Empowering All Bases: International Girls Day Shines Across Softball’s Spectrum

“Little girls with dreams become women with vision.”

Today, November 14th, 2023, marks the 15th annual celebration of International Girls Day.

Established in 2009 by the sisters of the Kappa Delta sorority, this holiday carries a rich history rooted in empowering girls and women across all walks of life.

Kappa Delta was founded in 1897 by four students of State Female Normal School—now known as Longwood University—Sara Turner White, Julia Tyler Gardiner Wilson, Lenora Ashmore Blackiston, and Mary Sommerville Sparks Hendrick.

The sorority’s foundation was notably progressive, emerging at a time when women faced restrictions on expression. The holiday honors the courage of the four aforementioned students to band together and establish a female-dominated space dedicated to self-improvement, as well as the betterment of the surrounding community.

How does this relate to softball, you might ask. As someone who played Division I collegiate softball while also severing an active member of the Executive Committee for my sorority, Alpha Phi, I can attest that being on a softball team is just a smaller, more intimate way of being a part of a sorority.

Leadership, cooperation and collaboration, working together towards similar goals, celebrating the successes of those around me—all things I experienced as a member of both my softball team and my sorority.

No matter the location, organization, or type of initiative, bringing together like-minded individuals committed to a common goal is bound to prove prosperous, as is evident in the innumerable amount of female-oriented groups available to girls and women of all ages, from sports teams, academic and career groups, to sororities such as Kappa Delta.

KD has evolved into a sisterhood of millions. Beyond graduation, the members actively contribute as mentors and volunteers to younger sisters just joining the organization. The sorority’s philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for Prevent Child Abuse America, as well as partnering to assist local Girls Scouts troops, echo the community-oriented efforts found in abundance at the collegiate and professional spheres of our sport.

Annually, International Girls Day is celebrated by KD chapters across the country, as they host programs to advance their initiatives, emphasizing diversity and fostering personal and professional growth. The bonds of sisterhood and friendship formed within the sorority mirror the camaraderie found on the thousands of softball teams across youth, club, high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

No matter what level of play a player competes at, the celebration of International Girls Day resonates. The theme “She Can Do Anything” aligns seamlessly with the ethos of our game, a sport that transcends gender-based boundaries, continues to promote diversity, and instills confidence in each and every player by fostering an environment where dreams can be pursued without limitations.

In the spirit of Kappa Delta’s inclusive community, the world of softball aims to welcome young women from all backgrounds and actively endorse individuality without reservation, creating spaces where every girl can showcase her unique talents on the field and beyond.

As we celebrate International Girls Day, let’s recognize the incredible achievements of girls and women around the world that are inspiring the next generation of leaders, athletes, and game changers.

International Girls Day celebrates the girls in our lives, and in the world of softball, it’s a day to recognize that every girl on the field has the potential to do anything she sets her mind to.

It’s time to take action and spread the enthusiasm. Here’s how you can get involved:

Celebrate International Girls Day

Whether you’re part of a softball team, a school, or a community, organize events that highlight the achievements and potential of girls. Share a photos of you and your team with the hashtag #SoftballSisterhood to highlight the amazing, life-long friendships that the game has brought to you.

Share Your Stories

We want to hear from you! Share your stories of empowerment, diversity, and achievement in the world of softball. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, your experiences matter.

Support Girls’ Softball Programs

Consider supporting youth softball programs, clubs, and initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. Your involvement can make a lasting impact on the next generation of softball players.

Encourage Girls to Pursue Their Dreams

If you have girls in your life, be it daughters, sisters, or friends, take a moment to encourage and empower them. Remind them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Explore Diversity in the Sport

Engage in conversations about diversity and inclusion within the softball community. Share your thoughts on how we can create an even more inclusive environment for girls of all backgrounds.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Extra Inning Softball and stay tuned for more inspiring stories, updates, and initiatives in the world of girls’ softball. Follow our social media channels, linked below, for regular updates and share your own softball experiences. With our recently launched Team Subscription Packages, it is easier and more cost-efficient ever to support the platforms that highlight the achievements of players at all levels.

Together, let’s continue to shape a world where every girl is told and truly believes that she can play anywhere and do anything!

— Regan Weekly/Extra Inning Softball