Each year, the Mystics join thousands of women’s sports organizations in celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day—an initiative created by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) to honor female athletic achievement and expand opportunities for girls in sports.

But our support and partnership with WSF goes well beyond this day of celebration. The Mystics participate in WSF’s annual National Girls & Women In Sports Convening, bringing together leaders committed to increasing access and equity for girls. We also partner with WSF to host a hands on sports clinic, giving girls the chance to try multiple sports, including basketball. These community events feature athlete panels and parent workshops featuring Mystics players and staff.

Over the years, we’ve also collaborated with WSF on their effort to lobby Congress to advocate for legislation that strengthens and protects women’s sports. Mystics athletes have joined WSF staffers on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress from across the country—including from their home districts—to share how sports have shaped their lives.

Last year, WSF CEO Danette Leighton joined the Mystics President’s Circle last year to spotlight new research linking sports participation to leadership development—a core pillar of WSF’s mission. And WSF’s Karen Issokson-Silver, Vice President of Research & Education, led a session for Mystics staffers to dive deeper into the latest research around girls sports participation.

Finally, we proudly support WSF’s Annual Salute, joining forces with Monumental Sports to help provide funding for WSF programs and initiatives that fuel their impact.