State Rep. Donni Steele last week celebrated the growing opportunities for girls and women in athletics and highlighted the important role sports play in building confidence, leadership, discipline, and resilience in young women.

Steele spoke on the House floor in support of House Resolution 349, introduced by State Rep. Tom Kunse, declaring August 2026 as Girls and Women in Sports Month in Michigan. The resolution was adopted by the House on Wednesday.

“Sports are about so much more than competition,” said Steele (R-Orion Township). “They teach young people how to work as a team, overcome challenges, lead, and believe in themselves. For young girls especially, those lessons can build confidence and resilience that stay with them long after the final whistle.”

Steele said the recognition comes as women’s athletics continue to grow at every level, from youth and high school programs to collegiate and professional sports. Detroit is also preparing for major expansions in women’s professional sports, with both the WNBA and Professional Women’s Hockey League selecting the city for new teams.

“This is an exciting time for women’s sports in Michigan,” Steele said. “When young girls see women competing and succeeding at the highest levels right here in our state, it gives them role models to look up to and shows them just how much is possible.”

House Resolution 349 also recognizes the coaches, officials, parents, mentors, and community leaders who have helped generations of female athletes compete and succeed.