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PHILADELPHIA – Nearly 200 members of the La Salle athletic community gathered in the Union Ballroom on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the 27^th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The luncheon included remarks from La Salle University President Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., Athletic Director Dr. Tom Brennan, Senior Woman Administrator Mary Ellen Wydan, and a keynote from former Faculty Athletic Representative Annette O'Connor.

Wydan opened the event by sharing the value of the relationships formed among teammates, especially girls supporting girls. She shared the unique value of the student-athlete experience while noting the role that La Salle's coaches play in the lives of its student-athletes.

She then passed the baton to Brother Michael McGinniss.. He referred to the effects of Title IX as being "all to the good" while emphasizing the impact that a positive team culture can have. He specifically referenced the women's soccer program which has reached the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive years.

When given the opportunity to absorb the team's culture and chemistry at a recent banquet he noted "it was clear to me how they got to where they got." He also spoke directly to the fourth and fifth grade girls in attendance from Logan Elementary School, who were soaking in the inspirational messages.

Upon McGinniss' closing remarks, Dr. Brennan took the stage. He conveyed his feelings on women in sport, drawing from a trove of knowledge and experiences he has gained within college athletics dating back to 1980. He noted the power that athletics can have on young people's lives and the positive impact it has on a community. It was with "great pride" that he congratulated the women's teams at La Salle on their continued improvement and remarked that "there has been tremendous growth."

After a half hour lunch break, keynote Annette O'Connor stepped up to the microphone. She served as the Faculty Athletic Representative at La Salle for 22 years and became heavily involved with the NCAA and Student Athlete Advisory Committee during her stead. She shared her personal experience within sport and marveled at the light years of improvement that have been made in women's athletics during her lifetime. She closed with addressing the student-athletes in attendance and exclaimed that "…you make us proud."