I am lucky to have grown up playing sports and having the opportunity to try so many new activities. Memories of playing softball over the summer are still some of the fondest of my childhood. Our teams would have the silliest chants and I can still remember what it felt like to get a homerun or make an amazing catch. 

The camaraderie and competition provided endless lessons, whether about trying my hardest or how to be gracious in defeat. I participated in gymnastics for a number of years and it eventually led to me being a cheerleader in high school. Having such a demanding schedule with daily practices and intense physical demands (yes, at 6-foot-tall I could do a standing back tuck!), it made me focus more on my studies and learn to prioritize my day.

Girls face endless pressures and challenges at school and during their adolescence. For me, I grew up constantly battling how I felt about my body. As I mentioned before, I am tall! And though many may think that is a virtue, I did not appreciate my size growing up. It may be cliché but nonetheless, it is really hard on a girl to be so much taller than the boys. But, I always felt good about myself when I played sports. It had nothing to do with my skill level; it was more about getting out there and trying. Sports allow you to bond instantly with your team and gain self-esteem. It’s all-of-a-sudden a great asset to be so tall when you are playing basketball and can rebound over everyone’s head!

I could go on and on describing the numerous ways that athletics made me who I am today. I know that I am lucky to have had the opportunities to be exposed to sports and that not all young girls have such a chance. In March, Girls Inc. will be teaming with the NCAA^® to celebrate the 2011 Women’s Final Four^® basketball tournament. The collaboration is ideal for our organization as it provides role models for our girls and encourages healthy competition and athleticism.

We will be sharing much more information about the Women's Final Four soon, but until then, we want to know how sports have shaped your life?