As 2024 draws to a close, we at TrackGirlz are reflecting on an incredible year that saw us empowering young girls and women through track and field—literally across the globe! From workshops and activations in the United States to international programs in South America and Europe, our mission to uplift and inspire reached new heights. Here are some of our favorite moments:
Workshops and Empowerment Events
Fort Worth, TX: AP Ranch and GEM Program Collaboration
In February, we hosted our first of many workshops at AP Ranch in partnership with the Mavericks GEM program. This event brought young athletes together to learn, grow, and empower each other on and off the track. The synergy between these organizations and the TrackGirlz mission made this an unforgettable experience.
Frisco, TX: FAST (Functional Analysis and Speed Training) Clinics
Our partnership with Scottish Rite for Children’s Hospital continued to thrive as we hosted the Functional Analysis and Speed Training (FAST) Clinic. Led by our founder, Mechelle Lewis Freeman, alongside Sophia Ulman, Ph.D., the clinic focused on reducing injury risks for adolescent sprinters while enhancing mobility, stability, strength, and power. Athletes who attended prior clinics returned to measure their progress, demonstrating the power of dedication and education.
Eugene, OR: Olympic Trials Activation
At the U.S. Olympic Trials, we made a splash with our activation events:
- BRAVE UP Bracelets: Young athletes created bracelets featuring core values that resonated with them. Our values are Bold, Resilience, Authenticity, Vision, Excellence, Unity, and Poise. Even Melissa Jeffries stopped by our tent to join the fun; she went on to win an Olympic Gold and Bronze.
- Rising Stars Youth Clinic: Over 100 young athletes attended this vibrant event, where we fostered their love for track and field through various games and events.
- Brave Up Empowerment Session: In collaboration with Willamalane and lululemon, we hosted an empowering session for kids, complete with prizes to inspire and motivate them.
- Partnerships with Bras for Girls and &Mother: These collaborations added depth to our activation, as we worked together to uplift and support young female athletes.
Paris, France: Gold at the Olympics
We couldn’t be prouder of our founder, Mechelle Lewis Freeman, who made history as the first female coach of the Olympic relay team. Under her leadership, Team USA clinched gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay. Not to mention Freeman is showcased in the final 10 minutes of SPRINT Season 2, Episode 4 as she dives into the inspiration of the gold medal-winning squad made up of Jefferson, Terry, Thomas, and Richardson.
International Outreach: Sports Envoy Program in Guyana
Freeman’s role as a Sports Envoy took her to Guyana, South America, where she engaged with coaches and young athletes through dynamic workouts and empowerment sessions. The program emphasizes cross-cultural understanding, community engagement, and the power of sports to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Del Valle, TX: TrackGirlz + Track Girl Magic Meet
In partnership with Track Girl Magic, we hosted an all-girls invitational track meet, where we awarded a $500 scholarship to a deserving young athlete. This event highlighted the incredible talent and determination of the next generation of female athletes while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
New York City Marathon: Breaking Records and Raising Funds
We did it! For the third year in a row, TrackGirlz proudly partnered with the New York Road Runners at the iconic NYC Marathon, raising over $19,000! Every dollar brings us closer to empowering more girls in track and field, providing access to the opportunities and resources they need to chase their dreams. This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing community, who ran, cheered, and donated to fuel our mission.
New York City Athlos: Celebrating Women in Track and Field
A standout moment of 2024 was our partnership with Athlos at Icahn Stadium. This event aimed to showcase women’s track and field more frequently than just every four years. We collaborated with Athlos to bring attention to the sport through a simplified, spectator-friendly format featuring six key events: 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. With stars like Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes, and Faith Kipyegon competing, it was an electrifying experience. To top it off, Megan Thee Stallion performed, closing the day with her Hot Girl Summer Tour. Thank you, Athlos, for empowering women in track and field and making history with us!
Special Thanks
None of these achievements would have been possible without our incredible partners and supporters. A heartfelt thank-you to Bras for Girls, Scottish Rite, Mattress Firm, and the New York Road Runners for their continued support of our mission. Your generosity and belief in our vision have helped us reach more girls and create lasting change.
As we look forward to 2025, we’re energized by the impact we’ve made and the stories we’ve shared. From the blocks in Texas to the podium in Paris, TrackGirlz is committed to empowering girls and women through track and field. Here’s to another year of breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and BRAVING UP!
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