Girls ‘inspired’ by Huskers at event celebrating women in sports

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska hosted an event Wednesday to celebrate the 38th annual Girls and Women in Sports Day.

The first-of-its-kind celebration highlighted Husker women and their accomplishments and sought to inspire next generation.

Former Nebraska softball player Mya Felder approached the university after last year’s celebration of Title IX, the legislation that required gender equity in college athletics.

“I wasn’t able to be a part of that event because it was at our game when I was student-athlete,” she said. “And so this day honestly just means a lot. And I wanted to know what we could do to celebrate it.”

Programs from around campus set up booths with games and activities for future Huskers to interact with.

“I have come to the Bob a lot to watch games, and I was at the Memorial game,” said Skyler Pierce, an incoming Nebraska volleyball freshman. “So knowing that Nebraska has this fan base and this support group for women’s sports in general and knowing that Nebraska is taking those steps for women’s sports, it’s awesome, and I cannot wait to be a part of it.”

Husker basketball player Jaz Shelley said none of the kids at the event were shy.

“They just asked a bunch of questions, they tell me how much they love basketball and volleyball and all of these different sports,” she said. “And it’s cool that they love all of these sports.”

Kennedi Orr of Nebraska volleyball said she enjoys interacting with fans.

“When little girls come to you and they just have this awe in their eye, it is just so special,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade being a Husker athlete for the world because of these types of moments. I think Nebraska does a great job to get their athletes interacting with the community.”

Wednesday’s celebration is something every young Husker fan will remember forever.

“It was really cool because I got to see people who I look up to in sports and people who are really cool with the sports,” Nora Sandberg said.

Mila Pfingsten said, “I am kind of inspired by them because I want to be some type of Nebraska athlete someday.”