Athlete Anecdote - Leadership

Being an athlete isn’t just about playing the game- it’s about stepping up for others and using your voice to create change. Sports have an incredible way of bringing people together and amplifying voices that are often overlooked, especially when it comes to advocating for women.

A moment that stuck with me happened last year during a team meeting. We were trying to figure out how to support a teammate who was struggling to balance school, sports, and home life. Watching our leaders step up to push for more flexible practice times was inspiring. It wasn’t just about helping one person; it set the tone for how we support each other as a team. That moment taught me that advocacy doesn’t have to be big or flashy- it can start with small actions that put people first.

As a younger athlete, I used to think leadership was reserved for captains or older teammates, so I stayed quiet, assuming my ideas didn’t matter. But over time, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about titles- it’s about showing up for your team and speaking up when it counts. Whether it’s standing up for a teammate or making sure everyone feels included, those actions define real leadership.

Advocacy also means acknowledging the unique challenges we face as women in sports, from unequal resources to lack of representation. But change starts when we take action- whether that’s organizing a club, pushing for equal treatment, or even joining movements that support girls in sports. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Sports teach us how to be strong, how to work together, and the power of our voices. As athletes, we have a responsibility to advocate for ourselves and for others, and to lead by example both on and off the field.