — prioritizing engaged learning for both our students and our friends from Washington Junior High, maximizing student potential and connecting through partnership.”

Gunnelson added, “Our hope is to inspire confidence, courage and connection through sport, and our women in athletics do an incredible job at that.”

That goal resonated with one of the event leaders, Liz Hayes ’27, who competes in long jump and triple jump for the Vikings.

“Gunny and I felt strongly that our athletes could serve as powerful role models for young girls, showing them what strength and empowerment look like in action,” Hayes said. “For me personally, stepping into a leadership role for this event mattered because I wanted to share a message about the connection between sports and mental health with the girls. I also wanted to contribute in any way I could to create an experience that uplifted them and highlighted the importance of supporting one another.”

Hayes said one moment stood out during the track rotations at the jumps station, which included pole vault.

“The pole vault can be intimidating, but they chose to try it anyway and ended up doing an incredible job,” she said. “Watching them push past their initial apprehension and embrace something new highlighted their curiosity and willingness to challenge themselves.”

Washington School Interventionist Dawn Deaner also noticed that spirit and growth throughout the morning.

“I feel that some were a little apprehensive at first, but once they split up and got in the groups, they were definitely enjoying themselves,” Deaner said. “Many said that they wished P.E. was like this every day.”

Her students left with lessons that extended beyond sport:

• “If you stay committed to something, you can do it!” Kamora Terrell said.
• "It was a good experience because I was able to try different sports that I didn't know if I would be interested in or even know if I was any good at,” Morgan Dieudonne said.
• “They were all so nice! You have a community that is surrounding you, and there are endless possibilities ... especially in sports,” Sophia Baugher said.

Hayes is convinced that when girls see women who are passionate and dedicated in their sport, it can inspire them to pursue their own goals and stay motivated though challenging times.

“My role as a college athlete has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to learn a great deal about myself,” Hayes said. “I see that role extending beyond competition by serving as a positive example for younger girls.”

After Augustana, Hayes plans to teach art and coach middle or high school track and field athletes, and continue serving as a mentor for young women in the classroom and in athletics.