HILLSBORO ORE.- On the 38th annual National Girls and Women’s in Sports Day, the Northwest Conference asked current NWC student-athletes to reflect on women that have inspired them to be active role models on their teams today, advice they would give to the younger generations of girls in sports, what sports have meant to them and how it has positively impacted all aspects of their lives.
Makensie Toole I George Fox I SR I Golf I Newcastle, NSW, Australia I Belmont Christian
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sports and competing at the collegiate level means having the opportunity to chase my dreams and goals. Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and have taught me about hard work, developed my mental toughness and made me more confident. Competing in college has allowed me to have experiences I never even dreamt of - both on and off the golf course, and has surrounded me with other incredible women who inspire me to be better every day."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"Almost every area of my life has been positively impacted by my involvement in sports, but one of the biggest things has been my sense of self-belief and confidence, as I have learned that I have the ability to achieve great things when I work really hard. In sports, everything is earned, and I believe playing golf has enabled me to work hard to achieve goals I set, instilling the belief that I can improve myself if I put in time and effort. This sense of belief has seeped out into every aspect of my life, helping me become the person I want to be not just on the course but in the classroom, around my family and in the workplace."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"I would tell young girls getting involved in sports to dream really big, work really hard and to enjoy the process. There are always ups and downs with sports in terms of the results, but if you can just focus on the process of getting better everyday, there really is no stopping you. I would also tell young girls to have fun with it, because some of my best memories have come from experiences I’ve had with my team."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"Hannah Green is an Australian golfer on the LPGA Tour, and she inspires me because she is from my home country, and shows me what is possible. Seeing her excel on the big stage enables me to envision myself in the same position, inspiring me to dream bigger. I am also inspired by her work ethic and determination, which helps to drive my own desire to compete and reach my potential."
Tallulah Sickels I Lewis & Clark I SO I Softball I Walla Walla, Wash. I Walla Walla
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"My advice to young girls getting involved in sports is to stick with it. If you are at all passionate about the sport you have started playing stick with it even though it can bring difficult challenges both physically and mentally as you get older. My sport, softball, has been the hardest but most rewarding thing I have ever committed to. When you're nearing the end of your career in your sport, and you look back on all the years that you have played, you will be grateful that you stuck with it because I do not have better memories, better friends, or better life skills than those I have gained from sticking with softball."
Sarah Forester I Linfield I SR I Tennis I Corvallis, Ore.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"For me, being a female collegiate athlete means I get to set an example and be a role model for all the young girls I coach who have similar aspirations. "
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"My involvement in sports has positively impacted virtually every other aspect of life. The confidence, discipline, and resilience fostered through sports have enhanced my mindset as I navigate the real world."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"I look up to Colleen Quigley (Olympic steeplechaser). Although she has dealt with some heartbreaking injuries, she stays focused on what she can control and her passion for sport. I especially look up to her attitude, confidence, and mindset. She not only expects adversity, but she embraces it and becomes better because of it."
Sidra Griffin I Linfield I JR I Soccer I Duvall, Wash.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"To be a woman in sports and compete at the college level means a lot to me. Being able to be alongside like-minded women who also love the sport and love to work hard is an honor."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"The structure that soccer provides me has helped me out so much. Being able to work out and be with my best friends everyday is something I am very grateful for."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"If a young girl wants to participate in sport I would highly encourage it. After taking a gender studies and sports psychology class at Linfield with Dr. Laura Kenow, I can confidently say that sports help shape you and have a positive impact on your life."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"I cannot choose just one woman in sports that I look up to because there are so many. If I look at the Linfield women’s soccer team, every person on the team has a quality that I admire and strive to emulate. Being part of the team has made me want to be a better human because of the women around me."
Maddie Russell I Pacific I SR I Swimming I Simi Valley, Calif. I Royal
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"I have learned how to balance life and school and swimming in a way that lets me focus on each of those aspects in my life. I also have been able to make lifelong friends due to my sport!"
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"Some advice that I would give girls in sports would be to not allow comments of others to affect what you are capable of doing. Especially in swimming, and other individual sports, the best thing you can do is focus on yourself and do what is best for you and your journey as an athlete!"
Avery Arnold I Pacific I SR I Golf I Chewelah, Wash. I Jenkins
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sports is one of the most incredible experiences I have had in my life. I have had the opportunity through athletics to meet so many incredible people who have taught me so much about myself and life in and outside of sports. Having the opportunity to compete in a sport that I love at the collegiate level is just a bonus."
Maddy Hubbs I Pacific I SR I Cross Country, Track & Field I Eugene, Ore. I Sheldon
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sport, to me, is about vulnerability, resilience, and re-defining limits. It takes a certain amount of strength to be able to push yourself to the levels I see my teammates push themselves in practice, to continue to do it over and over again, and to do it all with the goal of accomplishing something that you’ve never done before."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"The friendships I’ve gained from being an athlete have always been one of the best parts of being involved in sport. Especially coming into college, my teammates became a second family for me and were a big support system during that transition."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"My advice to young girls getting involved in sport is to try all the sports! Try the “cool” sports, try cross country, try it all because you never know what you’ll end up falling in love with."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"A woman that I look up to in sport is my coach, Bailee Krings. Coach Krings is, first and foremost, a very talented runner. More than that, though, she’s a phenomenal coach and mentor. I look up to the bonds she’s created with each of her individual athletes, as well as the unity she’s built amongst our teams. She inspires me to constantly want more for myself, my team, and for her."
Ava Edmonds I Pacific Lutheran I SR I Basketball, Golf I Puyallup, Wash. I Puyallup
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman competing in collegiate sports is a huge part of my identity and something I am so grateful for. Pursuing my degree while also playing basketball and golf at a high level is something I have always dreamed of. I am so proud to represent my family, university, and community both on the court and on the course."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"One area of my life that has been positively impacted because of my involvement in sports is my confidence. As a captain in both of my sports, I have been given roles that have allowed my confidence and leadership abilities to improve and shine. These traits have also translated from my sports into my academics and extracurriculars and will better serve me in my future career."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"My advice would be to never underestimate yourself. Growing up, I never thought I would be able to play at the collegiate level, particularly golf at the collegiate level. I was very intimidated and doubted my ability to compete. I had reached out to the PLU golf coach after my Freshman year with interest in joining the team, and to my surprise, was given the opportunity to play. Since then, I have made a ton of growth in my golf game and overall confidence in myself. Continue to push yourself to do and try new things because you never know what good might happen!"
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"Sabrina Ionescu, WNBA player for the New York Liberty, is someone who I look up to immensely as a basketball player. Growing up, I always had to wear basketball shoes made for men or from NBA players such as Lebron or Kobe. This past year Sabrina released her own sneakers meant for anyone who plays basketball, which is a huge step in this space for young female athletes. It is so cool to see more representation and appreciation for women in sports."
Paige Gerhart I Puget Sound I SR I Basketball I Danville, Calif. I San Ramon Valley
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sports allows us to embrace our true selves without hesitation or restriction. It’s about breaking down barriers and supporting each other while competing at the highest level. I’m so thankful to be part of a community that challenges gender stereotypes and inspires the next generation of female athletes to believe in themselves."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"To any young girl getting into sports, my advice is to fall in love with the process. Allow yourself to take risks and understand that growth isn’t linear. Rely on your teammates and coaches when you need to, but also know that you possess the strength to overcome challenges and achieve your goals."
Lauren Dorris I Whitman I FR I Soccer I Anchorage, Alaska
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Historically women have fought for equal opportunities and recognition in sports. The progress that has been made in recent years is extremely influential and inspiring. Being able to compete at the collegiate level has provided me such valuable opportunities and connections that have not always been possible for women. I feel a sense of pride being able to continue to play the sport that I love amongst many other female athletes beside me."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"I have been involved in sports my entire life. It has provided me with an outlet as well as made me so many important connections in my life. Having a sport provides people with a sense of purpose which has contributed to so many other aspects of my life. "
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"Some of my best friends have come from athletics. Building connections and trust within your teammates is something that I will always cherish. Sports are fun! That's why you do them. Building connections and having a support system is something so special growing up as a female in sports."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"I look up to my teammates!!! I have never been part of such a supportive group of women. Even though we all have diverse soccer backgrounds, we all work together to accomplish the same objective. We push each other alongside supporting each other. The hard work that everyone puts into this team on and off of the field is something so inspirational."
Hanna Lynch I Whitman I SR I Soccer I Fircrest, Wash.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"To me, being a woman in sports and competing at the collegiate level not only means being especially committed to my sport, but also being devoted to a community of women who share commitment to the same sport. Being a woman in sports and competing at the collegiate level, to me, means growing individually in a sport, but also growing together with a community, both on and off the field."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"Looking over my life, I believe that my involvement in sports has given me essential tools to confront adversity, both on and off the field. Competing and working hard in sports has taught me how to be resilient and resourceful, and how to continue to grow and change amid difficulties."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"If I were to give advice to young girls getting involved in sports, I would tell them to commit to bringing everything/anything they have to every practice and game. I would let them know that, in sports, there are few things that can be individually controlled; but, they can always bring their best to every practice and game, even though that will look different depending on the day."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"A woman in sports I look up to and deeply respect is Simone Biles. She is incredibly dedicated to her sport and competes at an extremely high level, but she has also confronted incredible adversity throughout her career that she has been vulnerable about. She has shown incredible resilience and integrity throughout her athletic career in my opinion; she is an incredibly hard-working, devoted athlete, but also an extremely brave, resilient, strong person beyond her sport as well."
Christian Roch I Whitman I SR I Lousville, Colo.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"As a woman competing in sports at a collegiate level, I feel very grateful to the women who fought to make this possible. Because of these women, I have never had to think twice about my ability to compete in sports throughout my life and for that I feel a responsibility to do my best for those women and the ones who will come after me."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"Competing in sports has shown me that I can do hard things and accomplish what I set my mind to. When I am struggling in school, nothing is better than running as fast or as far as I can with a group of my best friends to show me that I am more capable than I think I am."
What advise would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"I quit playing baseball when I was thirteen because I was the only girl left in my little league, and I still regret it. Even though I loved it and was just as good as the boys, I simply felt too out of place. So I would tell young girls that even if you are the only one, or if you don't think you're good enough, keep doing what you love."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"A woman in sports who I look up to is my mother. After completely quitting running for two years due to injury and barely being able to run a mile without stopping she came back to win two national track titles, become an 8 time All American, and compete professionally after college. Throughout my life she has made it clear to me that no matter how long it takes, I can do whatever I set my mind to. I am also so inspired everyday by my teammates who continue to set the bar higher and higher for all of us, and inspire me to work harder than I think I am capable of."
Isabella Lucky I Whitman I SO I Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sports at the collegiate level means showing dedication not only to my team but also to Whitman as a whole. It provides a platform for the time and effort that is put in on an individual level to translate to something much greater that can be shared with others both on and off the field."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"Participating in sports has positively impacted my mental health and allowed me to connect with so many other women that have held places in my life as both role models and friends. Taking time out of the day to exercise and spend time with teammates has been one of my greatest and most consistent outlets throughout my life."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"Take risks, work hard, and enjoy it. It can be scary trying out new sports or taking on the commitment of joining a team, but that’s part of the process for everyone. Dedication produces success, and that dedication should come from a place of love and joy for your sport."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"Since a young age I have looked up to Alex Morgan. Although it started as an admiration for her technical abilities on the soccer field and her iconic pink headband, I have come to appreciate her leadership skills and willingness to speak up for social issues regarding equal pay and gender equality in sports. Alex Morgan’s ability to juggle her personal life with her athletic ambitions and personal values have, in my mind, made her a great role model for young girls and women alike."
Amelia Hewson I Whitworth I Track & Field I Seattle, Wash. I The Northwest School
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"As a woman in sports competing at the collegiate level, I have the opportunity to push myself and my TEAMmates to new limits every day. I am intentional at being a source of encouragement and empowerment to other women on the TEAM so that I can help cultivate an environment of confidence and support, something that I think is especially important in women's sports."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"I have grown in my faith a lot as a result of being involved in sports. The Whitworth track and field TEAM has an amazing sense of Christ-centered community, and it has reinforced the importance of faith in my life. I have experienced so much growth both personally and athletically and have learned countless valuable skills, the most important being resilience and grace. I value these soft skills I have gained so much more than the hard skills because they are applicable to almost all areas of my life."
Who is a woman in sports that you look up to? What makes them so inspirational?
"The most influential woman in sports for me has been Lolo Jones because she is an amazing example of what it means to be resilient. In the 2008 Olympics, she hit a hurdle after being in 1st place and ultimately finished in 7th place. 16 years later, she is still hurdling with the same passion and love for the sport. Her legacy serves as a great reminder that success comes in many forms, not just a first-place finish."
Ashley Collins I Willamette I SO I Basketball I Chino Hills, Calif. I Chino Hills
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports and to compete at the collegiate level?
"Being a woman in sports, especially during this transitional period where we are finally receiving the recognition, support, and respect, is everything. Having dreamed of playing at the collegiate level since I was a young girl, and now actually playing here, is something I could have never imagined. Playing basketball has played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today, as it has taught me countless lessons about life, friendship, teamwork, and myself. Without it, I could not even imagine what my life would be like."
What is an area of your life that has been positively impacted because of your involvement in sports?
"My life has been positively impacted in more ways than one because of my involvement in sports. I have been able to be a role model for the younger generation of female athletes around me, continue to grow in leadership roles as a woman, and pursue my education to the master's level. It has also allowed me to find one of my passions in life, which is student-athlete mental health, and be an advocate for those around me by serving as a campus captain for the Hidden Opponent."
What advice would you give to girls getting involved in sports?
"My advice to the younger generation of female athletes would be to always choose to do what you love and do it for yourself. At the end of the day, you should love playing sports because of what it means to you, and not let what else goes on around you take away your love for the game."