Despite an overall lack of attendance at female sporting events, progress in participation and viewership in female professional leagues has come a long way in recent years. From the WNBA delivering a record-high 170% increase in ESPN viewers to the women’s gold medal soccer game delivering the most spectators for an Olympic soccer finale since 2004, recognition for female athletes is on the rise. This Women’s History Month, we spotlight the achievements female athletes at Jackson-Reed have made in shaping our sports programs, and contributing to the recognition of female sports.
With approximately 400 female students participating in sports at JR, our women’s sports teams have grown in size, significance, and excellence. These student-athletes have demonstrated elite skill and have displayed standout performances in their respective fields.
Most recently, the girl’s track team finished first at the indoor track and field DCIAA meet in January. Setting a record in the 4×400 meter relay, the team never fails to set the bar higher and faster. Standout performances came from athletes including Syracuse commit senior Indie Wallace-Persaud-Persaud, senior Amalya Westray, junior Olivia Purce, and sophomore Ariele Westray, under the leadership of female hhead ccoach Tia Clemmons.
Holding an eight-game winning streak during their season, the women’s JR basketball team has demonstrated serious development and dedication this year. Currently ranked third in DCIAA and second in DCSAA class A, the Tigers have amassed 16 wins this season and are advancing to DCSAA playoffs.
In October, the girl’s varsity soccer team reclaimed its DCIAA title in a decisive victory against the Walls Penguins. Spearheaded by their new female head coach Kelle Bevine, the team remained undefeated in their regular season, finishing with an impressive 18-3 record. Standout athletes include Emerson College commit senior Rowan McCrary, Pratt Institute commit senior Josey Kanach, senior Ema Blanco, and senior Clara Durante.
Female head coach of the varsity volleyball team, Dr. Perette Arrington, achieved a historic milestone this season, surpassing 500 career wins with JR. The team has secured over 20 DCIAA titles, remaining dominant in the DC volleyball realm. With over seven athletes named for the DCSAA All-State team and two mentioned in the Washington Post All-Met, the Tigers has skillfully remained on top.
The girl’s Division 1 bowling team has won two DCIAA bowling tournaments in the last decade, establishing its presence in a sport often overlooked. Similarly, the wrestling team has made significant strides in a traditionally male-dominated field, with an increasing number of female athletes joining the team. Most notably, sophomore Joy Brown won the 2025 DCSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational.
Currently ranked 15th in the nation, the girls’ ultimate frisbee team continues to excel on a national level, having been ranked 9th last year. Constantly putting in work out on the field, the team has consistently attended the High School National Invite, a prestigious national ultimate frisbee tournament hosting the top-ranked 16 teams in the country.
Looking ahead, girls’ varsity softball has recently completed tryouts for its varsity team, a program that has produced multiple female DC All-State First Team athletes. Girls’ lacrosse season has just finalized its roster and will continue to display talent, grit, and hard work on the field. JR girls’ varsity crew team hopes to also make big strides this spring season, after a successful winter training season indoors.
The female sports at JR are a force to be reckoned with. While student attention often gravitates toward the achievements of their male counterparts, it is time to give recognition to the skill, dedication, and excellence of our female student-athletes. With the guidance of a female Athletic Director, JR’s female sports programs have thrived, continuing to break records, secure championships, and break barriers. The dominance of these teams demonstrates the collective strength, perseverance, and teamwork that define women’s athletics. •
