Feb. 14, 2008

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, Feb 23, prior to the SMU women's basketball game against Houston.

A Sports Clinic will start at 1 p.m. in the Crum Center adjacent to Moody Coliseum. Players and coaches from SMU's women's volleyball, soccer, rowing, equestrian, track, swimming and golf teams will be there. Each sport will have a booth offering a fun activity and autographs. The first 100 girls ages 12 and younger to arrive will receive a tote bag from Aeropostale. Admission to the Clinic is free with the purchase of a ticket to the women's basketball game, which will tip off at 2 p.m.

There will be an on-court recognition of current and former SMU female athletes during the game.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, a world-class athlete who helped the United States women's volleyball team to a silver medal at the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Hyman used her notoriety to set an example of community involvement while significantly enhancing the opportunities for girls and women in sport. Following Hyman's sudden passing while playing volleyball in Japan in 1986, NGWSD continues to evolve into a celebration of the past and recognition of current achievements for girls and women in sport.

This year's theme for the event is "All In!" NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.

For more information regarding NGWSD, click here.

SMU, the only Division I athletic program in Dallas, Texas, sponsors 17 sports and has been ranked as the top school in its conference for 10 of the last 11 years in the Director's Cup overall athletic rankings. More information about SMU and its coaches, student-athletes and teams is available at www.SMUMustangs.com.