Sport has taught me so much over my life. I believe every girl should have the opportunity to play and learn. Being a female varsity athlete means being a role model and inspiration for younger girls in sport. I try to lead by example to inspire the younger generation so they can aspire to varsity athletics.

For me, being a female varsity athlete means that I get to be a role model for younger female athletes who are aspiring to continue with sports in the future. Playing soccer brings me so much joy, and getting the opportunity to play at the varsity level allows me to pursue my goal of continuing to play the sport I love for as long as possible.

Being a female varsity athlete means everything to me. The reason I chose to participate in varsity sport, is that it’s a place where women can come compete at a high level and show their strength and determination. I admire all the women who are pursuing their goals in a varsity sport. They may not realize it at the time, but they are inspiring other women around them to stay active and persevere through any challenge life throws at them. My hope as a varsity athlete is that we actively engage women and young girls to stay passionate and determined as leaders in sport and in life. As a varsity athlete at Trent University, who is striving to become a teacher, it is important to me to promote and mentor women in sport and have a lot more females represented, so that young girls know that anything is possible.

Being a varsity athlete means something different for each athlete. For me, its being a part of a group of strong women working towards similar goals and helping each other reach our full potential. It means being inspired and motivated by others but also knowing you’re someone else’s inspiration. It is the fulfillment of a dream and goal that most young female athletes set for themselves at a young age.

Being a varsity athlete has allowed me to proudly represent my school. Varsity athletics has been a channel to develop strong relationships and lasting friendships. My participation on the Laurier lacrosse team has been a tool in providing indispensable life skills.

I set my goals high and I work as hard as needed until I achieve them. It has always been hard to combine studying with sports, but I like challenges, I like overcoming obstacles. It has only made me stronger and I wouldn't have been the same person as I am today. Playing sports has really helped me become more organized, improved my time management skills, taught me how not to give up, how to overcome myself, how to  push even when it seems impossible and when no one believes in you.

I believe that being a varsity athlete has given me the opportunity to grow in every aspect of my life and provided me with the motivation to continue with sports even after graduating. I also have the opportunity to inspire and be a voice for younger female athletes.

Engaging in a sport like soccer gives me an undeniable identity with something greater than myself. I started out as a very timid player who was set on picking every dandelion on the field rather than kicking a ball into a net. That all changed when my older male cousin tried to insinuate that I was doing that because the sport wasn't 'made' for me. I was determined to prove him wrong and after scoring my first goal, I found myself hooked. Hooked to this belief in myself. Hooked to pushing boundaries. Hooked to being a woman in sport. Soccer has consistently been my outward expression of the statement 'Anything you can do, I can do better'. I have been lucky enough to have an incredibly strong and talented woman dedicate considerable time into developing every part of my physical abilities. That, in and of itself, is the entire essence of women supporting each other that keeps me playing.

Being a varsity athlete is a dream come true. Representing my school as well as my team is something special and I will cherish it forever. It has also allowed me to expand and meet other female athletes that are truly inspiring. Being a female athlete is empowering.

Being a varsity athlete means that I can inspire other girls and help show them that there is opportunity for them to compete at a higher level in basketball.