Denver Middle School Celebrates Women in Sports

Girls Athletic Leadership School hosts event for National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) in Denver celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Wednesday by hosting an event that welcomed local college athletes and representatives from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Students got a chance to try new sports, join leadership sessions, and draw inspiration from women competing in the sports they love.

Why it matters

The event at GALS aimed to promote women's participation in sports and highlight the achievements of female athletes, especially with the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games and the debut of Colorado's first professional women's soccer team.

The details

The event at GALS featured activities like trying new sports, leadership sessions, and opportunities for students to interact with local college athletes and Olympic representatives. The goal was to inspire the middle school students, especially those who may not have previously played certain sports, to find a passion for athletics and become "lifelong movers and athletes."

  • The event took place on Wednesday, which was National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
  • The 2026 Olympic Games are just weeks away from the Opening Ceremony.

The players

Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS)

A Denver middle school that hosted the event celebrating women in sports.

Danielle Ennis

The Athletic Director at GALS who said the event was aimed at celebrating women's achievements in sports and promoting the benefits of athletic participation for students.

Amelie Godinez

An 8th-grade student at GALS who plays several sports, with lacrosse being her favorite, and is excited about the upcoming Olympics and recognizing female athletes.

Neila Fee

A former GALS student who now plays collegiate softball at Metropolitan State University Denver and attended the event.

Metropolitan State University Denver softball team

One of the college teams that joined the event at GALS.

Denver University women's soccer team

One of the college teams that joined the event at GALS.

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What they’re saying

“We are celebrating the achievements of women in sports, and promoting play, all the benefits students get from participating in sports.”

— Danielle Ennis, Athletic Director, Girls Athletic Leadership School

“We're pushing our students to become leaders, use their voices make change. We're also always promoting the idea of 'play' for our students.”

— Danielle Ennis, Athletic Director, Girls Athletic Leadership School

“These girls can go home inspired to try something different. They may have never played softball or golf, but [might find] that joy, that passion, to become lifelong movers and athletes and make a difference in their world.”

— Danielle Ennis, Athletic Director, Girls Athletic Leadership School

“We've come so far and I feel like its such a big part now of society. There's so many girls who play sports, women who play professionally, it should be recognized more.”

— Amelie Godinez, 8th-grade student, Girls Athletic Leadership School

What’s next

The 2026 Olympic Games are just weeks away from the Opening Ceremony, providing an opportunity for continued celebration and recognition of women in sports.

The takeaway

The event at the Girls Athletic Leadership School demonstrates the importance of inspiring young girls to participate in sports and celebrating the achievements of female athletes, especially as women's sports continue to gain more prominence in society.