Dayton Flyers

Feb. 4, 2005

The University of Dayton Softball team will be participating in the celebration of National Girls and Women In Sports Day February 11th. The coaches and student athletes will be holding a two-hour all sports camp. The camps will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held at UD arena for girls ages 8-18.

UD's women softball coach Jodi Eickemeyer wanted a way to put all female athletes in the spotlight. "It started off as an idea to just sign autographs at the women's basketball game" Eickemeyer commented. "Now it has evolved into putting on a camp for girls."

All of the UD women's sports teams will be participating in the event. Coaches and players will be in charge of running their own mini camp. Each team will do something in accordance with their particular sport while including an academic segment.

"I enjoy working with the young girls at the camp because I remember what it was like to be that age" says senior Cassie Gross. "Our team does an excellent job of interacting with the young girls and helping them build their confidence. The event is great in so many ways. It gives the young girls a chance to meet and interact with athletes that they one-day hope to become. We also have a chance to encourage the young girls to keep going and that athletics can really take you places."

Pitcher Melissa Myher says, "It is great to see how excited all of the girls get when they see all of the athletes. It's nice to participate in all of the games with the girls and really get to know them."

Following the clinic, the children will be able to stay and watch the Women's basketball game against Massachusetts at 7 PM. Kids attending the game will receive a reduced fee for both the basketball game and a hot dog and drink. Players will be at the game signing autographs and children will have the opportunity to win t-shirts and autographed souvenirs.