John Jay Athletics Celebrates 'Girls In Sports Day' With Agility

CROSS RIVER, NY — There are good reasons to look up to our sports heroes, and students in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District don't have to look very far to find their role models.

From the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

Imagine being a fourth grader and learning some stickwork from a top defender on John Jay’s field hockey team, or being a second grader and passing a ball with the captain of John Jay’s women’s soccer team, or a sixth grader and shooting hoops with two members of John Jay’s women’s basketball team.

That’s what is in store for girls in grades one through six at Katonah-Lewisboro Schools’ Girls in Sports Day. The District event is May 19, from 1 – 5 p.m., at John Jay High School’s Contest Field. Girls in Sports Day is free; preregistration required. Register by May 1 to receive a free t-shirt.

Girls in Sports Day is organized by Debbie Walsh, John Jay’s field hockey coach. She designed the afternoon to be an engaging and active introduction to the women’s sports offered at John Jay and to its tight-knit community of female athletes. The event is a part of a national movement led by the Women’s Sports Foundation celebrating the achievements and contributions of girls and women in sports.

As a coach, Walsh knows how empowering and fulfilling participating in sports is for young women. So do the players.

"The family aspect is what’s most important," said junior Jojo Degl, a two-sport athlete, and All Section captain of John Jay’s field hockey team. "It’s about learning how to work for each other as well as pushing yourself to be the best you can be."

"It’s very empowering," said senior Brooke Habinowski, a three-sport athlete who was named one of the Elite 12 by Section 1 soccer coaches. "It’s a great environment to foster friendship that you’ll carry with you your whole life."

"It’s a lot of fun," said senior Katherine Martin, a two-sport athlete, and All League/All Conference volleyball player. "You learn how to carry yourself through tough situations."

These athletes and over a dozen other Wolves will help lead Girls in Sports Day, along with John Jay’s varsity coaches for field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and, new this year, flag football. John Jay Boosters are supplying the snacks.

For Walsh, the day is an important introduction that can plant seeds and nurture young girls’ interest in athletics.

"I want high school to be the most memorable time for students," said Walsh. "Playing sports is a big part of the experience."