YMCA of Greater Omaha

Playing sportscan empower girls forlife

Registration is now open for winter youth basketball

Being awoman in a male-dominated field can host amultitude of difficulties, yet being a woman in amale-dominated field can also host the most rewarding of all wins.

Ihave been asked many times in my life why Ihave chosen acareer in sports (especially working with youth in sports), and Ifinally believe have the top two reasons as to why being female in sports means so much to me.

Being an advocate for myself and other women.

Sports reaches almost every corner of the world. I know that as afemale advocating for my voice, my rights and well-being can be mentally strenuous. Sports have always made it easier to reach the number of people we need to make an impact. The web of strong and powerful females who all push for the betterment of women is such an empowering thing to see/ be apart of. Us women coming together on apitch, field, court, arena, or any other type of platform, to set an example of pushing boundaries and raising the bar for our rights as females is an experience like no other.

Having an outlet in my life that allows me to grow socially,physically,and mentally aids me in awellrounded life.

Igrewupasamultisport athlete doing softball, dance, soccer,basketball and more. Although Inarrowed my focus during high school to pursue college soccer,Istill firmly believe that being involved in many sports helped me not only as an athlete but as aperson as well. Being on ateam in general gave me structure, friends, and resources. It also taught me how to trust and be trustworthy,be hard-working, communicate effectively,improve my timemanagement skills, have resilience, set and reach goals, and most importantly believe in myself. All these skills have guided me through school and into the professional world.

Although the path in sports (and life in general) is never linear,the bumps and curves that participating in sports entails has helped shaped me into the woman Iamtoday. If my external personal life was running awry,sports weretheretoguide me. If I had abad game or practice, my team was thereto support me. If Ihad lack of understanding in adrill or situation, my coaches were theretomentor me. There areaspects of sports (beyond the game itself) that are always with me navigating through life.

Being awoman in sports has been the most influential and gratifying part of my life. Iwill forever be thankful and always advocate for females in sports.

Sign up for winter youth basketball through Dec. 13 at any YMCA location or online at metroymca.org. The season begins Jan. 22.

STORY Bailie Meissner /Youth Sports Director at the Southwest YMCA