National Girls & Women in Sports Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of February. This day is dedicated to recognizing female athletic achievements and promoting opportunities for girls in sports.

Today, the NMU Athletics Department is celebrating girls and women, both past and present, to honor the achievements of women in sports, acknowledge the impact of sports participation, and advocate for equality and inclusion for girls in athletics.

MARQUETTE, Mich. – From the moment she first picked up a basketball, Jacy Weisbrod has approached the game with endless energy, confidence, and a drive to compete. She quickly realized that sports would play a central role in her life — not just for the thrill of winning, but for the lessons, friendships, and opportunities they provide. 

Hailing from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Weisbrod has been the most lethal three-point shooter in either Division I or Division II hoops this season, averaging 3.59 makes per game. She also recently became Northern's all-time leader in made three-pointers, and she leads the GLIAC this season with 17.1 points per game. 

Her success throughout her career at Northern Michigan is the result of years of putting in the work for a love of the game that began long before college.

"I first realized sports were going to be important to me when I was in kindergarten and joined my first YMCA youth basketball team," Weisbrod said. "Every time we had a game, I would get so excited I almost felt sick — I couldn't wait to get out there, compete, and (hopefully) win."

Her passion and dedication came from watching the women who were at the pinnacle of their craft.

"Growing up, I looked up to superstars like Serena Williams and Simone Biles, who were the absolute best at what they did. It was inspiring to see women dominate their sports the way they did while being so confident and passionate about what they loved."

Williams and Biles have set new standards in their respective sports. Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles — the most in the Open Era — and has been a trailblazer both on and off the court, advocating for equality and inspiring generations of athletes. Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast in history, has earned 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, redefining what's possible in gymnastics and showing unmatched power, precision, and artistry. 

Their dominance and confidence have made them icons, demonstrating that women can excel at the highest levels while embracing their own strength and passion. Watching Williams and Biles dominate with poise showed Weisbrod that she could do the same — embrace her strengths, play with confidence, and inspire others along the way.

"I hope that if anyone ever looks up to me, they'll realize they don't have to be apologetic about getting loud, excited, and confident, and that it's okay to celebrate their wins."

Dominating at the collegiate level, Weisbrod credits her teammates, as well as the NMU and Marquette communities, for keeping that drive going.

"I appreciate how competitive my teammates are and how well-rounded they all are as people. Not only do they excel at their sport, but they're genuinely awesome, smart, and dedicated women, and they're so much more than just the sport they play. Being an athlete in a special community like Marquette, where you get so much support from everyone, means a lot to me. Being able to play in front of so many dedicated fans and represent NMU wherever we go is an amazing opportunity that I feel really lucky to have, because it's not like this everywhere."

Now in a place she loves, playing the sport she loves, Weisbrod is living out her dream of playing college basketball and representing women at a high level. 

"Being able to play basketball in college in general is a dream that I have had since I picked up a basketball, and I am so glad that women's sports, and women's basketball, are finally getting the attention that they deserve."

Throughout her childhood, she received consistent encouragement from her father, Chip. Regardless of sport, he saw the vision for how much Jacy loved to compete and would always be there to show his support as her biggest fan. 

"I would like to thank my dad. He always encouraged me to play whatever sport I love — whether it was football, basketball, or volleyball — because he knew how much I loved to compete. Even when I was the only girl on a football team, my dad showed up every day, helped me practice, and was always the most excited when I got to play. He's helped me so much in everything, on and off the court."

As she reflects on her path, Weisbrod sees how women's sports have shaped not just her game, but who she is as a person.

"Being a woman in sports has shaped every aspect of my life, from how I take on challenges, to my relationships with others, to being lucky enough to receive an education simply because I can play a sport in college — something women in the past did not have the opportunity to do. Sports have given me confidence in myself on and off the field and have shown me that I can do things I never thought I'd be capable of. Women in Sports Day is special to me because of the many little girls who had the same dream as I, but did not have the opportunities that I do."