National Girls and Women in Sports Day, featuring two business students

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual celebration beginning in 1987 that recognizes the achievements of female athletes. This day highlights the importance of sports participation for girls and the positive impact it has on their health, confidence and leadership skills.

Teneia Howard, Cheerleading

Sport: Cheerleading
Major: Management
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

When did you first become interested in cheer?
I got into cheerleading a little later than most—around fifth grade when I was about 10 years old. Then, I started competitive cheer in seventh grade. After I graduated high school, I knew I wasn’t ready to let go of the sport I love, so I decided to cheer in college too.

How has sports impacted you as a person?
Cheerleading helped me develop the mindset I have today. The sport itself is highly competitive, but even within practices, you’re always pushing to be the best version of yourself and make sure you’re helping your team be the best it can be. At the same time, balancing academics and cheer was a challenge. In high school, school felt easier, but in college, I had to put in more study hours and juggle a heavier workload. Cheer helped me develop better time management skills and overcome procrastination, as well as learn how to stay organized and take responsibility for myself.

What is your favorite things about cheer?

Cheerleading is all about putting in the extra work. Whether it’s going to extra practices or showing your coach you’re prepared, you are always pushing yourself to do more. My teammates are also a big reason I love cheer. They are there through the ups and downs, both in life and within the sport. There’s nothing better than looking back and knowing you all gave it your best.

Sidney Minarik, Soccer

Major: MBA Program
Hometown: Huntersville, N.C.

When did you first become interested in soccer?
I started playing soccer for the first time when I was 3 years old! Since then, I never looked back. My parents tried me in other sports, but soccer has always been my favorite.

How has sports impacted you as a person?
I wouldn’t be who I am without sports. You learn so many valuable lessons about yourself and how to care for those working with you by being on a team. Soccer has given me the space to develop both mental and physical resilience, confidence, and the want to motivate those around me.

What is your favorite thing about soccer?

I love being on a team. Soccer has given me my best friends, and I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled the world with them. There’s nothing like watching the people you have put in so much time and effort at practice with, succeed themselves and with each other. I also love the competitiveness you need to play and how the sport connects different types of people.