Being a varsity athlete has had such a positive impact on my life in so many ways. Sport has taught me the determination, the drive, and the hard work that is required to reach high expectations and goals. It has also allowed me to meet others who share similar values, many of these individuals being some of the strongest and most motivated women I've ever met. These women inspire me to strive to be the best athlete that I can be each day and encourage me to apply the same energy and confidence to other aspects of my life too. I have every intention to continue to pursue my track career even after my time as a Gee-Gee, and varsity sport plays a huge role in this desire. In the future, there will be no female leaders; there will just be leaders. And I believe that sport is certainly no exception to this.

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.

Being a varsity athlete means having the responsibility to promote the female game and inspire the generations to follow. Too often you hear of young girls quitting sports due to societal pressures, so it's important for us athletes to be role models and make sports something that anyone can pursue, no matter your gender.

Being a varsity athlete allows me to express my love and passion for the game. It is also a platform for me to inspire young women of colour to follow their dreams.

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.

Being a woman in sport and supporting women in sport is imperative in upholding this mindset to push other women to be their best. The hope is, that when others see you being the best athlete and student you can be, it pushes others to be the best versions of themselves. Women in sport are so important. Our society in general is healthier and happier when each sex is supported equally and is given the same opportunity. The more female competition that can be driven from female support and promotion, the better.

To be a female athlete who is able to compete in a high level sport is a privilege to me. To be a female athlete means to have strength, courage and commitment. I am involved in sport to push my own limits, step outside my own comfort levels, set my own goals, and be apart of a second family full of talented female athletes. My teammates and my coaches inspire me to maintain my involvement, when I see them striving towards their goals and accomplishments that they have achieved and are working towards. Being a female involved in sport has given me confidence, pride, pure joy, and a group of powerful allies that I can rely on and off the field. It has encouraged myself to grow into a woman that I am constantly trying to better on and off the field, for my coach, my teammates, my family and for myself.

As a female varsity athlete, I can truly say that my sport means the world to me. My goal in life is to inspire others to surmount to challenges and inspire young individuals to chase their dreams. Having the opportunity to compete in competitive swimming at a post-secondary level is beyond amazing because it is giving women the same athletic opportunity as men (which is super important). I have been able to influence younger females to continue pursuing their athletic careers and I am able to give them knowledge based on my experience. I am motivated by all of my fellow female teammates for their hard work, their passion, their positivity, and their support in the field of high-performance athleticism while continuing a full-time academic degree. Being a female athlete is not just an opportunity to compete in a sport I am passionate about; it is about teamwork, growth, discipline, personal experience, dedication, and challenging myself on many levels with the added components of life skill and values.

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.

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.