PCCC Celebrates National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2026

Girl Power ruled at PCCC when the Athletics department celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 4th with a special program that gave well-deserved recognition to our amazing women’s teams and to several student-athletes who stood out for their individual achievements.

Dr. Leah Johnson, Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, warmed up the audience in the PCCC Theater with a rousing opening speech that hailed the benefits of sports and rallied the women athletes to “make your voices heard and break barriers,” alluding to the obstacles that women have typically faced in athletics.

An athlete throughout her school years, Dr. Johnson exemplifies her advice: “Sports can open doors to social networks, jobs and opportunities. They have changed the trajectory of so many lives.”

Adding a holistic dimension to the event, Lia Rowe (director) and Rashel Medina Lantigua of PCCC’s Wellness Center offered a presentation about the resources of the Center which can support physical as well as mental well-being, such as a food pantry with free healthful choices, contacts with mental health services, and assistance with housing and other needs.

Already on the path of success, five young student-athletes from the women’s basketball and volleyball teams each took the stage to present their personal stories and tell how athletics at PCCC has impacted them.

“Growing up, I learned that nothing in life is just given to you,” said Karla Romualdo, a star basketball player who was recently selected as one of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) 2026 Women Athletes of the Year, an honor based on athletic performance, academic achievement, and service to the college community. Karla started playing basketball as a high school sophomore. “I discovered a passion for sports and fitness,” she said. That led her to pursue studies in exercise science and plan for a career as an athletics trainer.

When Camile Castaneda Salazar arrived in the US, a young immigrant girl from Peru, “Everything felt so different from home,” she said. But when she started playing volleyball at age 7, “I discovered how powerful sports can be,” said Camille. Playing through high school and now at PCCC, she also experienced the demands of balancing school and sports. “The reality of student athletics is not easy,” said Camile, “but it was good preparation for the future.” The daughter of a nurse, Camile envisions a career as a trauma surgeon. “Sports builds confidence and friendships. I’m very thankful for my teammates.”

Basketball player Janessa Rodriguez grew up in a home “where sports was always a part of our daily life.” Janessa said her father shaped her role in athletics and basketball became a passion. “Sometimes I felt underestimated, but I persisted,” she said. Now, Janessa enjoys mentoring and coaching other young girls. A health science major, she plans to become a physical therapist, and hopes to inspire others- especially girls – “to be their best self.”

Julia de Lyra played beach volleyball as a child in Brazil. “I developed a deep passion for the game,” she said and continued to play volleyball when she came to the US, joining her high school team and, later, the PCCC women’s volleyball team. Last Fall, Julia was named by the NJCAA Region 19 to the All-Region Third Team. Shortly after, Julia and teammate Danna Fernandez were named by the Garden State Athletic Conference (Region 19) to the All-Conference Third Team. “I am very grateful. These awards mean a lot to me,” said Julia.“I am also thankful to all the coaches.”

The head coach of the women’s basketball team, Jermaine Emanuel, grounded the celebration in history, referencing the Title IX (Title 9) clause of the 1972 Federal Education Amendments which granted by law equal treatment of girls and women in school sports. “There are still things women struggle against,” said Coach Emanuel, but he urged the athletes to remember “there will be girls after you,” and to “use sports as a way to propel yourself to wherever you want to be.”

Coach Nicholas Fernandez, assistant women’s volleyball coach, added that he comes from a family of strong women and commended the strength and persistence of the athletes honored at the event. “This wasn’t just handed to them,” he said. “They all worked hard and showed up.”

Summing up the meaning and intent of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Athletics Director Tiago Dos Santos commented afterwards,

“Female student-athletes don’t just compete—they lead, inspire, and set the standard. They balance academics, athletics, and leadership with resilience and determination, shaping the future of college sports. Our female student athletes: Karla, Janessa, Julia and Camille all embody those values and characteristics. I couldn’t be prouder to have these young athletes be role models for future PCCC Panther female athletes.”

Learn more about Athletics at PCCC
Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by Page Saunders