Willowbrook hosts two inaugural events to recognize, honor and celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day

On Feb. 4, Willowbrook hosted two inaugural events to recognize and honor National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

According to www.womenssportsfoundation.org, “This annual celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. The confidence, strength and character gained through sports participation are the very tools girls and women need to become strong leaders in sports and life.”

Rachel Karos, Willowbrook staff member and Head Coach of the Willowbrook Girls Flag Football Team, hosted the school’s first luncheon for female student-athletes. To view a photo gallery of the event, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/NGWSD2026).

Nearly 60 girls participated, and they heard from female coaches, staff members and administrators, as well as members of The Chicago Winds (a tackle football team in the Women’s National Football Conference). Karos also is the backup quarterback for The Chicago Winds.

The group then discussed the significance of the event, which is to honor all female athletes – past, present and future – and to acknowledge how far female athletic programs/opportunities have come and how much more they can grow. Attendees shared their personal experiences, journeys, successes and challenges through answering a list of questions.

That evening, the school hosted its first WarriHER Sports Camp, where more than 85 local girls in third through eighth grades were able to experience what it means to be part of girls sports at Willowbrook.

The future Warriors rotated through stations with activities to try their hand at a variety of sports, and the camp was led by current Willowbrook female varsity student-athletes and coaches. It was an evening of empowerment, skill building and community designed to inspire the next generation of Warrior female student-athletes.

Pictured above (top) is a group photo from the event, with participants and volunteers. Pictured above (bottom) are the Willowbrook female varsity student-athletes who volunteered during the event.