LCCC hosts National Girls & Women in Sports Day "Leads Her Forward" is theme

The Lorain County Community College Athletic Department may have suspended all sports for the remainder of the year, but that doesn't mean the Commodores aren't inspiring area student-athletes to stay involved and think about their future. For the first time, the Elyria school is taking part in the Women's Sports Foundation's National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Themed "Lead Her Forward," this year's hourlong virtual event targeting high school and middle school athletes is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 3). "We're looking at ways to keep our student-athletes engaged and also athletes — particularly, in this case, girls — in Lorain County and the area interested in LCCC to know what's available here," said LCCC Athletic Director Katie Marquard, who sent invitations to Lorain County high school athletic directors. "We're also looking to just promote women's sports, so we think it's a great opportunity for the area female, high school and middle school athletes to get inspired for next year if they're not participating this year." Featured in the LCCC virtual event will be Olympic speed skater Bonnie Blair and Cleveland Cavaliers Manager of Youth Basketball Operations Jessica Davis, as well as an LCCC femaile athletes talking about "What Sports Means to Me" and a presentation by the college athletics department. As for landing a five-time Olympic gold medal winner to talk to the women about achieving their personal best, the LCCC athletic director admitted she had an inside connection. "I was on two Olympic teams with Bonnie in speed skating," said Marquard, who was on the 1984 and 1988 USA women's Olympic speed skating teams. "We're actually good friends. She was happy to do it. She does speaking around the country for a lot of different events." Albeit virtually, Blair said she's excited to be addressing Lorain County girls and women during this challenging time. "Where people have felt so confined due to COVID, it's important for our well-being and health to be active and keep things moving, whether they're trying something new or taking their favorite activity or sport to the next level," Blair said. At this point, it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room. "Yeah, a lot of people don't know LCCC has sports," Marquard said. "We actually have seven varsity sports — men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, women's softball and men's baseball. "In addition, we have club soccer for men and women and club coed tennis." Considering the Commodores' array of sports, it makes sense to participate in National Girls & Women in Sports Day events. While LCCC hasn't partaken prior, Marquard is viewing the virtual event as an introduction of sorts to the area with the idea of next year hosting an on-campus affair. "We'd love to continue doing this year after year," Marquard said. For more information, including Zoom details, email Marquard at kmarquard@lorainccc.edu.