Today, we proudly celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day—a moment to recognize the incredible athletes, teams, and organizations inspiring future generations of girls to hit the court, field, or track with confidence.
At SquadLocker, we’re honored to support programs that champion girls and women in sports, like NorStar Volleyball Club. Established in 2024 in the Bay Area, NorStar Volleyball Club is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that fosters mental, emotional, and physical growth for all athletes.
"Our mission at NorStar is to empower young athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the court. Partnering with SquadLocker ensures our players have the quality gear they need to perform and feel their best."
— Simo Taoufik, Founder/Director/Coach, NorStar Volleyball Club
We believe in leveling the playing field with innovative custom apparel solutions that bring teams together and help them thrive. Whether it’s volleyball, soccer, or any other sport, we’re committed to supporting programs that empower girls to aim high and spike harder.
To celebrate, we’re highlighting four incredible NorStar athletes and one incredible coach who all embody the strength, resilience, and camaraderie of girls and women in sports.
Being a girl in sports means showing that it’s not just for boys. Girls can also be just as strong, fast, and competitive too!
Q: What’s the best part about being part of a girls’ sports team?
The best part of being on a NorStar volleyball team is getting to bond with people who love the same things as you. It helps build team chemistry and everyone gets to know each other outside the sport, which makes playing together even more fun!
Q: What’s your team’s go-to cheer, and how did you come up with it?
As seen in the video, my team’s go-to cheer is spelling out NorStar, then we double clap, spin, and dive. We came up with this when we were brainstorming cheers and this one stuck. It’s so fun to yell it together because it really hypes us up!
Society tells girls that boys are stronger and better than girls in sports. However, being a girl in sports gives me the opportunity to show people that the common misconception is not true, and that anyone can succeed in sports if they have motivation and consistency.
Q: If you could encourage more girls to try volleyball, what would you tell them?
Absolutely give it a shot! It’s the best sport in the world because you have fun, it’s exciting to play, you build strong friendships, learn how to support other people when winning or losing, and a player can really grow in their confidence on the court, their leadership, and mental grit.
Q: If you could pick any animal to represent your team, what would it be and why?
I would choose the African wild dog because they are animals that work as a pack, organizing themselves through efficient communication and utilizing their excellent speed, to take down larger animals. Just like the African wild dog, my team works as a pack, using our speed, communication, and teamwork to take down teams with taller players.
In my eyes, being a girl in sports means working hard to improve myself every day, along with those around me. Many stereotypes accuse female athletes of lacking athleticism, and I make it my duty to prove that when a girl puts in the hours to grow, she can become just as skilled as a boy can. Being a girl does not hinder my potential, and I believe in proving that effort and grit are what make athletes exceptional, not gender.
I would absolutely L O V E the chance to play with Melissa Vargas!! She is a pin hitter on the Turkish National Team, and has won so many MVP and difficult to earn awards such as the MVP and Best Opposite at European Championships in 2023. She also broke the world record for fastest serve in women's volleyball, at 112 km/h or around 70 mph. Her serves are faster than the serves of even many pro men players, and I would love to both compete with her and hear about how she was able to, as a woman, achieve what only a couple in the world are able to.
I’d have to make my wish that every time I play in a match the entire team and I have plenty of energy and a thirst to win. The best games are the ones where the stakes are high, and both sides are giving everything they can to win it. I love it when on my side of the court everyone is in sync and wants to win, and if I could make every game one with that much energy I would.
Being a girl in sports is empowering to say the least. It’s easy for people to underestimate girls and see us as less capable simply because of our gender, so being a girl in sports is about finding a balance between breaking societal norms and personal drive. The “underdog” mentality is something I value deeply, and I find it especially powerful as a female athlete by rising above peoples’ preconceptions physically, societally, and mentally alongside my teammates.
To younger girls who want to play sports, I would advise you to just go for it! Try many different things and pursue the sport you truly enjoy. Playing team sports especially, you learn to break out of your comfort zone, find your voice, and push yourself and the people around you. Personally, volleyball has taught me priceless values of discipline, selflessness, and confidence. It’s given me purpose, joy, memories, and my favorite people.
If my uniform had a secret motivational quote hidden inside, it would say: “The greatest test of courage is to bear defeat without losing heart.” In sports, losing is part of the game; everyone experiences it. At the end of the day, great athletes hold themselves accountable for their mistakes, while staying true to who they are.
Being a woman in sports is a great honor and privilege. It gives me the chance to be me. It means having the courage to challenge myself, become a better woman, build confidence to break barriers and show and support other women and girls that they can do the same. It’s about women supporting women in things we enjoy.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young female athletes looking to take their game to the next level?
My advice to young female athletes is to stay coachable, work hard, and believe in yourself. Listen to your coaches and teammates, learn from those who inspire you, and never stop pushing to improve. Set goals, stay disciplined, and follow through with determination. Confidence, dedication, and a strong mindset will take you to the next level—trust the process and enjoy the journey!
Q: What’s something unexpected you’ve learned from coaching girls' sports?
One unexpected thing I’ve learned from coaching girls' sports is the incredible mix of determination and grace they bring to the game. Their grit and resilience in the face of challenges are inspiring, but so is the way they support each other, build lifelong friendships, and play with pure love for the sport. Watching them grow, both as athletes and as people, has been one of the most rewarding experiences.
Honoring the Future of Girls & Women in Sports
Here’s to the incredible athletes breaking barriers, shattering ceilings, and inspiring us all. At SquadLocker, we’re committed to providing the gear that helps teams like NorStar Volleyball Club feel confident, united, and ready to win—on and off the court.
NorStar Volleyball Club is an official SquadClub member. If you know a team that could benefit from SquadClub, check out our SquadLocker+ referral incentives program.
#NationalGirlsAndWomenInSportsDay #WeLoveTeams