FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ahead of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 7, Arkansas Athletics hosted a clinic for hundreds of 5 to 12-year-old girls from the community.
"Just seeing their faces go up when they're in the station smiling, having a good time. That's what it really means," Allie Popp, a clinic organizer, said.
This event on Feb. 4 was designed to give the local girls an opportunity to meet and interact with Razorback student-athletes and watch them compete at a high level.
"Just at a time like today, it's raining outside like them being able to be in here and interact and have fun, it's a great environment," Popp said.
Popp was excited for girls across 5COUNTRY to have these role models.
"We have teams that are exceeding in the NCAA tournament," she said. "These student-athletes are out there in the community engaging with all of our fans, and just ultimately getting their names out there, getting to interact with people. People know their names. That's ultimately what we want."
While the clinic meant so much to the young participants, it was just as memorable for the athletes.
"It's really cool because these girls are the future of women's athletics and, you know, there's a lot of changes that may be made and there's a lot to pave the way for us. And so just helping the future girls and women in sports is really awesome," Maddie Jones, Razorback gymnast, said.
Arkansas swimmer Reilly Shaner said the clinic made her reminisce about when she was young.
"It's a great feeling," Shaner said. "I remember when I was that young and having someone to look up to, so it means a lot to be able to give them that person to look up to you."
After the clinic was over, the young athletes headed next door to cheer on the Arkansas women's basketball team where the Hogs took down Auburn University, 74-72, at Bud Walton Arena.
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