February 3rd was National Girls & Women in Sports Day. 

According to the NCAA, the purpose of National Girls & Women in Sports Day is “to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of participating in athletics, and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports” (NCAA Staff, pp. 2, 2021). 

Governors State University boasts five women’s sports teams: basketball, cross country, golf, volleyball, and soccer. Not only do these women exemplify hard work within their sport, but it is also notable that 45 female athletes earned a slot on the Fall 2020 Honor Roll (GSU, 2020). Ivana Novakovic, a member of GSU’s volleyball team, was among the athletes recognized for exemplary grades. In fact, she was even awarded the Fall 2020 Iron Woman Academic Award, which is given to an athlete with GPA excellence while enrolled in above-average credit hours. It was the second semester that Ivana was presented with the award. 

Ivana has been playing volleyball since she was 8 years old. She says that “besides a healthy workout every day, traveling and meeting new people,” volleyball has helped “with [her] organization and time management.” She continued on to note that “When you have one more obligation in your life, you need to know how to fit everything [into] your day to be successful in each segment.” 

In response to how the sport has influenced her relationship with the university, Ivana said that “the whole athletic department helped me adjust to [a] new school, different language, and new people.” She also complimented her professors for their understanding of her athletic obligations and their willingness to provide extra assistance. 

On behalf of the GSU community, I want to extend appreciation to Ivana — along with the rest of the Lady Jaguars — for their dedication to their teams, their efforts within the classroom, and their willingness to represent the college as athletes.  

Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and it was especially noted on National Girls & Women in Sports Day.  

NCAA Staff. (2021, February 3). Celebrate national girls & women in sports day on Feb. 3. NCAA. https://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2021-02-02/national-[Text Wrapping Break]girls-women-sports-day-2021-about-events-history 

GSU. (2020, December 24). GSU athletics announces 2020 fall honor roll and academic award winners. GSU Jaguars. http://www.gsujaguars.com/article/1197