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Ann Arbor Sports Commission to Host Third Annual Celebration of Girls & Women in Sports

Chamber Member Press Release


Ann Arbor, MI (January 9, 2026) - The Ann Arbor Sports Commission will host the third annual Washtenaw County Celebration of Girls & Women in Sports on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Eastern Michigan University’s campus. The free, family-friendly event is designed to empower and inspire girls and women in sports through a combination of hands-on athletic activities, educational discussion, and collegiate competition.
The event is timed to align with National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a nationwide celebration recognized annually during the first week of February that honors the achievements of women and girls in sports and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to athletic opportunities.
“This event continues to grow each year, and we’re proud to bring the community together around something that’s both meaningful and fun,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “By combining physical activity with honest conversations and visible role models, we’re helping girls see that they belong in sports and that there are many paths to staying active, confident and connected. We’re especially grateful to Eastern Michigan University for their partnership and commitment to helping make this event impactful for young athletes and families.”
While the event centers on empowering girls and women, everyone is welcome to attend. Parents, families, coaches, and supporters are encouraged to participate and celebrate the female athletes in their lives.
Event Highlights Include:
Youth Sports Clinic (ages 13 and under)
Participants will take part in a multi-sport clinic featuring activities such as lacrosse, rowing, soccer, cheer, football, and more. The clinic is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and supportive for young athletes of all experience levels.
Educational Panel Discussion
An educational panel will bring together women leaders, coaches, and athletes to share perspectives on supporting girls in sports, building confidence, and navigating athletic spaces as women. Panelists include:

  • Danielle Plunkett, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan (Panel Facilitator)
  • Marley Duerst, Girls Soccer Coach, Saline FC and Ypsilanti Community High School
  • Ella Grasson, Eastern Michigan University Volleyball Student-Athlete
  • Lauren Drinane, EMU Senior Secretary for Football and former collegiate track & field athlete
 
“Research continues to show the positive impact sports can have on girls’ mental health, but the quality of the environment matters,” said Danielle Plunkett, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan. “When we create spaces that prioritize belonging, effort, and teamwork, girls thrive on and off the field.”
EMU Women’s Basketball Game and Autographs
The day will conclude with an Eastern Michigan University Women’s Basketball game, giving attendees the opportunity to cheer on collegiate athletes and participate in a post-game autograph session.
This year’s event will benefit Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan, with the Ann Arbor Sports Commission donating $1,000 to support the organization’s mission of empowering young girls through physical activity and social-emotional learning.
Event Details:  
The Ann Arbor Sports Commission thanks its partners, including Eastern Michigan University, the Women’s Sports Foundation, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, and Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan, for their collaboration and shared commitment to advancing opportunities for girls and women in sports.
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About the Ann Arbor Sports Commission 
The Ann Arbor Sports Commission was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region for economic impact, positive national exposure, and quality of life enhancement for its residents. The commission acts as a conduit on behalf of the region in the bid efforts for all major and participant-driven sporting events that meet its mission. The Ann Arbor Sports Commission is a subsidiary of Destination Ann Arbor. For more information, visit AnnArborSports.org.

Ann Arbor Sports Commission to Host Third Annual Celebration of Girls & Women in Sports

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