Celebrating Girls In Sports With Three APH Athletes

February 3 is a day of observance and celebration for the positive impact that sports have on girls and women. This is a special day for The Academy at Penguin Hall as we recognize the advancement of three of our own outstanding athletes.

Hayden G. in rowing, Arielle C. in track & field, and Morgan P. in equestrian are all advancing their athletic careers to the college level. It is a momentous occasion for the three athletes as only 6% of female student-athletes in high school are able to continue participating in their sport at the collegiate level (NCAA Estimated Probability of Competing in College Athletics, 2020).

“If someone told me freshman year that I was going to become a D1 athlete I never would have believed them,” said senior Hayden G. “Rowing has not been a part of my life for long, but it certainly has affected me in every way possible. I can’t imagine my life without it, and I can’t wait to row at the collegiate level and become a part of a new family at Bucknell. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to compete at this level, and can’t wait for what the future holds for me.”

Senior Arielle C. shared, “I am beyond excited to continue my track and field career in triple jump and sprinting at Babson College. I have been running track since the 6th grade and means so much to be able to continue through college. Can’t wait for all of the new experiences and memories in these next four years to come.”

Life long dreams have come true for senior Morgan P. She said, “Competing on a D1 team for riding was always a goal of mine and I have finally achieved it. This has always been a dream of mine and I am so proud of myself for accomplishing it. I am going to be riding for my dream school, the College of Charleston, and I can’t wait to learn and improve throughout college.”

It has been forty-nine years since the passage of Title IX, providing women and girls with equal opportunities for athletics. Since then, participation for girls and women in sports continue to grow and improve. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, there has been an increase of 990% participation in sports for girls at the high school level since the legislation was passed. APH is proud to be a part of that tradition and a place for women to excel in athletics.

As we approach the spring season and the formation of six varsity teams, more than half of our Penguin Hall students will be participating in sports. Our students take on every role. From team captain to club leader to peer tutor, APH students are team-players, leaders and supporters of one another. When you look at the facts, it’s easy to see why our students feel empowered:

  • Nearly 75% of girls attending girls’ schools say that the experience taught them that women can accomplish anything; girls’ school graduates demonstrate more self-confidence and ambition.
  • Nearly 80% of girls’ school graduates play competitive sports, and a majority play at least two or three sports.
  • 83% of girls’ school graduates perceive themselves to be better prepared for college than female counterparts from co-ed high schools.
  • 80% of girls from girls’ schools hold leadership positions after high school.

*Statistics from the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, including a 2000 and 2005 study conducted for NCGS by the Goodman Research Group of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Part of Penguin Hall’s mission is to empower and encourage its students in their goals, dreams, academics and overall futures.. Whether it’s being captain of the volleyball team, organizing an art gallery, cleaning up litter from a community or staying after school to help tutor a friend in homework, our students blaze their own trails, from today to tomorrow.