An all-female production crew will lead the broadcast for the Oregon women’s basketball game. The game is set for February 3, 2026. It will feature the Oregon Ducks versus Illinois. This event honors National Girls & Women in Sports Day. It marks a significant milestone for women in sports media. This initiative breaks ground in collegiate athletics broadcasting.
Historic All-Female Production Crew
Seventeen women are working on this special broadcast. They will handle every aspect of the production. This includes camera operation and on-air talent. Sophie Fowler, a University of Oregon senior, is a key member. She serves as a producer for the athletic department’s B1G+ streaming service. This is part of the Big Ten’s “StudentU” program.
Fowler noted a big change. She saw a large increase in female participation. This was since her freshman year. She stated, “When I started out… there wasn’t a lot of girls.” She added, “To be able to have this whole girl-run and driven broadcast I think is super cool”. This team is aiming to shatter glass ceilings.
Celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual celebration. It takes place each February. This year, it falls on February 4, 2026. The day began in 1987. It honored Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. NGWSD celebrates the achievements of women in sports. It also highlights the power of sports for empowerment. The day inspires girls and women. It encourages them to play and be active. It helps them realize their full potential. NGWSD aims to break down gender stereotypes in sports.
Key Voices on the Air
Several talented women will be on-air. Olivia Arciniega, a UO senior, will be the on-air analyst. Lily Crane will provide the play-by-play commentary. McKenna Rowland will serve as the sideline reporter. Shyla Orquia is the broadcast director. She oversees the technical aspects of the production. Orquia is a double major. She studies advertising and public policy. She also has a minor in science communications. She joined the broadcast team as a freshman. Orquia has gained valuable experience. She has worked with major networks like CBS and NBC.
Progress and Challenges in Sports Media
This event highlights progress for women in sports media. Historically, women faced many barriers. These included limited opportunities and discrimination. Today, women are taking on more roles. They are anchors, analysts, and commentators. They bring diverse perspectives to sports stories. However, challenges remain. Women in sports media still face bias. Media coverage for women’s sports is growing. It tripled from 2019 to 2022. Yet, it still needs to increase further to reach full parity. This broadcast aims to show women’s capabilities. It promotes inclusivity in sports news.
Inspiring Future Generations
The University of Oregon’s athletic department supports this initiative. The B1G+ streaming service offers platforms for student productions. The “StudentU” program empowers student creators. This all-female crew is more than just a broadcast. It serves as an inspiration. It shows young girls and women what is possible. They can excel in all areas of sports and media. Arciniega stated, “The fact that we’re here right now and we can put together a crew of 17 women, I think that is just so special”. This news is trending in Oregon sports circles. It represents a positive step forward. The goal is for such crews to become normal, not a novelty.
This historic broadcast celebrates achievement. It also paves the way for future success. It underscores the growing presence and impact of women in the sports industry. This news offers a promising outlook for diversity in sports media.
