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Athletes Honored On ‘National Girls & Women In Sports Day’

The Local Organizing Committee for the Division I Women’s Basketball Regional honors local athletes, Brionna Thomas and Molly Welfle, for their outstanding accomplishments and perseverance on February 5, 2020 – National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD.)

Brionna Thomas is a shining example of how sports can benefit the lives of women. Thomas is a graduate of Wayne High School and Purdue University. During her track and field career at Purdue, Thomas was an All-American. She is currently getting ready for the Olympic trials.

This year, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day’s theme is “Lead Her Forward.” Molly exemplifies everything it means to be a woman in sports and helping others to achieve excellence and realize their boundless potential.

Welfle is one of the most decorated athletes in Turnstone history as a former member of the women’s national wheelchair basketball team and two-time all-American. Welfle has transitioned her career to be an assistant coach on the Turnstone Flyers’ team.

NGWSD is devoted to recognizing the progress of women in sports, and the benefits that sports and fitness activities can bring to the lives of all women. The Day is organized nationally by the Women’s Sports Foundations; to learn more, visit www.WomenSportsFoundation.org/NGWSD.

Molly Welfle

“Being a woman in sports for the past 17 years has not only made me a better athlete, but I believe that it’s made me work harder for where I am and that’s in all aspects of my life. I do see that where I am now as an opportunity to lead these young kids to where they can be one day,” says Molly Welfle

“Turnstone is proud to support Molly Welfle in all of her endeavors and we are thrilled to have her join us a coach in our competitive wheelchair basketball program as a complement to her own athletic career,” said Mike Mushett, CEO of Turnstone. “Molly exemplifies what is possible when drive and determination is coupled with possibilities and her successes are certainly worthy of this honor.”

Brionna Thomas

“I am who I am by the grace of God. Therefore, being a woman in sports, I’ve learned to surpass limits. It’s in my power to be the best me I can be. I cannot express my gratitude enough,” said Brionna Thomas. “I am very delighted. Being recognized as an honoree of this esteemed award means a great deal to me. Thank you and everyone else involved in choosing me as a recipient, God bless!”

Regarding the importance of women in sports, Thomas’ High School Track Coach, Jake Sharin, says, “athletics can be the first step in the journey to empowerment that a young woman can take. It can teach them they are capable of accomplishing anything they put their mind to.”

As Fort Wayne’s Local Organizing Committee – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Purdue Fort Wayne, and Visit Fort Wayne – plans to host the Division I Women’s Basketball Regional we recognize the importance of sports and its benefits that it can bring to the lives of all women. To support and celebrate girls and women in sports, join us during the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on March 28 & 30.