Canton, NY – The National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual day of observance held during the first week of February to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, recognize the influence of sports participation for women and girls, and honor the progress and continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
 
February 3, 2021, marks the 35th annual NGWSD. This year SUNY Canton Athletics has chosen to feature several of its female coaches and athletics staff members to celebrate NGWSD. Today we feature Head Athletic Trainer Christine Scuderi.
 
 
Question & Answer
 
Q: When did you first start playing sports? What was the first sport you ever played?
A: I started playing soccer when I was four.
 
 
Q: How many sports and what sports did you play in high school and/or college?
A: I played soccer for the school team and select team (year-round) and basketball in high school. I also played soccer and basketball in college.
 
 
Q: What has playing sports taught you in life?
A: Teamwork, humility, work ethic, how to be a gracious winner and loser, confidence, understanding, perspective, empathy, mental toughness, humor, problem solving, to name a few.
 
 
Q: What are some of the youth sports organizations you were involved in either growing up or that you have worked with during your time coaching? (Ex: midgets' hockey, soccer clinics, youth basketball, etc.)
A: Island Trees Youth Soccer league (on Long Island) – coach and player. Coached Lake Placid Soccer Centre working with professional coaches and players from around the world, Bruns basketball camp in Brooklyn NY – coach, Clarkson University soccer coach (four years as assistant then head) and lacrosse coach (head coach).
 
 
Q: Who is a role model for you either now or when you were growing up?
A: I did not have a role model growing up nor do I have one now. My family has always been super competitive and fun. We pushed each other (literally and figuratively) and still do. 
 
 
Q: Who is your favorite coach or a person in the sports field and why?
A: I don't have a favorite coach or person in the sports field but being in my current position as athletic trainer my favorite players are those players who fly beneath the radar. Those that work hard every day and probably don't get the credit they deserve, the ones who are always in the lineup but may not be on the top of the stat sheet. Those players that play for the sake of playing and love of the game. Players who I like to call "intangibles," the quiet leaders…those who make the team they are on better just by being there, on or off the field of play. Those are the players I notice. Those are the players that are my favorites. Shout out to each and every "intangible".
 
 
Q: Why did you get into coaching/a sports and athletics related field?
A: I like the mindset of the athletic population. Having been a player, a coach , and for many years now an athletic trainer...It was something I have been a part of my entire life…it is where I feel most comfortable and an environment in which I can relate from all perspectives.
 
 
Q: What are some of your hobbies you enjoy outside of sports and work?
A: I like working on my house and yard. I like fixing things and being creative. I enjoy being outside and visiting family, friends and spending as much time as I can with my daughter Emma.
   

About National Girls & Women in Sports Day
National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 as a special day in our nation's Capital to recognize women's sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports. In 1987, NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women's sports; Hyman died of Marfan's Syndrome in 1986. It has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports. NGWSD is powered by the Women's Sports Foundation, supported by its team of champion athletes and celebrated throughout the year by schools and community-serving organizations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. NGWSD 2021 Girls Fest is supported by WSF National Partners Athleta, espnW, Gatorade, NBC Sports Groups and Yahoo Sports, and produced in collaboration with signature partners Dick's Sporting Goods and Girl Up.
 
   

About SUNY Canton
SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 21 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity eSports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.