Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day – A Look Back on Women’s Athletic Accomplishments During 2024

Sports have always been a significant part of my life and have impacted me in so many ways. I’ve participated in gymnastics for the past 16 years of my life through classes, club teams, high school teams, and now the club team at the University of Pittsburgh. From being part of a team of strong, hardworking girls to learning valuable lessons in goal setting, work ethic, and teamwork, the sport of gymnastics has given me so much beyond the sport itself.

With so many sports programs at both the recreational and competitive levels, there are so many opportunities for girls of all interests and abilities to participate in sports. Let’s take a look at some of the achievements that occurred this past year across a variety of sports.

1. Simone Biles– 2024 US Olympic Gold Medalist in Women’s Gymnastics

Simone Biles secured 3 more gold medals and 1 silver medal at the 2024 Olympics bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11– very impressive! She was also named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. Her openness about mental health helped others to know that they are not alone. She inspires her fans to work hard, believe in themselves, and most importantly have fun in their sport. “I have the privilege and I have the mental strength to accomplish my wildest dreams.”

2. NCAA Women’s Volleyball– Record Fan Viewership

Women’s NCAA volleyball experienced record-breaking attendance and participation this past year. This year’s national final between Penn State and Nebraska broke the all-time attendance record for an indoor volleyball game, with 21,860 fans. In addition, more and more games are being streamed on television, allowing more and more fans to watch and interact with the sport. As a result, more and more girls are looking up to these athletes and participating in volleyball programs at all-time record numbers. I have attended Pitt volleyball games throughout my time at the University of Pittsburgh and witnessed this immense growth firsthand. My freshman year it was very easy to get a seat at any given game, however this past season during my senior year, I waited in a line down the block just to get into the stadium and nearly every seat was taken!

“‘It just feels like the last two years, that it’s not niche anymore’ Pitt coach Dan Fisher said. ‘It’s truly mainstream.’”

3. Sarah Adam– First Female on the US Rugby Team at the 2024 Paralympics

Sarah Adam made history this year by being made a member of Team USA’s rugby team. She was the first female ever to be named to this mixed-gender (but historically all male) team. Around the world, more and more women are being named to their country’s rugby teams, which is amazing for the growth of women’s sports. “‘It’s just a really exciting time right now for women in sports, getting the attention I think we’ve always deserved,’ Adam said. ‘And, for other females to see that, if this is where you want to play, go do it. Step outside that comfort zone and do it anyway’” Women’s

4. Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team– Gold Medalist at 2024 Olympics

Team USA won gold in the Sitting Volleyball competition at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Even more impressive is that this is the third Paralympic Games in a row that they have brought home the gold. These women played hard and worked as a team to clinch their gold medal!

“That’s what we always try to end timeouts with – being in the moment. You are taking a moment to reconnect with your team, and then go out and do what you need to do”

5. Caitlin Clark– WNBA Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark’s impact carries way beyond her incredible athletic accomplishments.  She became the number 1 career scorer in NCAA women’s basketball history and broke so many more records in NCAA DI basketball during her time on the University of Iowa basketball team. In addition, her success helped grow attendance and viewership of women’s basketball. The University of Iowa has experienced record-breaking attendance numbers, and sold-out stadiums, and NCAA women’s basketball as a whole has experienced a significant increase in viewership on streaming platforms. Her legacy has continued with her position on the Indiana Fever where she continues to break records in numbers of assists and turnovers. Additionally, the WNBA is also growing in fanbase and record-breaking attendance numbers. 

“I came to Iowa with huge aspirations and now I’m getting to play in front of 15,000-plus every single night and that’s so cool. Those are moments that you really can only dream of and now I’m living it every single day of my life and that’s really special”

6. Girls Flag Football– Record Participation

Girls’ flag football has grown in popularity immensely during 2024. This past year, participation increased at the high school level by a massive 105%, with 42,955 girls playing during the 2023-2024 season. More and more flag football programs are being developed, more and more girls are playing, and you’ll even be able to watch girls’ flag football at the next Olympic games in 2028! [The photo above features some of the high school athletes who attended P3R’s flag football clinic on January 19, 2025!]

7. Ilona Maher– 2024 US Olympic Bronze Medalist in Women’s Rugby

Ilona Maher achieved great success both on and off the rugby field during 2024. Not only did she help her team clinch Team USA’s first bronze medal in the women’s sevens rugby competition, she also was the runner-up for this year’s season of Dancing With The Stars. She combined her strength with grace, serving as an inspiration to young girls across the world.

“It’s O.K. to try things that scare you. It’s O.K. to want to see how strong and powerful your body can be. It’s O.K. to wear what makes you feel the most confident. It’s O.K. to do what you love even if society tells you it’s not ‘ladylike.’ It’s O.K. to make mistakes and learn from them to become a better person. It’s O.K. to take up space and speak your mind”

Looking back on this past year, so many incredible accomplishments came out of women’s and girls’ sports. From gold medals and victories to record numbers of girls participating in sports programs, to even record numbers of fan viewership of events, this year is one to remember and reflect on. With so many strong and inspirational women and growing opportunities to participate, the future's looking bright for women and girls of all interests and abilities in sports. What will you accomplish this year in sports? How will you be involved in sports?