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Minnie Bittell

Women's Lacrosse Braden Golisek - Assistant Director of Sports Information

National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Minnie Bittell

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. -- Minnie Bittell (women's lacrosse, class of '24) has played sports for as long as she can remember, and her work ethic and confidence are direct results of that experience.

"I always knew sports would play an important role in my life because they allowed me to dream for myself and create the best version of myself that I wanted to achieve. During difficult personal moments, sports provided a space where I felt safe, seen, and able to have fun. Realizing that sports would remain an important part of my life wasn't a sudden revelation; I always knew they would be part of my life in some capacity for as long as I can remember."

Bittell, a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, graduated from NMU in 2024 as the most decorated student-athlete in Wildcat lacrosse history. You don't have to go far into the lacrosse record book to find 'Minnie Bittell' atop the list of almost every statistical category. 

"My parents supported me through everything and pushed me to be the best version of myself. They always told me I could do anything I put my mind to, and to do so with honor and integrity. I owe the work ethic and success I have achieved to them."

And while Minnie, as most athletes do, looked up to professional athletes and celebrities to improve her skills and hone her craft, she says that the female athletes who influenced her the most were often those whom she knew personally.

"As a freshman in high school, I remember meeting a senior captain who was outgoing, welcoming, and charismatic, someone who created a team environment I immediately wanted to be part of. She played the same two sports I did and was captain of both. The impact she had on me as a young player was profound, and I carried that feeling with me throughout my leadership roles and athletic career." 

"I realized as a freshman that sports are not just a place to develop skills, but a space where we lift one another up, build our identities, strive to be the best version of ourselves, and create a third space to grow into our most authentic selves."

Bittell credits that space and her teammates as some of the most impactful places and people in her life. There was hard work and dedication to not just be a great athlete and teammate, but a well-rounded individual who used lessons learned from sports to set themselves up for success off the field.  

"For our sport at our level, there is no lacrosse after college, and there is no career to be made from playing our sport unless you are in the top 0.1%. When I was playing, I truly admired the diligence and determination my teammates had to excel in their fields outside the locker room. They became nurses, engineers, teachers, and business professionals, all while balancing an extremely rigorous school and athletic schedule."

Like many celebrations, Women's Sports Day serves as a meaningful pause for Minnie; a moment to honor significant milestones and preserve our shared cultural heritage. Observances like this allow us to recognize how far women in sports have come, encouraging reflection on the impact women are making and the possibilities that lie ahead, and serve as a reminder that there is always growth to be had and progress to be made.

"Being involved in sports as a woman has given me a space to channel my energy while building my sense of identity, confidence, and self-respect. It has taught me resilience, self-sufficiency, grit, and patience; the understanding that any worthwhile accomplishment takes time and intention." 

"Through sports, I've learned how to communicate effectively, motivate others, navigate conflict, and lean on people when I don't have the strength to do it alone. Sports have brought incredible people into my life; mentors, teammates, and friends who have become my second family."

"Above all, sports have given me a space to grow into who I was meant to be, and for that, I am deeply grateful."


 
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