IHave Been
Underestimated
Female athletes at Millikin University share their stories of stigma and strength. By Anna Gambol
The impact of ridicule does not always reveal itself explicitly, but it certainly causes ripples. I interviewed female athletes at Millikin University and asked them about the extent to which negative interactions throughout their athletic careers have shaped them. The effects of disrespect on female athletes is astonishing. Lexy wore pants more, Sarah shattered, and Stephanie grew empowered.
18
BURST
Team members and coaches subject women to criticism often. Outsiders show disapproval because of the way women look or simply because they are female. False stereotypes take their toll on some women’s mental health and even lead them to lose their initial passion for the sport they love. Fortunately, many female athletes rise above the prejudice they absorb from coaches, teammates, parents, and others and become more positive women and athletes as a result. I asked past and present female athletes the same list of questions, and they gave brilliant, eye-opening, and insightful answers.
