Key Takeaways
- Duke will host its seventh annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic on Feb. 7 at Cameron Indoor Stadium
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina serves as presenting sponsor, tying the event to its youth mental health initiatives
- The free clinic is open to children in grades 1-8 and features hands-on instruction from Duke women’s varsity athletes
- Registration is encouraged but not required, with a parent or guardian required to be present
Event Details and Format
Duke Athletics will welcome young athletes to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 7, for the 2026 National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic. The 90-minute session runs from 9-10:30 a.m. and features student-athletes from multiple Duke women’s varsity programs.
Each participating sport will have a designated area within the arena where athletes teach sport-specific skills and techniques. Duke’s cheer and dance teams will also participate, along with the Blue Devil mascot.
The clinic is free and open to all children in grades 1-8. While registration is not mandatory, organizers strongly encourage advance sign-up through Duke’s athletics website.
University Athletics as Community Pipeline
The clinic represents one model for how university athletic departments can engage younger demographics while providing their student-athletes with mentorship opportunities.
“We are thrilled to host the seventh annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic and to once again welcome young people and families into Cameron Indoor Stadium,” said Nina King, Vice President and King-Compton Families Director of Athletics. “This event is always a favorite among our student-athletes as it gives them the opportunity to connect, mentor, and inspire the next generation through sport.”
King emphasized the importance of exposing young participants to female role models in athletics. “Creating a positive and engaging environment where kids can learn, have fun, and see strong female role models in action is incredibly important to us.”
Corporate Sponsorship Tied to Mental Health Focus
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina returns as presenting sponsor, connecting the event to its broader youth mental health programming. The insurer has positioned its sports partnerships around supporting physical and mental wellbeing for young athletes.
Through partnerships with organizations like Duke Athletics, Blue Cross NC aims to reduce mental health stigmas among young people in sports while encouraging active lifestyles.
The clinic offers a repeatable template for athletic departments seeking community engagement opportunities that benefit both young participants and current student-athletes. For families in the Durham area, registration is available at goduke.com.
via: DUKE
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