HUNTSVILLE — Local elementary and middle school female students helped make Game Day happen Thursday night when Sam Houston women's basketball took on Grand Canyon at Johnson Coliseum.

Sam Houston Athletics hosted the students as part of the department's National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration. Ten mentees joined Sam Houston staff to learn and support different areas of game-day operations, including ticketing, photography, public address announcing, statistics, social media and TV broadcasting.

"We know the importance sports have on youth development, and we wanted to show the next generation different careers sports provide not only on the court, but off the court as well," said Dave Kinard, associate athletic director of external affairs. "I'm proud of our team for executing this event, and we're looking forward to expanding it in the future."

National Girls and Women in Sports Day was created in 1987 to recognize and honor the contributions of women to sports and is celebrated across the country on the first week of February. Thursday's game was the Bearkats' first home game since this year's official recognition on Feb. 1.

Student marketing lead Brittany LeVasseur, a senior marketing major, led the engagement efforts during the game, pairing the young girls with their staff mentors for the night. She also was able to teach one of the girls what it's like to DJ the game.

"This night was really meaningful to me," LeVasseur said. "The girls seemed to really enjoy being able to see how a game runs and how all the parts come together. I enjoyed getting to help give these girls the opportunity to get a first-hand view of what makes college athletics so special."

Another mentor, student athletics photographer Rwanda Taua'a, heard her mentee Miranda express how she wanted to pursue a career in content creation in sports. The youth photographer shadowed Taua'a throughout the game and even got to take a handful of photos that were featured on the women's basketball social media accounts.

"I was able to witness Miranda's goal and interests become reality," said Taua'a, a senior public relations and advertising and sports media major. "Throughout the night, Miranda always mentioned how this night was the best night in the whole world to her. I was in awe. Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person. All I can say is that the future generation of women in sports is in good hands."

The department plans to host this event annually to continue introducing young girls to different careers inside of sports. For those interested in having their child participate in future events with Sam Houston Athletics, sign up for information on future events.