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. – Alizabeth Little didn't realize how important sports would be in her life until her freshman year of high school, when she joined a track and field team after time away from athletics. 

Since then, she has embraced every challenge — from long meets to mastering new events — and found fulfillment in pushing herself to improve while leaning on the support of her coaches and teammates. 

Little, a senior thrower from Quincy, Michigan, has been one of the top performers for the Wildcats since the time she started her collegiate career. Her path to becoming a college athlete wasn't traditional, however.

"I played softball growing up, and I ran with Girls on the Run in early middle school, but I don't think I realized how important sports would be in my life until after my freshman year in High  School," Little said. "I had some time off from sports in late middle school, so my freshman year was my first time back on a team sport in years. I remember the Head Coach of the team tracking me down and saying he wanted me to join. After a lot of convincing, I joined at the start of the season in the spring, and the rest is history."

Little loved every minute of it. 

The friendships, the training, the work it took to improve, the cold and long meets during the week — she quickly realized that there was something special about being a part of a sport where it's you competing against yourself and trying to make yourself better each day. 

Because of her journey, Little did not have any professional athletes she looked up to. Instead, she admired the great upperclassmen and teammates who showcased what it meant to be an athlete. Now an upperclassman herself, she hopes to become that role model for the younger female athletes looking up to her.

"I try to be that role model for others by going into each practice with a clear head and a positive mindset. When I'm practicing, I want to be intentional with my movements and understand what I need to do to get better. I can't do that so well if I'm thinking about the homework in my classes, what I'm going to cook for dinner, or when I'm going to wash the dishes."

In addition, Little has learned that progress is not linear. 

"There are going to be bad days, where the timing and connection won't make sense, where you feel like you have no clue what's going on, and that is okay. It's normal, just take a deep breath and do the best you can."

While track and field often focuses on individual performance, the encouragement of those around her has made all the difference.

"I appreciate how supportive the women are around me. Whether it's my own teammates or girls on other teams, their mindsets and attitudes towards each other are uplifting. It's refreshing to see that when competing against other people."

That sense of support and encouragement has fueled her confidence and determination to push herself further.

"I am grateful to represent women in my sport. To be completely honest, I didn't think I would make it this far in my athletic career. That's not to say I doubted my abilities, but I knew that competing at this level would take a lot of time and hard work to be competitive in my division. I'm so glad I didn't say 'no' — I joined the team as a walk-on and have put in the work to achieve awards and get to where I am today."

Her journey, however, hasn't been one she's traveled alone. Looking back, she credits the guidance and encouragement of her high school coaches for helping shape her into the athlete she is today.

"I would like to thank both of my high school coaches, Robert Evans (a.k.a. Ponch), and David Snellenberger. Ponch tracked me down for what felt like forever to join the team. At first, I was reluctant and didn't understand that Track & Field was more than just running. He introduced me to shot put and discus, and when it was time to leave for college, he even emailed the coaches here at NMU about me joining the team. Had he not asked, I'm not sure I would be doing what I love so much today. Coach Snellenberger has been one of my biggest supporters since he became the Throws Coach during my junior year. He has continued to encourage me throughout college, congratulating me after big throws or great seasons, and coaching my technique when I visit home. I truly want to thank both of them for all the hard work and support they've given me to get to where I am today."

With the foundation of guidance, hard work, and support behind her, she reflects on the broader significance of women in sports.

"Women in Sports Day wasn't something I hadn't really heard of until I reached the college level. To me, it means celebrating everything women have accomplished in sports and coming together to uplift each other to achieve even more. Being a woman in sports has helped me in so many ways — I've gained confidence in myself and my body, learned the dedication and hard work it takes to reach goals, developed leadership and communication skills, and made so many friends along the way."