Inaugural Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic: Why Women’s Sports Inspire Us All

Celebrating Women’s Sports and Community Spirit

The inaugural Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic was a powerful event that brought together local celebrities, sports icons, and community supporters to celebrate youth sports and women’s sports. It served as a reminder of why sports are about more than just winning or losing—they’re about building community, creating legacies, and inspiring the next generation of girls to dream big.

A Moment to Support Women’s Sports

Watching Marcus Trufant's "Tru's Cougs" and Terry Hollimon's "Holla's Huskies" take center stage at this event to increase awareness and raise funds to help Kirkland continue to host this event was inspiring. The energy was contagious, and the message was clear: women’s sports deserve our full support, visibility, and unwavering commitment. Supporting women in sports is about achieving equity—giving young girls the same opportunities, resources, and platforms that boys have enjoyed for decades.

Representation Matters: Empowering Future Female Athletes

This event wasn’t just a showcase of athletic talent between the rival Cougars and Huskies; it was a celebration of representation. When young girls see women dominating on the field, it sends a powerful message: you can do this too. Whether it’s youth softball or professional leagues, every opportunity to highlight female athletes builds confidence, ignites passions, and moves the sport forward.

Supporting Girls’ Sports Beyond the Field

Support for women’s sports extends beyond the moments on game day. It involves tangible actions—attending women’s games, supporting local girls’ teams, mentoring young athletes, and advocating for equal funding and resources. As a Kirkland real estate broker, I believe building a stronger community means supporting initiatives that uplift everyone, especially our young girls.

Join the Action at Everest Park

Visit Everest Park this week and support the ten international teams competing for the literal world title. Follow along on social media (@jlsbws & @catsdawgscelebritysoftballgame) to stay updated. This international female softball tournament has been hosted here in Kirkland since 1999—now celebrating its 25th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for this "Kirkland summer classic".

Celebrating Dreams and Building Confidence

I am proud to have been part of an event that celebrated more than athletic achievement—it celebrated the potential of every girl out there watching, dreaming, and working toward greatness. Supporting women’s sports isn’t just good for the game—it’s good for our community. It helps inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams.

The Future Is Bright

Here’s to a future where every girl can step up, swing for her dreams, and make history. Supporting women’s sports strengthens our community and empowers the next wave of female leaders both on and off the field.

Special Thank You to the Sponsors

• Hosts: The Barbershop Show's Marcus Trufant & Terry Hollimon

• Title Sponsor: Les Schwab Tires | IG: @lesschwabtires

• Media Sponsor: Moss Bay Hall | IG: @mossbayhall

• Media Sponsor: Max Rombakh | IG: @maxrombakh

• Media Sponsor: JRM Construction | IG: @gojrmconstruction

• Media Sponsor: Five Iron Golf Kirkland | IG: @fiveirongolf

• Media Sponsor: EvergreenHealth | IG: @EvergreenHealth

• Transportation Sponsor: Lee Johnson Auto Family | IG: @leejohnsonautofamily

• Supporting Sponsor: Garrett Brown | IG: @gblivingthelife