Fredonia State Athletes Mentor Local Girls to Combat Rising Sports Dropout Rates
SUNY Fredonia prepares to host the Western New York Girls in Sports Day on February 7, this annual event unites collegiate athletes with local youth to encourage sustained participation in athletics. The initiative addresses the critical drop-off in sports interest among adolescent girls, organizers aim to foster confidence through mentorship and active play.
Statistical Trends Drive Need for Targeted Youth Intervention Programs
This initiative originated from a pressing need to fix gender gaps in youth athletics, founder Mary Wilson established the program in 2006 after observing that girls leave sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. The program targets children between ages 9 and 12, this specific demographic represents a pivotal point where social pressures often override athletic interest. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation provides essential funding to ensure these opportunities remain accessible, the collaboration has expanded significantly since moving beyond its original Buffalo roots.
Collegiate Mentors Prepare to Lead Interactive Clinics at Steele Hall
Organizers have scheduled the fourth annual Fredonia iteration for February 7, the event will take place within the university's Steele Hall Fieldhouse to accommodate approximately 150 participants from Chautauqua County. Girls will rotate through various stations known as sport sampling, these activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis. Fredonia State student-athletes lead these sessions, they serve as near-peer mentors who demonstrate the value of perseverance and teamwork.
Curriculum Expands to Address Mental Wellness
The 2026 programming introduces new elements designed to support total health, organizers plan to include discussion sessions that cover mental wellness and social media influence. This evolution acknowledges that keeping girls in sports requires addressing psychological barriers alongside physical skills, the curriculum aims to build resilience both on and off the field.
Regional Partnership Strengthens Community Ties and Student Leadership
The collaboration between the United Way and university athletics creates a sustainable model for community development, students gain valuable leadership experience while local families receive fair access to high-quality resources. This mentorship structure helps remove economic and geographic barriers for rural participants, continued investment ensures that the next generation of female athletes receives the support necessary to thrive.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation continues to secure the financial future of this program, officials urge local districts to maximize participation as the event approaches its scheduled date next month.
