Females in sports: Members of the Gilpin County High School girls’ track team show off their skills during a track meet in 2022.[/caption]

The Sportswomen of Colorado (SWOC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974. The SWOC was the country's first organization honoring female athletes' achievements in Colorado.

The YWCA of Metropolitan Denver and Gart Brothers Sporting Goods Company are responsible for founding the SWOC. During its first banquet, 28 awards, plus a surprise “Sportswoman of the Year” award, were presented to women athletes.

Between 1979 and 1983, Masters Sports awards became part of the organization’s awards banquets, the SWOC Hall of Fame debuted, and the organization added the first award for “Athlete with a Disability.”

In 2001, the SWOC began a girls’ scholarship program, and this continues today. Over 2,200 women have received awards for their sports achievements. On Sunday, March 17, 2024, the SWOC held its 50th Annual Awards Celebration at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center.

The reception began at 4:15 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 5:30 p.m., with nearly 40 honorees. Colorado Mesa University wrestler Marissa Gallegos, and Valor Christian graduate and professional track and field athlete Anna Hall received inductions to the Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame.

CU basketball player Jaylyn Sherrod is averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.3 steals for the sixth-ranked Buffaloes. Sherrod is only the fourth player in CU history with at least 1,000 points and 500 assists.

As of January 2024, Sherrod has 1,325 points and 570 assists in her CU career. Another CU athlete is golfer Morgan Miller, who set school records for stroke average of 70.40 and score-to-par -1.4.

Soccer player Shyra James was honored for her accomplishments, including finishing eighth in the NCAA in goals and 16th in points. She also came in 11th place in the NCAA in goals per game (0.75) and fifth in the nation with 4.65 shots per game.

From wrestling to volleyball and swimming to sports journalism and everything in between, dozens of Colorado female athletes were recognized for their contributions to the state’s sports.

Congratulations to all the women athletes making Colorado history today.