FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University proudly celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by hosting a young alumni panel discussion that brought together past and present Rams to honor the power, progress, and impact of women in athletics. This was the third year that the Athletics Department hosted this event.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is celebrated annually across the country to recognize the achievements of female athletes, acknowledge the positive influence of sports participation, and commemorate the passage of Title IX in 1972, which opened doors for millions of girls and women to compete in athletics. Since its inception in 1987, NGWSD has served as a platform to inspire future generations and advocate for gender equity in sports.
The Texas Wesleyan panel featured young alumni who graduated between 2018 and 2025, each representing different sports, career paths, and post-graduate journeys. The panelists passed along words of wisdom, shared their personal stories, and reflected on how their experiences as student-athletes shaped their lives beyond competition. Their candid insights and encouragement inspired all in attendance. Each panelist also credited their coaches for not only taking a chance on them, but for developing them as both a person and an athlete. After the event, Coach Shannon Gower commented that it was a great reminder to invite her alumni back to interact with her current athletes.
The event welcomed approximately 150 athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, and members of the university's administration, highlighting the strong campus-wide support for women's athletics and leadership development. Dr. Emily Messer and Athletic Director, Ricky Dotson, gave opening remarks, thanking the athletes for their contributions to both the Athletic Department and the university community.
Throughout the discussion, several key takeaways resonated with the audience. Panelists emphasized the importance of enjoying the moments now, recognizing that time as a student-athlete is both fleeting and formative. They encouraged current athletes to engage in and appreciate the sisterhood of women's sports, underscoring the lifelong bonds created through shared challenges and victories. Finally, alumni urged attendees to embrace their authenticity, reminding them that success comes from being true to who they are—on and off the field.
Texas Wesleyan University remains committed to empowering women through athletics and education, and the National Girls and Women in Sports Day alumni panel served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of sport, mentorship, and community.
When asked about the significance of this event, Texas Wesleyan Athletic Director Ricky Dotson said "Celebrating Women in Sports Day is always a highlight of my year. I'm incredibly proud of the young women who represent our university with such competitive spirit. This year was especially meaningful as we welcomed back former student-athletes to share their experiences with our current athletes. Hearing those stories and seeing that connection was truly inspiring. Dr. Jill Gerloff consistently does an outstanding job organizing these events, and this one certainly did not disappoint."
The panel of young alumni were made up of the following:
Panel Moderator:
Savanna Smith, Women's Basketball, Class of 2024 and 2025 (Bachelors and Masters grad dates).
Panelists:
Addie Poulin, Women's Golf, Class of 2025
Lexie (Basham) Harkins, Women's Wrestling, Class of 2023
Jordan Brimberry, Gold Line, Class of 2020
Bailey Terry, Softball, Class of 2019
Demi Dotson-Wilkins, Softball/Cheer, Class of 2018
Kayla Guillot, Softball, Class of 2018
