I have known for a long time I wanted to compete at the varsity level. I was inspired by other athletes I looked up to, my teammates, and coaches to keep working hard to reach the goals I had set for myself. I am proud that I have become an inspiration to younger female athletes, which is one of the reasons I push myself to get better everyday. In addition to inspiring others, to me, being a varsity athlete means commitment, representing my school, and fulfilling my sense of self. It brings me confidence, friendship, and a bond with that will last forever. Continuing to reach and build on my goals have shown me that I have the ability to succeed in anything I put my mind to.

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.

As a varsity athlete, we have the ability to inspire young girls in the crowd to be their best self through hard work, determination, and perseverance. Every time I step on the field I play for my teammates and for the little girl in the stands who is aspiring to be a varsity athlete just like me.

To me, being a varsity athlete means being given the opportunity to empower other women and girls around me. I believe that the more female leaders there are in sport, the more likely we will be able to convince young female athletes that they can achieve anything they put their mind to.

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 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 a lot of things. It means being a part of a community/support group/social network made up of really wonderful ladies (and men because we all train and hang out together). It's a stress reliever, mind clearer, and motivator. It is learning about physical health, exercise, nutrition, mental health and mental strength/performance, setting goals, and learning how to overcome personal challenges. It's learning how to manage your time and finding that balance. And while balancing it all along with academics can feel overwhelming at times, I know I'm learning so much about myself that will carry with me into other aspects of my life beyond university. It is extremely rewarding. Finally, being a female varsity athlete in Nordic Skiing in particular, to me is incredibly inspiring and I'm so happy to be a part of it.

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 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.

Being a female varsity athlete has allowed me to develop the confidence to accomplish my goals on and off the court. It has given me the strength to know I can and I will.