Over the past several decades, among other great things, women have been able to compete in organized athletics, feel strong, and achieve their goals. More specifically, in the world of collegiate athletics, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the historic title IX decision which gave young girls and women an increased opportunity to participate in sports. In other words, this amendment banned discrimination in federally funded educational programs on the basis of sex. As a female collegiate Division I athlete, there are many lessons that I have learned along the way.
- It is important to empower each other—not pit ourselves against each other
As a Division 1 cross country and track athlete, the beauty of competing at a high level in sports is that everyone has the same passion as you: improve and win. Though having the same goals as other women around you can be empowering, it also has the potential to be toxic. When everyone is only focused on themselves and their personal bests, it takes the beauty out of team sports. Hearing my teammates cheer me on during a race and encourage me to work hard is the best feeling in the world. It has also led me to have some pretty amazing races. Even though it can be hard to get along with teammates at times, they are your family. You all work towards the same goals, practice together, sometimes fail together, and succeed together. These are the women who you spend the most time; they see you at your worst and best. Women who empower other women are the real winners.
“Hearing my teammates cheer me on during a race and encouraging me to work hard is the best feeling in the world…”
2. Even though a women’s program may perform better, the men still get most of the attention
Just because we have equal access to funding in athletics does not mean we get equal recognition. During my freshman year of running college cross country and track, the women made a historical second place finish at our conference championship. No one paid attention to our race, but all eyes were on the men’s team as they finished fourth. In most of the races I ran, men go first and women go last. No one gives women’s races the same amount of attention as men’s races. With that being said, I emphasize my previous point of women empowering women. If no one wants to support our games or races, then ladies, we have to support each other!
“If no one wants to support our games or races, then ladies, we have to support eachother!”
3. Body image in sports
Body image is already a touchy subject, but when it comes to sports, the female body is especially scrutinized. It took me a while to feel comfortable in my body based off of expectations of what a “successful” female athlete should look like. I was the shortest girl on my team and did not have the lean distance runner build that everyone associates with cross country. I knew there was nothing I could do about my height, but I tried everything to get lean. Restricting food is unsustainable, and actually does more harm than good. Your body needs food to recover and get stronger. Eating right helps with injury prevention and allows you to perform at high levels. Food is fuel, so don’t be afraid to eat. If you have concerns about what you are eating and how to get stronger it is always best to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.
“Your body needs fuel to recover and get stronger.”
I am extremely privileged to have been able to compete at such a high level in sport that I love. There are always ups and downs, but I would not change a thing about my experiences as a female Division I athlete. The things you learn in athletics are irreplaceable and aid in shaping a stronger and more independent version of yourself.