February 5, 2025, marks National Girls and Women in Sports Day, an annual celebration recognizing females who work and participate in athletics.
However, for two former Florida Gulf Coast University softball players, girls in sports are recognized every day of the year.
"For me, it just means what sports do to empower girls to become just strong leaders," said Ashley Cecil Spencer. "Sports teach that in general, but I think for women, young girls, and athletes, it just helps them really gain confidence."
Ashley (Cecil), Spencer, and Kate (Kelly) Makar continue to prove to be hometown heroes in the Gulf Coast. Both were local high school stars and went on to make statements at FGCU.
"I think she's a very big part of what softball is in this town," said St. John Neumann sophomore and Spencer's daughter CeCe Spencer. "I get told all the time 'how good your mom was, how fast your mom was,' how great of a player she is with everything she accomplished in FGCU."
Spencer, a Lely graduate, was an Eagle from 2003-2005. A record-breaking force during FGCU's early years, Spencer still holds the single-season batting average record (.486 in 2003) and ranks as one of the best base stealers in program history.
The NFCA All-American and two-time NFCA All-Region honoree played a crucial role in establishing FGCU softball as a powerhouse. She was also inducted into the Class of 2025 FGCU Athletics Hall of Fame.
"To share this achievement with my fellow Hall of Famers is humbling," Spencer said. "FGCU has left a lasting impact on my life."
Makar, who graduated from North Fort Myers High School, found her way back to the Gulf Coast for her final years of college, transferring from Seminole State College to FGCU, where she held a perfect fielding percentage during her senior year.
"She used to be a very big player back in her day," said Evangelical Christian School junior Hadyn Billie. "We all know that!"
Both FGCU legends are still out on the diamond putting in work years after graduation, each leading the next generation of softball players.
"I can't see myself not being a part of the softball and coaching community," said Spencer.
"This is a dream come true," said Makar. "Being able to teach these young girls, empower them and have grow in their faith and play softball is like truly amazing."
Spencer is the head coach at St. John Neumann in Naples, and Makar is an assistant at ECS in Fort Myers.
"[Makar] choosing to take her time with us and be as patient and bring herself down to our level, just someone as generous and kind as her makes me feel really good to have somebody like her on our team," added Billie.
"[Spencer] takes everything she's learned, and she puts it together for us no matter what," said Neumann junior Jennifer Drake. "She just gives everything she can. I wouldn't be here without her."
They share their wisdom and talents to help the players hone their skills, while also making them fall even more in love with the sport.
"[Spencer]'s definitely my biggest role model," said CeCe Spencer. "Like, through everything, I try to be like her and love the game like she does and play the game with the respect and love that she does."
Their dedication to their players on and off the field also shapes the girls into strong women and good role models.
"[Makar]'s teaching me the way you should also respect yourself too, as female athletes and how we should carry ourselves when we are playing," said ECS sophomore Nelly Guzman.
For Spencer and Makar, it's undoubtedly a blessing to be able to continue their careers in softball and to know that they're making a difference for girls in sports.
"I couldn't imagine doing anything else," said Makar. "It's engraved in me to be a leader."
Spencer added, "Whether it's in sports or in their careers, I just want to show them what hard work will lead to and what dedication and passion can bring to you in whatever you decide for you."