Empowerment

In fastpitch it takes more than one piece of equipment, more than one position and more than one team to play the game. But how do we take fastpitch and make it more than a game, more than a park, more than a location. How do you make it an experience? This park represents belonging to more than an individual goal. It’s connecting a larger community to a shared goal. Taking a beloved game and elevating it into a treasured memory. Although, changing the narrative that young women’s sports are less than their male counterparts, is going to take more than one person. It going to take us all, working together

If we are to change the culture, it must begin in our homes, in our elementary schools and on our teams. Young girls need to be taught that they are capable and worthy. They must be empowered to be voices for themselves and to advocate for what is right.  Young female athletes whose growing confidence is nurtured grow to be young women who advocate for themselves and mature women who will advocate for their teammates and others, as well.

94% of women who have C suite office jobs played sports growing up— it’s an indicator of drive, passion, and determination. Forged by their teammates, their coaches, and the fire in their bellies, sports only helped them realize that they were stronger than they thought.

Skills and confidence gained through sport participation prepare young women for future careers without boundaries. Commitment, work ethic and drive are common qualities among successful athletes, and the same qualities sought out daily by employers looking to recruit and hire top candidates. Team experience and the ability to function as a successful role player within a team are integral components in most professions. At every level of sport participation, girls and women develop skills which will be valued and integrated throughout their careers and adult lives.

If we want to continue to open doors for women in sports and beyond, parents and coaches must create an environment from an early age that fosters the development of confidence, teamwork, hard work and commitment all while emphasizing the young female’s worth. Rather, parents and coaches hold the key, ensuring that each and every girl be provided an opportunity to find her passion, encouraging her growth and development, and reassuring her that above all else, she is enough.

Upon the 50th anniversary of Title IX last year, we were reminded of how far we have come, yet how far we have yet to go. The goal lies in front of all of us:  Catering to girls’ fastpitch and commit to programming and partnerships that create pathways for future success based on education and empowerment on and off the field.