Interscholastic sports begin (1970)
"Interscholastic sports allow our young women to experience the ups and downs of winning and losing while learning to work together to achieve a common goal."
~ Steven Woodbury, Commissioner of Athletics at John F. Kennedy High School, Savanna Georgia
Nothing other than actually participating in high school sports can compensate for the lessons learned, friendships made, and memories treasured forever.
What was the best thing about being part of a high school athletic team?
Christine Lewicki: Getting to know and develop bonds with 20 other girls. The best part was the second family I got just for being able to swim on the swim team.
Kara Cady-Sawyer: Having someone to make me get in shape.
Justin Gray: The best part about being a member of a high school athletic team is the feeling of camaraderie that develops between you and your teammates. There is nothing like pursuing a common goal with a close-knit group of people.
What important lessons did you learn that could be applied to your life outside of the sport?
Christine: I learned that you can't always be the best at everything. I learned a lot about teamwork and encouragement.
Matt Mahar: To always finish something you start, no matter how hard it gets or how badly your want to quit.
Justin: Playing any sport allows its participants to develop skills that are useful in the outside world. Skills such as teamwork, persistence, and understanding how to cope with defeat all play an integral role in our daily lives.
Overall, was participating in interscholastic sports a good experience?
Christine: It was a great experience. In addition to the actual competition and training, I developed some amazing friendships and memories that I will keep with me forever.
Kara: I originally did it so I would have something to put on my college resumes, and to get in shape, but the people your with definitely make the experience the best thing ever or the biggest nightmare.
Matt: Definitely, it was a good change of pace from everyday high school life.
Each year, more and more girls participate in high school athletics, and later, collegiate programs. Now that there are almost just as many professional leagues for women as there are for men, females all over the world should feel more empowered and closer to being considered equal. Just as many female athletes as male athletes win competitions, prizes, and fame, and it's about time!