SportsSeptember 2, 2026

cowgirl

KOW-gurl

Definition

A female student-athlete participating in or representing the University of Wyoming's women's sports teams.

Etymology

The word originated in the mid-19th century as a female equivalent of cowboy, referring to women who worked with livestock, before being adopted by institutions to brand their women's sports programs.

In the news

In this article, the term is used as an official designation for the university's women's athletic teams, such as Cowgirl Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball, to distinguish them from the men's teams.

Wyoming and Colorado State Announce Border War Contests in Four Sports

Read the full article ↗

University of Wyoming Athletics

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