Girls and Women in Sports

Since its inception in 1912, Girl Scouting has always promoted a healthy active lifestyle. It is only natural that many Girl Scouts are also gifted athletes. On February 4, 2009 and throughout the month, thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students and parents across the country showed their support of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day and of this year's theme, "Look Who's Playing!" NGWSD is co-sponsored by Girl Scouts of the USA and several other women's organizations. Here are examples of some terrific Girl Scouts who are also athletes. Each week, we will add new profiles.

Grace, Age 12

Level in Girl Scouting? Girl Scout Junior

What sports do you play? For how long? Soccer, four years. I just started playing basketball and I also take tennis in the summer.

What is your favorite thing about Girl Scouting? I really like doing activities with my friends in the troop.

Why do you like your sport? I like the competition and meeting new people from other schools.

What have you learned from Girl Scouting? Being part of a team is very important to success.

What have you learned from the sports you play? The same thing that I learned from Girl Scouts and that it's fun to be active and give your best.

Ashley, Age 13

Level in Girl Scouting? I have been a Girl Scout for almost nine years. I am now in my second year as a Girl Scout Cadette.

What sports do you play? For how long? I have been ice skating for three years, it helps to keep me disciplined and in shape during the winter months. For the last two years I have run cross-country and track and field, which seems to be the sport I enjoy the most.

What is your favorite thing about Girl Scouting? Some of my favorite things about Girl Scouts are helping the community and all the fun things I get to do with my troop. Girl Scouting has taught me several things so it is hard to pick just one.

Why do you like your sport? I enjoy playing sports because they get me involved with my school and my community.

What have you learned from Girl Scouting? I do think the most important thing that I have learned is to be true to who I am and to treat others with respect. I also have learned many leadership skills that help me in all other aspects of my life.

What have you learned from the sports you play? I have learned about teamwork and how important it is to be a part of something. We have a very close-knit team and we support each other all the way to the finish line. Sports are also a great way to use and gain leadership skills.

What do you think about Title IX? I think Title IX is a wonderful law because it allows everyone the chance to participate in the sport that interests them. This law also allows both genders to be able to do a sport that at one time they may not have been able to do. There should be no discrimination toward anyone because of their gender; we need to teach people that we are all equals.

Kayla, Age 11

Level in Girl Scouting? Girl Scout Junior (fifth year in Girl Scouting).

What sports do you play? For how long? Softball, three years. Soccer, seven years.

What is your favorite thing about Girl Scouting? Going to camp, learning new things, and making new friends.

Why do you like your sport? Soccer, because it's fun, it's good exercise, I'm good at it and I love it!

What have you learned from Girl Scouting? How to make friends, how to treat people how you want to be treated, how to help others.

What have you learned from the sports you play? Good sportsmanship, good health, leadership, and independence.

What do you think about Title IX? I'm glad, because girls deserve the same rights and because they can do anything boys can do.

Sydney, Age 12

Level in Girl Scouting? Girl Scout Cadette

What sports do you play? For how long? Swimming, four years.

Favorite thing about Girl Scouting: I love hanging out with my friends, doing service projects, going to camp and learning new things like cross-country skiing.

Why you do like your sport? My sport is fun, I get to be with my best friends, and it has made a huge difference in how I feel about myself. Plus I get two hours a day to think while I swim.

What have you learned from Girl Scouting? I have learned so many things including how to be a better person to my friends, family and even those people I don't know in this world.

What have you learned from the sports you play? Teamwork is important and that being a member of a team is fun and makes me feel good when we work together, even if we don't win.

What do you think about Title IX? I think girls should have as many chances as boys to do sports of ALL kinds.

Kelly, Age 14, Walworth, N.Y.

Level in Girl Scouting? Girl Scout Cadette

What sports do you play? For how long? Soccer, eight years (Varsity two years, Junior Varsity one year, Travel League five years, Walworth Rec five years).

Favorite thing about Girl Scouting? Activities with friends and doing something good for the community through volunteer opportunities.

Why you do like your sport? For the team bonding, the fun and the great outlet for energy.

What have you learned from Girl Scouting? Communication and marketing skills (from many years of selling Girl Scout Cookies).

What have you learned from the sports you play? Teamwork, responsibility and strategic thinking.

What do you think about Title IX? It's certainly a good thing. It's hard to believe that in my mom's day, most high schools had no Varsity sports for girls. And it's even harder to believe that most people didn't see anything wrong with that!