Honoring Flo Hyman: The Legacy Behind National Girls & Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was first celebrated in 1987 to honor the life and advocacy of Flora Hyman, a legendary U.S. volleyball player and champion for gender equality in sports. After her passing in 1986 due to undiagnosed Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) was established to recognize her impact and continue her fight for equal opportunities in athletics.
Flo Hyman was more than just a volleyball icon—she was a trailblazer for women’s sports and a fierce advocate for gender equity. She found her love for volleyball in high school and then went onto play in high school, university, and eventually the US women's volleyball team. As the face of U.S. women’s volleyball in the 1970s and 80s, she led Team USA to a historic silver medal at the 1984 Olympics—the first-ever Olympic medal won by a U.S. women’s volleyball team— inspiring generations of female athletes. Her impact extended far beyond the court. Before heading to Japan to play professionally, Hyman joined forces with civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, and astronaut Sally Ride to advocate for the Civil Rights Restoration Act and the strengthening of Title IX legislation. In Japan, she became a respected athlete, planning to return to the U.S. to pursue broadcasting, coaching, and furthering the fight for gender equity in sports. Her commitment to equality and opportunity for women in athletics remained at the heart of her mission, both on and off the court. Her untimely passing in 1986 due to Marfan syndrome brought attention to the importance of athlete health and advocacy. Today, her legacy lives on through National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a movement that continues her fight for fairness, recognition, and opportunity for girls and women in athletics.
Over the years, NGWSD has evolved into a national movement celebrating the achievements of girls and women in sports while advocating for greater access, participation, and equity. Today, NGWSD is led by organizations like the Women's Sports Foundation and is celebrated with events, social campaigns, and initiatives that inspire the next generation of girls and women in sports.
Today, achieving gender equity in sports is crucial, as it not only promotes fairness but also empowers young women to become confident leaders. At Leveling the Fields, we are dedicated to providing girls with the opportunities and resources they need to excel in athletics and beyond. Our programs offer comprehensive coaching, financial assistance, and mentorship, ensuring that every girl has the chance to develop her skills, build resilience, and foster teamwork. Through our work dismantling obstacles to participation, we create an inclusive environment where young girls can thrive, embodying the spirit of National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow through the transformative power of sports.
