The Buffalo Sabres announced on March 8 that they will celebrate Girls and Women in Sports Night during their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The event will recognize five women for their significant contributions to the Western New York sports community.
The annual celebration aims to highlight the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and administrators, emphasizing their impact both locally and beyond. This year’s honorees include individuals from a range of sports backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership and excellence.
Chelsea Walkland, an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Hockey Team and Colgate University, is among those recognized. Walkland has previously won an NCAA Division III National Championship with RIT and was invited by the Sabres to assist with their development camp in 2023.
Julie Murphy, a former three-sport athlete at Williamsville South High School, currently serves as an assistant field hockey coach at Nichols and head softball coach at Williamsville South. She has been elected to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
Other honorees include D’Ann Keller, deputy director of athletics for the University at Buffalo; Lauren Vargo, Sport Services Manager for the Buffalo Sports Commission; and Taryn Burkholder, head women’s lacrosse coach at Slippery Rock University. Each has played a key role in advancing opportunities for women in sports within Western New York.
The Sabres’ recognition of these leaders reflects ongoing efforts to support gender equity in athletics and inspire future generations.
