"Athletes, coaches consider virtues of women's sports"

In the spirit of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, several speakers shared their experiences and continuing support of women's sports on Wednesday at a breakfast and panel discussion called "More Than a Game."

The aim of the Clemens Hall discussion was to bring together a number of different experiences on how sports can positively impact both girls and women, according to Dawn Reed, director of women's marketing and special projects for UB athletics.

"I think our panel brings in a different experience from each area," Reed said.

Reed added the discussion wasn't just for women and she said she hoped that it would help to eliminate negative stereotypes about female athletes.

"It's okay for little girls to play soccer," she said.

Another objective of the week's events was to reach out to men and educate them, organizers said. Stefanie King, an intern in the athletics department, said recognition from both genders is key to the success of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

"I think you need acceptance from both sexes to change society's perspective," King said. "The people that attended in the UB community have a better understanding of what it means to participate in sports."

For Vicki Mitchell, head coach of both UB's cross-country and women's track teams, participating in sports offers the chance to develop mental and physical toughness.

"Athletics and sports are more than just a game, they're life skills," said Mitchell, who served as one of five panel members. "(Athletes) learn the ability to withstand setbacks, and enjoy success when it comes after months of hard work."

Each of the panel members touched on their own experiences in athletics.

According to Susan Epstein, positive reinforcement in the form of coaching is another key benefit of women's sports.

Epstein, a former marathon runner who now directs UB's Center for Comprehensive Care, offered a few words on how encouragement and reinforcement through sports allows young girls to grow.

"A lack of reinforcement inhibits wellness," Epstein said, adding that this same lack of reinforcement could help explain obesity in people who do not receive the encouragement to remain fit and healthy.

Caroline Silby, author of the book "Games Girls Play: Understanding and Guiding Young Female Athletes," pointed out how athletics can lead females to career success in high-pressure situations.

"When you look at women who are in key Fortune 500 companies, 80 percent of them described themselves as tomboys," Silby said.

Many who attended the breakfast and discussion said they were intrigued by what the speakers had to offer. The discussion was part of a weeklong series of events meant to bring attention to women's sports, and was sponsored by the Institute for Research and Education on Women and Gender.

"What was impressive was the breadth of experience at the front of the room," said Dorsi Raynolds, coach of the UB women's swim team. "The bottom line is that it's a human issue - empowerment through sports."