Bakersfield College held an event to recognize Women in Athletics in the ballroom center on March 22.

The purpose of the event was to show recognition toward female athletes, inspire them to always stand up for themselves despite their gender and explain the significance of Title IX.

Several prominent women in athletics attended the event, including Cheryl Miller, an Olympic Gold Medalist, former pro basketball player, general manager of the Phoenix Mercury and sports analyst.

Anitra Necole Blue, who currently assistant coaches for the Phoenix Mercury basketball team stated, “It takes people before us standing up time and time again so that we can receive the same opportunities as the male counterpart.”

Though women have excelled in sports for years, this has been an ongoing controversy, and those who spoke at the event were passionate in taking a stand for the current generation of female athletes while also teaching them to do the same thing for the following generation.

Following Blue, a panel of women, who currently work in the athletic industry, spoke briefly on their experiences.

Kanoe Bandy, who is the Athletics Director at Taft College said, “As a woman, I will never get outworked; whether it’s on the court, on the field, or in your job, don’t ever get out worked.”

Bandy reminded women that despite the physical differences they have, they are just as capable as men.

Kim Ensing, the Athletics Director at Allan Hancock College, added, “I remember my first day on the job. Some guy told me it’s okay that you’re in this role and that you’re a woman, we would like to work with you anyways;  I thought well, that’s odd, he gave me permission to be a female in my job.”

Jeanne Calamar, Athletics Director at Cosumnes River Association shared, “I remember when I was coaching High School, people would say you don’t treat them like they’re girls. I said well they are not, they are basketball players.”

The information was intended to change the way the younger generation of female athletes perceive themselves and others. The central idea was to never give up. Even when others say you can’t or no, keep fighting for what is right.

The athletes were offered snacks, and beverages to enjoy and had the opportunity to take a lunch break midway through the event.

Overall, the turnout was unexpected and many hope to see events dedicated toward female athletes continue in the public school system in hopes of changing the trajectory of the future for women in sports.