Every year during the first week of February, we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) to honor the extraordinary athletic achievements of girls and women while recognizing the foundational figures who paved the way for female athletes today. This year’s 39th NGWSD will occur on Wednesday, February 5.
To shed light on the experiences of young female athletes, Post Bulletin sports reporter Maddy Warren interviewed four high school athletes from Southeastern Minnesota. Their insights highlight the unique challenges and aspirations of girls competing at the high school level and their ambitions to play at the collegiate level.
Ida Huber, Dodge County Girls Hockey
Ida Huber recalls a time when her girls’ youth hockey team only had access to half the practice and game time compared to the boys’ teams, despite paying the same fees. As a senior goaltender for the Dodge County girls hockey team, she reflects, “Our coaching staff had to advocate for us, saying, ‘We deserve the same amount of ice time.’ That was one of the challenges. Things are better now, as women’s hockey has progressed, but when I was younger, girls just didn’t get the same opportunities.”
Huber witnessed the growth of women’s hockey firsthand at the PWHL Minnesota home opener in early 2024. Following that, she and her team reached the state championship game at Xcel Energy Center, allowing her to play in the same arena as both professional men’s and women’s teams.
“The support we saw at the PWHL game was incredible. It felt like a Wild game with so many fans attending,” Huber said. “Seeing women’s hockey gain that much recognition is amazing compared to the past.” Huber also noted that Minnesota Frost forward Taylor Heise, a Lake City native, occasionally visits their practices, further inspiring her team. “It’s a thrill to converse with her and learn from her experience.”
Huber has committed to play Division I college hockey at Long Island University, a decision influenced by the all-female coaching staff. “I believe it’s vital for women’s hockey—and women’s sports in general—to be coached by women,” Huber stated. “Having more female coaches in women’s sports would be a tremendous step forward. While we’ve made significant progress, there are still gaps that need addressing.”
She hopes more colleges will introduce Division I women’s hockey programs and hire female coaches. “Women’s sports have come a long way, and it’s essential that we continue to build on this momentum,” Huber emphasized. “Acknowledging this day is crucial for promoting visibility and support for women athletes. It’s a celebration we cherish.”
Hattie Mathre, Byron Wrestling
Since joining her school’s wrestling team as a seventh-grader, Hattie Mathre has witnessed significant growth in MSHSL girls wrestling. As a sophomore, she is already navigating the recruitment process for collegiate wrestling, a path made more promising since the NCAA expanded the scholarship limits for Division I women’s teams last year.
“It’s exciting to see these opportunities,” Mathre shared. “Right now, there may only be around ten Division I wrestling programs for girls, but I can’t wait to see where this sport goes in the next couple of years.” While she is thrilled with the advancements in girls’ wrestling, Mathre acknowledges the lingering stereotypes. “There’s still a stigma that suggests girls can’t compete with boys. We need to eliminate that mindset. Success isn’t about wrestling like a boy; it’s about being the best version of yourself.”
Despite the challenges, Mathre feels fortunate to be part of a supportive program. “I’m grateful for a team that genuinely encourages girls to wrestle and invests in us,” she said. However, she advocates for girls to have their own section tournaments in Minnesota, as their brackets remain significantly larger than that of the boys, reflecting a disparity in acknowledgment and representation.
Mathre wishes for a shift in how female athletes are perceived, stating, “Growing up, it felt like such a big deal whenever I would beat a boy. I just want it to be normal. Female athletes deserve just as much recognition as our male counterparts.”
Lauren Queensland, Grand Meadow Girls Basketball
Lauren Queensland began playing basketball in second grade and has since focused her passion there, shining as a Grand Meadow senior. Currently weighing her options for college, she is excited to continue her basketball journey after graduation.
With sports icons like Caitlin Clark elevating women’s basketball, Queensland feels inspired about the growth of female athletes. “It’s wonderful to see an increasing interest in women’s sports and more female athletes aiming for collegiate competition,” she expressed. “It’s fulfilling to know that I will add my name to that list.”
With two older sisters who also played college basketball, Queensland cherishes the role models she has in her family. “Their success motivates me and it’s encouraging to see so many girls pursuing collegiate sports. I’m thrilled to join them in that journey.”
Queensland aspires to see more girls participating in multiple sports simultaneously. “Trying a sport is the best way to discover if you enjoy it—just for fun,” she encouraged. “I want to see girls embrace sports, build friendships with teammates, and truly enjoy the experience.” She looks forward to watching women’s sports continue to grow and thrive.
Taelyn Stuve, Rochester Girls Gymnastics
Taelyn Stuve, co-captain of the Mayo High School gymnastics team, embarked on her gymnastics journey in middle school after dabbling in various sports. She is grateful for the growing viewership of women’s sports, particularly gymnastics and basketball.
“With the rise of stars like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles, it’s gratifying to see more people interested in women’s sports,” Stuve expressed. “I hope to see increased attendance at my gymnastics meets and other girls’ sporting events.” Although Stuve will not pursue gymnastics at the collegiate level, she plans to cheer for Winona State University.
Despite the recent growth in coverage of women’s sports, she hopes for an increase in crowd support at high school events. “It’s disappointing that more people attend boys’ basketball games compared to girls’. For gymnastics, the only attendees at our meets are typically parents,” Stuve lamented. “We need more acknowledgment of and support for female athletes.”
Stuve remains optimistic about the recognition female athletes deserve. “Women athletes are capable of extraordinary feats,” she emphasized. “I hope more people will come to recognize our abilities and achievements.”
