In 1987, a few organizations and female athletes gathered to shed light on the hushed demography of women in sports. The crowd held a single intention of bringing national attention to girls and women surviving in the industry. Today it is known as National Girls and Women in Sports Day and has evolved to celebrate and acknowledge female athletes and their achievements. And Nebraska Huskers knew just how to do it.

Nebraska Huskers female programs have seen impressive growth through the years. With the first program of basketball club marking a beginning in 1970, the university has grown to record the highest attendance for women’s sports. In celebration of their presence and achievements, the administration had a warming surprise planned for their female athletes.

Nebraska Huskers strikes a chord for female athletes

Feb 7th, 2024 marked the 38th edition of National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The celebrations are to induce inspiration, strength, and confidence in women to play and stay active. Nebraska Huskers presented how their female athletes were the epitome of just that and did so with the view better than none: athletes’ families. “It’s important to tell loved ones you’re proud of them,” the shared X post read. In the clip attached, athletes across various programs were asked to come in for an interview, only to be surprised by a video message from their family.

“You have made such a difference here in your town and your state. As you know our town was not a volleyball town and our state was not a volleyball state. But things are changing rapidly and you are a huge part of that,” Merritt Beason’s parents can be heard saying. While Rhema Otabor’s family pointed out the communities she represented, Callin Hake highlighted the growth women’s sports have achieved since her grandmother’s age.

However, by the end of it, the video was an emphasis on the impact these athletes are going to carry. And very rightly so with the numbers, women’s programs have recorded.

An upward graph for the women’s sports

It is no news that men’s collegiate sports have garnered wider attention as compared to their female counterparts. However, in recent times, female NCAA programs showcased potential attached to excellence. According to reports, the 2016-17 season generated more than $5 million in revenue in the top 5 women’s basketball. The peak was recorded by Stanford at $21.4 million. As for Nebraska Huskers, the team recorded $3.73 million for volleyball placing about 13th.

Also Read: This 20 year-old Longstanding Record of Nebraska Huskers Volleyball Will Blow Your Mind

But the biggest of all was the 92,003 attendance the Volleyball team pulled last year. The number was the highest the entirety of women’s sports have ever seen. “Having this to look kind of look up to is something that little girls will keep in the back of their mind,” Lexi Rodriguez remarked on that occasion.

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