Elsa Peterson | Staff Writer | epeterson3@mail.smcvt.edu
Photos by Joseph Donahue and Sebastian Revesz
February 5th, 2025 was National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Co-founded by The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) in 1987, the day “acknowledges the acomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports,” according to WSF website.
Julie Lyden ’26 Women’s Basketball
What does National Girls and Women in Sports Day mean to you?
This day is a reminder of how far women in sports have come and the work still ahead. It’s about recognizing the trailblazers who have paved the way for us, and celebrating the progress that continues to open doors for young female athletes.
What message would you give younger girls in sports?
Keep working hard and trust the process. The road might be tough at times, but each setback is just an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, sports aren’t just about
winning; they’re about developing skills that will serve you for the rest of your life—like discipline, leadership, and resilience. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, and always believe in your ability to push through. You’ve got a whole community rooting for you, and there’s so much power in that.
Kayley Bell ’27 Cross Country & Nordic Skiing
How has being a female athlete shaped your experience at St. Michael’s College?
I have met my best friends on these teams; they are my family away from home. I look forward to practicing and training together; we always have fun. One specific experience that really inspired me as a female athlete here at St. Mike’s was the Equality 8k, which was our home cross-country meet in the fall. In the NCAA, for all cross-country, regardless of the division, the men run longer distances than the women.
To me, this sends the message that the people in charge at the NCAA don’t think that women can run the same distance as men, and WE CAN! Hosting the event here at Saint Mike’s is a great way to show advocacy for this change to be made, and it really empowered me as an athlete. When running this race, I knew that I was running more than just for myself, but for young girls and their future in the sport, too.
Lila Peddie ’27 Lacrosse
How do you think your experience as a female athlete has influenced other areas of your life?
My experience as a female athlete travels much farther than just the playing surface. Being an athlete has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These traits are applicable in every aspect of my life, especially as a female, naturally we have to work harder.
How has being a female athlete shaped your experience at St. Michael’s College?
Being a female athlete has shaped my experience at St. Mikes in more ways than just being categorized as a collegiate athlete. I am constantly surrounded by other powerful female athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers. It’s a community where we
feed off each other’s energy and are constantly pushing each other.
Kyleena Lathram ’27 Alpine Skiing
How do you think your experience as a female athlete has influenced other areas of your life?
Being a Division 1 alpine skier has not only made me stronger physically, but it has also instilled in me an unshakable sense of confidence and resilience. In a male-dominated sport, I’ve learned to hold my ground, push past limits, and demand the same respect and opportunities as my male counterparts. The mountains don’t care about gender—only about grit, strength,
and determination—and that mindset has shaped every part of my life.
I’ve learned to never back down from a challenge, to advocate for myself and other women in sports, and to use my voice to inspire change. Skiing has given me the courage to step into any room—on or off the hill—with confidence, knowing that I am just as capable, strong, and deserving as anyone else.
Molly Peters Cross Country & Nordic Skiing
What do you enjoy most about coaching female athletes?
I love to see the sense of accomplishment that women feel when they have achieved a goal. Women are often told that they aren’t good enough and so it’s even more special when they can overcome this and achieve something great.
What do you hope your athletes take away from their experience as female athletes?
I hope they leave St. Michael’s athletics with the tools to do great things in their lives. I hope they are able to accomplish the goals that they have set for themselves but also understand that it’s not a perfect line. We all have our ups and downs and what you learn from being an athlete is how to keep showing up and working hard and eventually you will achieve the goal.
Shannon Bollhardt M’15 Women’s Basketball
What do you enjoy most about coaching female athletes?
The thing I enjoy most is how selfless female athletes are- they truly embody what it means to be we over me. They genuinely want what is best for their team and are willing to do what it takes to make the team successful. I also enjoy and take pride in helping them navigate an important time of their lives- empowering them to take on the world once they leave our program.
What role do you think sports play in empowering women?
Sports gives women an opportunity to lead, have confidence, be accountable while holding others accountable. Sports provide a platform for women to be the best version of themselves.
