“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” This was said by President Donald Trump on the phone with the Men’s USA Hockey Team about the Women’s USA Hockey Team. While both teams won a gold medal, President Trump noticeably only called the men’s hockey team and commented on the women’s team, even adding, “I do believe I probably would be impeached [if the women’s team wasn’t invited].”
Hilary Knight, a player on the women’s USA Hockey team, responded, “I just thought the comment was distasteful and unfortunate … It’s a great teaching point to really shine light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats, and now … anybody has to sit in front of you and explain someone else’s behavior.”
From the beginning of time, women in sports have experienced inequality. They have been seen as othered in sports, and the fact that they get paid less does not seem to bother anyone, because it has unfortunately become the norm. This constant inequality in professional women’s sports can, in turn, affect one’s experience in girls’ sports today.
“I think it would open it up, honestly,” said Head JV Basketball, Assistant Varsity Flag Football and Softball Aubrie Businger about the effect of having equality in girls’ sports on NDB. “I do think if you put more effort into that, and maybe even more effort into the sports that aren’t as popular … putting more effort and time into those sports as well, I think would broaden the horizon here.”
In girls’ sports, some seek to go beyond high school and even college. However, the norm of women not being “good enough” to be equal to men in sports can ultimately harm their mentality. If they believe that women in professional and even college sports do not have equal opportunities, it can influence how far they want to go with said sport.
“I think the biggest thing is just showing that we have a space,” said senior Niki Tzartzanis about the importance of equality in girls’ sports. “It’s important to show young women and young girls that they have a space to do sports, even if they don’t go professional.”
This is why fighting for equality for girls’ sports in the early years is essential, because if a young woman believes that their sport is valued and equal to the same man’s sport, it can allow them to go further and pursue their dreams to a fuller extent.
“Even though there’s been strides and it’s getting better, I don’t think it’s still where it should be,” said Businger about equality in girls’ sports. “[There needs to be] more awareness and knowing that women’s sports are as good or even better than men’s sports.”
Overall, women in sports deserve greater equality and recognition for their achievements, as this can help girls in the future pursue their dreams of becoming professional athletes.
