Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Blake Hall, Barge Commons
Westminster Athletics will host a National Girls and Women in Sports Day Panel on Thursday, February 5, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Blake Hall, Barge Commons. This event is open to the Westminster community and will feature accomplished women from across the sports industry who will share their experiences, career paths, and insights into leadership and opportunity in athletics.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), celebrated annually in February, recognizes the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and sports professionals while highlighting the continued pursuit of equity and inclusion in sports. Established in 1987, the observance has grown into a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of sport for girls and women.
The Westminster Athletics panel will bring together leaders from professional sports, collegiate athletics, sports science, media, and coaching, offering attendees a broad perspective on the many ways women contribute to and shape the sports landscape. Students, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend. The panel will be moderated by Wildcat senior student-athlete and WCAT reporter Gabbie Cropper.
Panelists
Jessica Winton '99
Founder and Executive Producer, Live Events and Talent Partnerships
Watercooler Casting
Jessica Winton is the founder and executive producer of Watercooler Casting, a talent development and casting agency specializing in live events, branded entertainment, and media partnerships. With extensive experience connecting talent to large-scale productions and digital platforms, Winton has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, entertainment, and sports. Her work highlights the expanding opportunities for athletes and professionals beyond competition, particularly in media and production.
Carla Gilson
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Wellness
Purdue University
Carla Gilson serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Wellness at Purdue University, where she oversees performance, wellness, and support services for student-athletes. With more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, including previous leadership roles in athletic training and sports medicine, Gilson is widely respected for her commitment to athlete health, development, and holistic performance. Her career reflects the growing leadership roles women hold in high-level collegiate athletics administration.
Leah Borkan
Sport Scientist
Atlanta Hawks
Leah Borkan works as a sport scientist for the Atlanta Hawks, contributing to player performance, injury prevention, and recovery through data analysis and applied sports science. Sport scientists collaborate closely with coaching, medical, and performance staffs to optimize athlete readiness and longevity. Borkan's role offers insight into the rapidly expanding field of sports science and analytics at the professional level.
Miah Spencer
Former WNBA and NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Player
Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Westminster
Miah Spencer competed at the NCAA Division I level at North Carolina State University before continuing her career professionally with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA. She now serves as the varsity girls basketball coach at Westminster, where she brings elite playing experience and a strong emphasis on mentorship and player development. Spencer's journey from collegiate and professional basketball to coaching exemplifies the lasting impact of athletics beyond competition.
Event Details
The panel will include moderated discussion and time for audience questions, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn directly from women who have built successful and influential careers in sports.
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Blake Hall, Barge Commons
Please register here by Monday, February 2.
Westminster Athletics looks forward to welcoming the community for this meaningful celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day and the leaders who continue to advance the future of athletics.
