WBLAHS Student-athletes, Coaches and Staff Honor National Girls & Women In Sports Day

On February 4, we celebrated National Girls & Women In Sports Day! It was a great opportunity to recognize the achievements of our female student-athletes and coaches. On this day and every day, we celebrate our girls and recommit to continuing our efforts to empower girls and women in sports here at White Bear Lake Area High School. 

To help us further elevate NGWSD, the Activities Department asked coaches and student-athletes to share their responses to any of following questions:

1. How has participating in sports impacted your life;
2. What are the benefits of girls participating in sports;
3. Why do you play/coach;
4. Why should we celebrate this day;
5. How can people support girls sports/achievements at WBLAHS

"Growing up playing sports has been everything for me. Sports are where I have built so many positive relationships with coaches, teammates and other athletes. Additionally, sports have taught me countless life lessons including mental and physical toughness, overcoming challenges, discipline, leadership and the ability to work with others. Overall, some of my favorite life memories have come from playing sports."

- Chloe Theissen: Girls Tennis, Basketball, & Flag Football Athlete

"Growing up playing sports has taught me many valuable life lessons such as perseverance, teamwork, time management, and dedicating time to improving my skills. I think playing sports has taught me to be able to both recognize other people’s strengths, celebrate them, and find ways to leverage them for the benefit of the team. I play hockey because I like pushing myself to get better every single day and because I love the game.

I think there are so many benefits for both girls and women to compete in sports. Sports teach many valuable life lessons and resilience. I like becoming both physically stronger as well as mentally tough. My team is like my family and I love the camaraderie that we have. We support each other both on and off the ice, and build friendships that are lifelong. 

Only a few generations ago there were limited competitive sports for girls.  It is important that we keep up the momentum and build on the efforts that have created opportunities for girls/women to participate in sports, especially at higher levels.  I think that people can support girls' sports and achievements here at WBLAHS by going to the games/events and supporting them on social media."

- Paige Downey: Varsity Hockey Athlete

“Sports have always been a constant part of my life, and many of my favorite memories come from being part of a team. They’ve taught me how to handle pressure, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing myself. I play sports because I enjoy the challenge and the environment, but also because I’m really grateful for the teammates and coaches who have supported me along the way.”

- Josie Guidinger: Tennis & Alpine Ski Athlete

"Because of sports, I have gained confidence, discipline, and know how to push through challenges. As a team player, I have learned how to lead and be a role model to my teammates and younger players, as well as how to trust my peers. Sports Give girls opportunities to learn leadership, determination, and confidence - characteristics that we are able to take off the field and use in our everyday life. Building Confidence is something that matters, and by playing sports, we prove to ourselves and others that we are able to succeed and push ourselves beyond limits. 

A day to honor women in sports is a reminder on how powerful and successful women are when given an opportunity to complete and succeed. At WBLAHS, peoeple can recognize girls in sports by attending girls sporting events, and showing the same enthusiasm and support as they would for boys sports."

- Lilly Martin: Varsity Softball Athlete 

"Women and girls in sports learn how to handle pressure with poise, put other before themselves, and carry confidence in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. You can often tell who played a team sport by the standards they carry and the way they treat people around them. The transformation that happens through sport is subtle but lasting, and it shapes who you become long after the game ends."

- Claudia Verkerke: Girls Hockey Head Coach

"Sports were the first place I ever felt passion. I loved the competition, but even more than that, I loved witnessing others push past what they thought were their limits and accomplish things they never believed were possible. The lessons I learned on the court—resilience, accountability, trust, and belief—shaped me far beyond athletics; they became the foundation of who I am as an adult.

As a high school and college athlete, the relationships I built with my coaches changed my life. They saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and their influence still guides the way I lead, support, and show up for others. I coach today because I believe deeply in that legacy. I want to be the person who creates a space where young athletes feel challenged, supported, and empowered to discover strengths they didn’t know they had—on the court and beyond."

- Lisa Setterlund: Assistant Girls Basketball Coach

"I coach Girls' Volleyball because I love watching the athletes grow both on and off the court into the young women that they are. Not only am I coaching skills and strategies on the court, but also coaching life lessons for life beyond volleyball. I enjoy being able to mentor the players, build trust, celebrate success, help them overcome setbacks and watch them mature into young women. Watching them leave the program more confident, stronger and proud of who they are is so rewarding as a coach. 

It is important to keep girls in sports to continue to develop their confidence, resilience and leadership. These skills will carry into the classroom, their relationships and careers forming a positive channel during developmental years. It is as equally important to have women coaching as they serve as role models for female athletes. Women coaches in positions of authority helps to normalize leadership and reinforces a sense of belonging and empowerment in competitive sports."

- Mackenzie Leverty: Head Girls Volleyball Coach

"Humans are social creatures, and sports are a great way to participate! I would say friendships! Learning how to engage with others. Plus, letting off steam. There is a lot of energy that needs to be released at the end of the day, and a great way is through sports. 

I think it's important because sports give an outlet for women to now have VOICE and POWER! Women are starting to get the respect they have deserved the WHOLE TIME, but in the United States, we love our sports. SO, if that's the avenue where we're gonna be heard, I say LET'S GO FOR IT!!!!!

Women Coaching: This is a barrier that is still being worked on. Coaching is a system of power, and men still find ways to dominate this area.  It doesn't have to be this way though, and it is changing. I'm excited for Emily Shilson to take on the Women's Wrestling Program at St. Michaels Albertville High School. Yes, a woman coach!    

Women CAN hold each other accountable. Women CAN know all of the knowledge it takes to win games! Women CAN be assertive! Women CAN possess leadership qualities that are essential to sports! This goes for women coaching men's teams too."

- Stefanie Helmer: WBLAHS Teacher & Former Collegiate Athlete

"Sports have played an integral role in my life. I’m grateful that my positions as a coach and Activity Director allow me to continue using the unique power of sports to empower girls and breakdown barriers for more women to coach. Sports teach invaluable lessons in leadership, self-advocacy, confidence, and resilience. It’s crucial we invest in our girls’ programs to retain women coaches so our female student-athletes can reap those benefits with role models leading the way."

- Taylor Tvedt: Assistant Activities Director

Read full responses from each participant.