Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day! The summer before my senior year, our high school's football coach held workouts—one for the varsity team and another for underclassmen and girls. I went to the latter once. The freshmen were annoying, and the workout didn't feel challenging enough. So, naturally, I started training with the varsity boys instead. Most days, I was the only girl, and it was fine—until one day, mid-hill sprints (which I was crushing), a guy I had a massive crush on hit me with: “Julia, don’t you think it’s weird you’re the only girl here?” I hadn’t thought about it. I was a varsity athlete. They were varsity athletes. We were all just trying to get better. But suddenly, I felt like I didn’t belong. I went home and cried my eyes out—I was made to feel like I was doing something wrong just for pushing myself. And on top of that, the guy I liked not only didn’t like me back but seemed almost grossed out by me. Maybe others on the team—my classmates—felt the same. My mom, in her infinite wisdom, reminded me that high school boys are dumb, their opinions don’t define me, and if a guy is intimidated, that’s his problem. She was right. That moment stuck with me. It’s one of the reasons why I coach high school rugby now—because I wish 16-year-old me had a woman (besides her loving mom) telling her she was strong, that she belonged, and that pushing herself was never something to be ashamed of. Girls and women in sports aren’t a threat to men in sports. It’s not one or the other. It’s both. Always. Sports have given me strength, friendships, opportunities, and, let’s be honest, a decent bod at age 31. But most importantly, they’ve shaped who I am. Not everyone has to be an athlete—but no one should ever be made to feel less for being one. Here’s to the girlies who grind, compete, lead, and change the game. Keep going. You're a strong, beautiful baddie —and don’t let anyone tell otherwise. 💪🏽✨ #NGWSD #WomenInSports #nationalgirlsandwomeninsportsday