Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 marks the 36th annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, powered by the Women's Sports Federation. The Regis College athletic department joins in the celebration by highlighting the participation of student-athletes, coaches, and staff members in 11 women's intercollegiate sports: basketball, cross country, field hockey, indoor track & field, lacrosse, outdoor track & field, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, and volleyball.
In anticipation of this day, Pride student-athletes, coaches, and staff members were invited to submit a statement about how sport has impacted their lives and/or what celebrating NGWSD means to them. In the second of a series of three articles on GoRegisPride.com, four Regis student-athletes tell their stories.
Hailey Lovell - Junior, Soccer
Lovell received Third Team All-GNAC accolades after the 2021 season after scoring three goals during the year. She scored one goal each in GNAC victories at Dean and at Colby-Sawyer, plus she tallied the game-tying goal in the 80th minute during a 2-2 draw at Elms. A nursing major, she received Academic All-GNAC recognition in 2020-21.
"Sports has always had a huge impact on my life. Ever since I was a little kid, I can remember following around my older brother Ryan, and wanting to be just like him. He is the most competitive yet humble person I know and has always shined on the field. My parents were both extremely supportive of me and athletics, especially my Dad. My Dad was my biggest fan on and off the field, always encouraging me to be the best version of myself. He knew I had potential and was very invested in the college recruiting process.
My senior year of high school, my father passed away unexpectedly. While I struggled through the most difficult time in my life, soccer is what got me through. My teammates and my coaches all helped me navigate this new chapter in my life. While I still navigate life without my Dad, I feel lucky that I still get to play the sport I love even if my biggest fan isn't here physically to cheer me on. I know he's watching over me and I will continue to play my heart out with hopes that I'm making him proud. Soccer is much more to me than just a game. Soccer is my peace and I will forever be grateful for how much it saved me during the most challenging time in my life."
Lizzy Melvin - Senior, Cross Country and Track & Field
Melvin is coming off her best collegiate season of cross country, capped by a 20th place finish at the GNAC Cross Country Championships with a collegiate-best six-kilometer time of 27:52. She was named to the GNAC All-Sportsmanship Team after the 2018 cross country season. A two-time Academic All-GNAC selection, she is majoring in exercise science.
"Growing up as an athlete shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me self-worth, discipline, drive, and dedication. I could not imagine my college experience without being a student-athlete. Sports have given me some of my best memories and best friends. The opportunity to learn and grow while participating in the sport I love at the collegiate level has been an extremely rewarding experience and something I will cherish forever."
Megan Miller - Sophomore, Swimming & Diving
Miller has shown continual improvement during her first season of collegiate swimming this year. She was named NEISDA Female Swimmer of the Week October 27 after posting collegiate-best times in the 50 backstroke, 100 freestyle, and 100 backstroke at Eastern Connecticut State. A three-time NEISDA All-Academic honoree, she is majoring in nursing.
"Being a part of an athletic community in college has helped me to learn so much about my strength and ability in life. It has brought me some of my best friends and forever memories. College athletics is one of my favorite parts of schooling and I am so happy with my decision to be on the swim and dive team. I will cherish the experiences I have witnessed and will carry them into my future."
Marissa Prall - Senior, Basketball
Prall, one of the team captains for the 2021-22 season, started the first nine games before suffering a season-ending injury, but that has not stopped her from contributing to the program. She is helping the coaches on the bench during games as she prepares to participate in the WBCA "So You Want To Be A Coach" program. Majoring in sports management, she is a two-time Academic All-GNAC selection.
"Sports have always been a huge part of my life and the skills I have gained from it have impacted my life greatly. Being a female basketball player as well as a female pursuing a career in the sports industry has taught me to be determined, confident, and hardworking with everything I do. Playing sports has opened numerous doors and opportunities for me that I am extremely grateful for now that I would not have had without basketball specifically."