The Massachusetts Celebration of National Girls & Women in Sport Day was held on Feb. 7 in Faneuil Hall.  The theme of the celebration was “Passing the torch, blazing the trail” as female athletes were encouraged to continue to make advances in athletics.

During this annual celebration, which is hosted by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, female athletes ranging from high school students to senior Olympians were present.

Every year, athletic director Mike Lahiff chooses two female student-athletes from the senior class to represent Watertown High School. Lea Strangio and I were given the honor to attend the ceremony with Lahiff and Lynsey Kraemer, the chemistry teacher Lea and I had for two years. It was an honor for us to be chosen.

There were more than 300 student-athletes representing their high schools invited to join the celebration. Every student-athlete received a certificate for her achievements.

Guest speakers gave engaging speeches. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley spoke about her experiences in sports and how sports have evolved for females since she was in high school.

More than two dozen senior Olympians, ranging in age from 50 to 84, were recognized for winning bronze, silver, and gold medals in national events. Because of the time period they were born in, it was not possible for sports to be a large part of the lives. But as sports became more available for women, these senior Olympians got involved and were able to compete at national levels against other females over the age of 50.

Mary Pratt, age 95, ended the ceremony by delivering a speech that included singing a baseball chant from her earlier years. The lively Ms. Pratt played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Her team was featured in the well-known movie “A League of Their Own.”

Mary Pratt taught physical education classes in Quincy while also coaching softball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. She led her softball team to 10 state championships and landed herself in the New England Sports Museum, Boston University, and Boston Garden halls of fame.

Attending the ceremony was not only an honor but also an eye-opener.  I never realized how lucky females in our generation are to be able to play sports.  The women at the ceremony have incredible stories to tell and I will always remember the wonderful opportunity I was given to listen to them speak.

–March 15, 2014–