Women have been dominating sports from basketball courts,  soccer fields, to setting new swimming records, and 2019 marks the celebration of 50 years of women’s sports at NMU. 

The official 50 Years of Women’s Sports logo, created by senior graphic design major and volleyball player Gabriela Martinez, will be featured on helmet stickers, uniforms, stickers and magnets.

With the volleyball team’s overall record wins being 50% or above each season since 2003, the team does have a lot of expectations to carry, which is why this anniversary is important for them, Martinez said, adding that she feels honored to be a part of this celebration because this year’s team has helped to maintain the built-up reputation.

“We are really excited for this celebration,” Martinez said. “We know there are [previous teams] from past times that were really good and won. We want to be like that too.” 

The 50th anniversary of women’s athletics illustrates that their efforts are not overlooked, Martinez said.

While growing up in Puerto Rico, Martinez joined volleyball at the age of 10 when her parents noticed that she had an interest in pursuing the sport. 

“My parents took me to a couple of practices, just to see if I liked it,” Martinez said. “It’s not the same just playing at your house.” 

After a few practices with a volleyball team, Martinez knew this little interest would soon become a passion. The family-like structure of teammates was a perk to the sport, and Martinez said it was no question back in high school that she’d eventually play on a collegiate team.

Martinez explained that she hopes women’s sports at NMU become more developed in the future and start to highlight women athletes in a similar spotlight as their male peers.

“[NMU athletes] have the same goal at the end: going to practice, the workouts and going to games,” she said. 

The anniversary is a reminder that all athletes put in the same amount of effort and all should be recognized, Martinez noted. The entire community should also feel proud about this achievement too, she added.

“[The community has] a big part of this celebration; they are not the athletes but they are there to support you,” Martinez said.