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Being a senior leader in athletics means so much more to me than my title. I have seen the inequities in sport from my earliest years of being an athlete. It is imperative that representation exists. Young female athletes seeing coaches and administrators who look like them, understand their needs and are working hard to make a difference is empowering. Having all sides of the organization at the table to make decisions is critical. Whether it is ensuring policies and processes are best serving the entire population, or simply having a conversation with a female athlete when they may not feel comfortable elsewhere, positive female role models in sport — and in life — allow for a positive impact on the success of female athletes long after they have graduated.
For me, female role models are long standing. I was raised by a large family with many strong women like my mom, grandmothers and aunts. Even prior to officially starting my career in athletics, Jenn Noon, the former Director of Athletics at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham, was a major role model for me. She embodied the greatest qualities of a leader, a survivor and a champion.
Statistically, there are less opportunities for girls to get involved in sport at a young age. At the national level, women's sports receive less coverage, sponsorship and marketing. They have less viewers and are often made to feel less than their counterparts. If that is the messaging they are receiving from their earliest years, they will carry that through to their adult lives. It is our job to encourage them, lift them and fight for them every single day just as those who came before us did.
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To be a part of a community that celebrates NGWSD is empowering. We want to break those barriers towards gender stereotypes built around sports. More so, appreciating the achievements of resilient female leaders who have unlocked the boundless potential and power of women. To be a part of that 1% of female high school students that move on to compete in college boosts my confidence and strengthens my willpower to transform into this force I know can be. I get such a feeling of pride when I am in a room full of disciplined, talented female athletes who revolve their lives around nothing but hard work and sacrifice. The women's wrestling community is a giant team dynamic. Everyone is immensely supportive and there are so many dedicated advocates that want to see every female wrestler get better as people and athletes. Additionally, women's wrestling is expanding across the world on a huge scale. There is so much talent and life experience involved in the sport that lead these highly decorated female wrestlers to success. I am inspired by the women around me and ultimately the women's wrestling community sets standards high. I want more — more opportunity, more equity and more wrestling.
I started learning the fundamentals of being an athlete from a young age. I was eight when I devoted myself to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and from that point on it was nothing but hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. There were a lot of lessons I faced within the sport and myself that I did not fully come to terms with. However, as time went on and I started to mature, I realized the adversity around me was only making me more mentally and physically tough. There were times I was denied the opportunity to participate alongside a male practitioner solely because I was a female. There were times when I would be in a room full of wrestlers and there would be jokes made, but this never stopped me from continuing my journey. Ronda Rousey was one of my biggest role models growing up. I remember watching her bronze medal Judo match in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ronda's attitude and work ethic inspired me; if I try hard enough, I can do anything. I watched all of her documentaries and interviews, and eventually read her book, "My Fight, Your Fight." She was a trailblazer in promoting females in martial arts. She never settled for the ordinary, always being her authentic, unapologetic self. She was ruthless, honest and always shared positive lessons to teach the younger generations.
Throughout my journey as an athlete, I can confidently say that I have shifted into a role model for younger female wrestlers. In 2020, I was the first female varsity wrestler to join the Ridgefield Park/Bogota Bucs wrestling roster. The overwhelming amount of respect and support I received from the community was unreal. I was respected because I was brave and tenacious enough to face a room full of excellent wrestlers — and most obvious, a room full of guys. I knew what I was capable of and my heart was set on making a statement. I hold two Bergen county titles, a North Region title, a fifth-place state finish and was selected as North Jersey Wrestler of the Week. My example encouraged other girls to step onto the mat. I wanted to prove that all it takes is a pair of wrestling shoes and a singlet to compete. With a little grit and doing things out of the ordinary, it will lead to greatness. Most importantly, I wanted to prove that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to.
"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." - Wilma Rudolph
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Life has not been easy for me, but the love and talent I have for this sport has carried me through the good and bad. I have been fortunate in my life to be part of a sport, in this case, soccer. I have played with boys, I have played in clubs, I have played varsity. I have been so fortunate to be part of a sport and play as a team. I am so thankful to have made it to this community where I am now part of the NJCU team, which has been my goal since I started high school. It makes me feel accomplished and blessed that I kept loving the sport as I got older. Not everyone follows that level of passion forever. Because of the love I have for this sport, I am able to build relationships with people that will potentially last forever.
I have put hard work into balancing school, sports and everything that comes with it. Now I have a different point of view when it comes to the hard times, balancing my responsibilities. Without the sport, I would not have all those tools to handle certain things in life. I have practiced those skills and I now can apply it to my life. Not everyone gets that opportunity and I am one of the few that gets to experience it. The process of transformation, from the moment I started in the sport at five years old, has led me to this point where I feel a great desire to help other girls in the sport. I want to volunteer, I want to be present, I want to be an example, I want to help them in their own transformation. Love the sport and may that fire inside of you keep you focused, motivated and empowered to keep going through the tough moments. Having grit will keep you going. G- Go getter, R- Resilient, I-Influencer, T- Tenacity. Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.
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To me, being an athlete means to be committed to training hard and having the willingness to dedicate yourself to your sport(s) and growth, whether it be mentally or physically, regardless of gender. To be a female doing this and seeing all the beautiful faces between all the women's sports is encouraging to everyone. The NJCU community is nothing less than supportive of its women's teams and I know that we all make our families proud when we say we compete for not just the school, but for ourselves too.
Despite Serena Williams being the cover girl for women's tennis, I actually looked up to Caroline Wozniacki as my role model; no matter the score, she never gave up. I have tried my best to be like her (it is really hard to live up to that standard), but I hope that even though I have not won any grand slams, little kids growing up playing the game would look at me in a similar light and think that they can do anything they put their mind to.
If a little girl from New Zealand can come be a student-athlete in the states, surely they can too.
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"Work hard in silence. Let success make the noise."
Being a part of a community of female athletes all the way down from youth through the professional ranks means a lot to me. I love competing against athletes coming from different schools and levels. I discovered that running against the fastest women from Division I or II schools can be challenging, but it is the best experience. There should be no excuses or complaining if someone is faster than you — you will try to go harder. It takes time and patience to get the results you want. Since my freshman year, the NJCU athletics community has been very supportive. I feel comfortable and safe around this community because of how kind everyone is, not only to athletes but also to other NJCU students. Starting my track career out of high school, I did not think I would make it this far. The NCAA Division III community reminded me that I have an amazing gift and talent.
Growing up, my grandmother, coaches and professional runners from Kenya — Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei — were my role models. Watching professional female athletes break world records motivates me. They have taught me so much, especially to be patient and know that your time will come. Anything before that is either a lesson or a reminder. I currently feel that I may be a role model for some young female runners looking to progress in their athletic and academic careers. My younger cousin, Domini and her friends are currently participating in cross country/track & field in high school. Most of my friends also talk about wanting to compete against me. Various NJCU freshmen athletes outside track and field have asked me for sports-related advice and I like to think I am a role model to them. However, I know they will become the best female athletes here in the future. My teammates and coaches inspire me everyday and for that I am grateful. Both coach Pat and coach Blango have pushed me through every practice. With their support, I have improved a lot and have become the strong young woman I am today. I would like to remind everyone that they should trust the timing of everything that happens, as well as trust the process. We should share our talents with others and be thankful for everyone who has supported us.
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A quote that I think captures what it is to be a woman in sports is, "there is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley.
Being a part of a community of female athletes definitely made me very confident in myself and my athleticism. It feels special to be a part of the community that women have built around athletics and I think that it can be just as strong as the one surrounding men's sports. NJCU athletics gives me this hope because our community supports the women's programs just as much as it supports the men's. Every athlete at NJCU feels valued and has a role in the community, which is crucial for athletes, especially those who have experienced adversity in the past surrounding their sport.
Division III athletes play because they want and because they love the sport. I think the Division III community is just as important as Divisions I or II because we are constantly advocating for women in sports alongside the more popular athletes with larger platforms. I think this is good for little girls because they can watch their role models try and make the athletic world a safer place for them when they get to where I am. The softball community is very special to me and has given me so much. It has delivered me the opportunity to continue my education while playing this sport with people who I now call my family.
Growing up, one of my softball role models was my pitching coach, Amber. She pitched at the Division I level and then moved back home and played Division III at the end of her college career. She was a major role model for me because she always made me remember that being a woman in athletics can be challenging, but also very rewarding. She taught me that being confident and strong is one of the best tools to have. My mom is my other role model because she showed me how to have a good work ethic and drive. She showed me that advocating for myself and others is a trait that will get me to where I want to be.
I like to think that I have moved into the position of a role model for younger girls. I think that I have more things to work on within myself and I hope that translates to girls that might be looking up to me. It is important for them to know that working on yourself is a constant thing throughout life. I hope that I can show them that being a strong woman is a good thing.
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"Being a part of the community means to me that I also matter.
To be a part of a community of female athletes is a huge step because there has not been a lot of female representation in sports. When I decided to make sports a part of my life, I made it so that the little girl I was can be proud of who I am now. When it comes to being a part of the NJCU athletics community, this makes me feel like I am in a family that has your back and support throughout.
The golf community is a big part of that. Like I have said before, there is not a lot of female representation especially in this sport, so to be a part of the females that are is very special to me.
My role model growing up was Serena Williams and she still is to this day. It stayed the same for me as I got older. She may not be in the field of golf but most definitely is a top flight athlete. She is someone I have always looked up to.
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One of the most amazing things is being a part of a community of female athletes. Women are such strong individuals and every day I have been part of a women's sports community has further solidified their strength. In every aspect of life (not just athletics) women are being silenced and treated poorly, yet we constantly find ways to be heard and earn what we deserve. Especially in recent times where women's rights have been stripped, being part of a community of female athletes has shown me the importance of surrounding yourself with a community that will fight for each other.
In bowling, I have seen struggles in trying to gain an equal amount of respect from those around me. Bowling in general is not usually seen as a sport by some, oftentimes causing our needs to be swept under the rug or ignored. Being part of this community for eight years has shown me the importance of speaking out for my team and other young women in bowling who are treated as afterthoughts despite putting in just as much work as any man in any other sport. I have had the pleasure of meeting many professional female bowlers who have talked to me about what it means to be a woman in athletics, fighting for the same respect as the men around them. They have truly shown me how crucial it is to continue to work hard in and out of your sport in order to create a strong atmosphere of female athletes.
Growing up, my role model was my mother. Although I come from a household where both of my parents are still together, I watched my mother go through many hardships in her career once my younger sisters were born. Despite this, she never let us be negatively impacted. She constantly showed up to any activities we had and made sure we knew she was there for us no matter what. She is the strongest woman I know and taught me how to be a good leader and support those around me. In the bowling world, Kelly Kulick has always been my biggest inspiration. She was the first female bowler to win on the men's tour, making herself very well known and respected. Similar to other sports, there is often a lack of equal respect and representation of women, and she was the stepping stone for women competing on the men's tour, proving we are equals.
After being in a leadership role for a couple of years now, I finally feel as if I have become a role model for other young women around me. I have met strong women at NJCU such as Dr. Beam who, through SAAC, taught me the importance of viewing myself as a leader and understanding what it takes to be a positive role model to those around you. I finally understand that my dedication to my teammates and other young women in the sport makes me a good role model. Especially in bowling where there is often not as much respect and appreciation for those athletes compared to other sports, I feel it is incredibly important to show young women that their hard work is being supported and noticed and it will pay off.
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NJCU athletics has opened its doors to the youth of Hudson county on National Girls and Women in Sports Day numerous times over the years. Each time has been extremely rewarding. When you are filling the JMAC with women who have competed in the Olympics, who are managing sports teams at the highest levels and those who just play for the love of the game, something magical tends to happen. You can see the spark of all the young people in the room. And you can see all of their futures flash in front of their eyes. I love being a part of that moment, where potential is everywhere and everyone is cheering you on to great heights.
What NGWSD means to me personally is the ability to push boundaries and build self confidence. We constantly limit ourselves to what we think we know and are capable of. Women can do anything they set their minds to and we all must remind each other, especially our student-athletes, of that.
Some of my role models are regular people like my grandmother and my mom; they are hard working women and never let me quit. For all of the young people out there competing, remember the biggest competition is within yourself and you are the only one standing in your way.
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I am honored to be a part of a sisterhood, an actual family for me, that is a powerful community of young women and student-athletes. That deserves to be acknowledged and honored on this day. I have always felt connected to my teammates from a young age when I started playing basketball. My teammates became more than that, they became a part of my family. A family that I love and defend.
NJCU felt like home immediately. My teammates became my sisters. Through the ups and downs, we stay together on and off the court. NJCU provided the best situation for me to grow into a woman. My teammates mean the world to me. The coaches and the administration made me feel comfortable from day one. I am honored to represent Division III athletics. I feel like Division III is made up of true student-athletes who have a lot of responsibilities. Most of us have to balance athletics, academics, work and taking care of our families. I am also proud to be a part of women's basketball. It does not matter if it is Division I, II or III, I am proud to play the sport of basketball as it continues to grow globally.
My role models growing up were my Mother and Father, and Maya Moore. A professional basketball player that played for the University of Connecticut before playing for the Minnesota Lynx, Maya's story off the court as a social justice advocate is even more inspiring than her accomplishments on the court. My journey could be inspiring to other young girls. I am focused on winning and making my teammates better. I lead with my actions and less with any words. If my story inspires others, that is a great thing. If young girls see me working hard and getting results, I believe that is a positive thing for sure. The only other thing I can add is this — when things get tough and confusing, I always remember my love for the game. And I remember what means the most to me — I just want to hoop. Love and Basketball.
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I am so proud of everyone who continues to defy the odds and push the potential of women's sports every day. Being part of a community of female athletes from a young age has given me so much support and guidance. The women's volleyball team and NJCU athletics means being more than just an athlete, but being treated with compassion and as an equal.
Before I started playing volleyball, I was in competitive martial arts — a male-dominated sport — until I was 17 years old. I looked up to all the women who trained me, not only in the sense of physical skills, but giving me guidance and support in what would have been considered "a man's world." I was constantly motivated and pushed to be able to do exactly what the boys would do, and sometimes even better. As a young girl, that gave me so much confidence and hope.
I have shifted into a role model for the young girls that I had once trained in martial arts and now my younger sister and other young athletes. Being able to excel academically as a double major while also being a college athlete reinforces the importance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. It shows the youth that achieving your goals is always possible.
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