Celebrating Girls and Women in Sports Day
By: Damon Markiewicz
Springfield College alumnus Dr. Peter Gillen ’04, G’07, recently returned to Alden Street to watch his has daughters take part in one of the fun community outreach events the College hosts, Girls and Women in Sports Day.
“It always a day my daughters look forward to because they enjoy themselves every year,” expressed Gillen. “I have four daughters ranging in ages from 13 to 6 years old, and three of my girls took part in the event this year. My oldest daughter has taken part in the past, and all four of my girls have enjoyed themselves when participating in the day.”
Gillen is always excited to return to the campus because he remembers the great memories he enjoyed as a student-athlete. Girls and Women in Sports Day is a way for his family to also enjoy everything that is great about Springfield College that he appreciates as a proud graduate.
“The day highlights the great people that Springfield College attracts,” said Gillen. “My daughters love trying out all of the different sports, and having the student-athletes be there and helping the kids is a great example of what makes the College special. It’s a Saturday morning and the current student-athletes are there, working with the girls, and teaching them a variety of great sport opportunities. It’s a lot of fun, and my girls enjoy it every time we participate.”
This year’s Girls and Women in Sports Day also kicked off the February school vacation week for Gillen and his daughters. He is currently the principal at West Springfield Middle School, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Commonwealth — and also one of the most diverse; there are more than 1,000 students at the school, and more than 20 different languages are spoken. He is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for the New England League of Middle Schools. Gillen’s successes can be attributed to his educational journey that started at Springfield College.
“Springfield College was a great fit for me because I like the small college feel, and I knew it had great academic programs. I could also compete in cross-country and track and field,” expressed Gillen. “I remember attending summer orientation (SOAR) and that is when I switched to an English major. I also got involved in taking part in a couple of theater plays in the performing arts, so overall I tried to get involved in a variety of things.”
Taking advantage of the opportunities to try new experiences is a big reason why Gillen enjoys the Girls and Women in Sports Day program. By the time the day is over, he knows his daughters are going to come home expressing they discovered something new that they enjoyed.
“Each year, my daughters come home and have a new favorite sport,” said Gillen. “What’s great is they get to try out a lot, whether it is dance, basketball, volleyball, they like trying it all. They really liked field hockey this year, so that was fun to witness.”
Springfield College is a special place for the Gillen family, and the opportunity to come back to campus each February and take part in Girls and Women in Sports Day is just one example of why they appreciate the College.
“My wife (Lynn) and I enjoy showing the girls the college atmosphere,” expressed Gillen. “It’s a great way for the College to build connections with the participants and their families. Taking part in Girls and Women in Sports day has become a fun family tradition, and I know they are excited for next year.”
