National Girls and Women in Sports Day: Recognizing the Power of Women in Athletics

Mount Mercy Associate Athletic Director Molly Altorfer has witnessed the momentum firsthand. In the last five years, she has seen women's athletics surge into the spotlight—more fans, more broadcasts, more professional leagues, and more respect. The visibility is undeniable, and it's fueling a new era of opportunity across sports.

"The landscape has changed immensely," Altorfer said. "There are more eyeballs on women's sports, particularly at the college level, and in the creation of more women's professional leagues—from hockey andbasketball leagues, to baseball, softball, volleyball, and golf."

She believes the next wave of growth is already underway, especially within the NAIA. "There are huge opportunities for growth, especially in NAIA women's athletics. NAIA is adding new championship sports, notably in women's flag football, and is improving conference championships at all levels."

Altorfer has always believed that athletics do more than fill box scores—they shape people. For young women, she sees sports as a powerful launching pad for leadership and self-confidence.

"Research shows that a majority of female C-suite executives played a competitive sport growing up," she said. "There is a huge connection between playing sports and leading in your business or organization once you are in the professional world."

She credits her own career trajectory to those lessons learned on the field and court. "Sports provide endless opportunities to learn how to lead others, how to interact with others, how to express yourself clearly and directly, how to create a team and be a valuable member of a team," she said. "I would nothave had as fulfilling a career if it weren't for playing competitive sports as a kid because they just made me who I am."

Each year, National Girls and Women in Sports Day shines a spotlight on female athletes and leaders. For Altorfer, the recognition is important—but she hopes it becomes a mindset, not just a moment.

"I wish National Girls and Women in Sports Day was every day, because the contributions and value that women and girls bring should be celebrated every day," she said.

She's proud of how Mount Mercy has prioritized women's voices in athletics. "Mount Mercy was ahead of the curve in creating a Senior Woman Leader/Administrator position so that women in our campus athletic department feel like they have a voice and someone they can reach out to." Additionally, since 2021, the Mustang athletic department has added female coaches, going from one female head coach on staff in 2021 to eight female head coaches in 2026. "We always say, 'If they can see it, they can be it.' And I'm glad we are leading with more than words in this area."

Altorfer encourages young women to dive in early and explore the many pathways within athletics. "Get involved early! There are so many positions within an athletic department that many people don't know about," she said. "Because college athletics is such a busy, fast-paced environment, we are always eager to have interns or job shadows to show them all that it entails. All you have to do is reach out."

She also pushes back on outdated stereotypes about leadership in sports. "It's not a boys' club," she said. "There are many athletic directors, administrators, head coaches, and assistant coaches at all levels of sports who are women. Try multiple jobs and see what fits your skill set and personality."

For Altorfer, empowering women in sports isn't just a professional commitment—it's a lifelong passion. And as the landscape continues to evolve, she's determined to help the next generation of women find their place, their voice, and their impact.