University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Celebrates Successful National Girls & Women In Sports Day
February 23, 2026 | Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina Athletics spotlighted National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Sunday morning, hosted at the Bill Koman Practice Complex. The annual event is held to inspire the next generation of athletes and was presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
"I feel like we continue to have more and more people come to this event every year," Bella Gaetino, junior on the women's soccer team said. "It is so cool to see how many people are inspired by women's sports and Carolina Athletics in general."
Throughout the event, student-athletes demonstrated a variety of mini sport clinics, showing children different drills and skills from their respective sports.
"We have been so proud to partner with UNC Athletics for this event," Cheryl Parquet of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC said. "It has been great to see everyone really focus on their mental health and what it means for our students and student-athletes. The way that they're able to come together and really make connections around belonging and building resilience is great."
Members from numerous Tar Heel teams were in attendance, including field hockey, gymnastics, women's soccer, volleyball, football and more.
"I think it is so cool to interact and talk to these girls, meet their parents and see how inspired they are by all the amazing women who make Carolina Athletics as a whole," Gaetino added. "I am so honored to be a part of it."
There was no charge to participate and everyone (including parents and guardians) who attended, received a complimentary ticket to the women's basketball game against Pittsburgh and the women's lacrosse contest against Louisville after the event.
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