By Connor Sykes
 
National Girls and Women in Sports Day champions and recognizes the female athletes, coaches and staff members who are an integral part of our Lancer family. But this day is not just a celebration; it's a powerful reminder of the journey women have undertaken in the world of sports - a domain once dominated by their male counterparts, now increasingly shared with formidable, resilient female athletes and professionals. From the early pioneers who defied social norms to today's champions breaking records and glass ceilings, women in sports have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring generations to come.
 
Members of our Lancer family each have their own distinctive journey into the realm of sports, marked by personal achievements and sometimes direct pathways to their current roles. 

For some, like softball head coach Francine Stadler, the seeds of passion were planted in the simplicity of childhood play. "My dad used to play catch with me in our backyard," she remarked. "He signed me up for t-ball with an all-female league, Riverside Softball Association. I loved it, I was hooked." Her career would progress upwards from that point forward, sticking to her sport as a player late into her 20's before switching her focus solely to coaching.
 
The allure of following in the footsteps of successful family members has also played a significant role for others. "Growing up, I had the privilege of watching them excel on the soccer field, basketball court, and volleyball court. As the youngest, I naturally wanted to be just like them," says fourth-year soccer goalie Jordan Samping, in talking about her two older sisters. "Witnessing their dedication, teamwork, and passion for sports ignited my own interest in getting involved in sports."
 
For second-year distance runner Isabella Goveia, inspiration came from both family ties and sporting idols. Observing her father compete nationally in cycling imbued her with an appreciation for athletic dedication, but a former Lancer would also help in spurning her towards pursuing this passion. "...Melissa Bishop was my idol. I remember making vision boards with her on them. Watching a Canadian be successful on the Olympic stage in my event was inspiring to me, as I was just entering the sport at that time."
 
Despite the diverse paths' female athletes, coaches, and support staff navigate to carve their niche in the sports world, each journey is intertwined with its own set of challenges. Venturing into a realm historically dominated by one gender imposes unique expectations and pressures, often boxing individuals into narrow archetypes. Breaking free from these molds is not only daunting but is also met with resistance, underscoring the resilience required to redefine norms and excel in this evolving landscape.
 
Perceptions around appearance, attitude, and tone often unfairly disadvantage women in sports, with expectations disproportionately placed on them. "As a black female, I have to constantly adjust my mannerisms, my tone, my 'smile' to please others in the room and that can be extremely tough" shares women's basketball assistant coach Mariah Chandler. "When you are constantly labeled as 'moody', 'aggressive', 'standoffish ', 'emotional ', it is challenging to come into work every day and have a smile on your face."
 
This issue resonates with women across the sporting world, including Deanna Iwanicka, head coach of the women's hockey program. Iwanicka highlights the double standard she encounters, being criticized for embodying competitiveness and a drive for excellence - qualities celebrated in her male counterparts. This shared experience underscores a broader, systemic challenge: women in sports are navigating a landscape that scrutinizes them more harshly for traits deemed admirable in men, revealing a deep-seated bias that extends beyond the playing field and into the realms of leadership and professionalism.
 
Current female athletes confront additional challenges relating to their physiology and style of play. Samping comments, "as a female athlete we face the assumption that our skills and talents are inherently inferior to those of their male counterparts. This underestimation can affect our confidence, well-being, and performance as an athlete." Such preconceived notions perpetuate an unfair comparison that diminishes the achievements and capabilities of women in
sports, posing a significant barrier to their advancement and recognition.
 
Athletic therapist Emily Brennan reflects on her formative years, marking them as the beginning of her encounters with gender-based negativity in sports. "The older I got, the more the boys would go out to hurt me on the ice or tell me that I didn't belong on the ice with them. I lost the team aspect of playing sports, having to change in a small referee's room with a single chair, by myself or with one other girl (who was usually on the other team)," Brennan shares. The sense of camaraderie that sports are supposed to foster was diminished by these experiences.
 
However, the hurdles she faced did not dissipate as she transitioned from athlete to support staff. Brennan continues, "I think the most infuriating thing was working with individuals that would not directly address me, but always the male I was working with, even if I was more knowledgeable about an injury or scenario." This persistent undermining of her expertise underscored the ongoing challenges women face in the sports industry, not just as athletes but also in professional roles.
 
To this day, these members of our Lancer family have made it to where they are despite the challenges and trails placed upon them. And in doing so, they provide valuable advice to those who wish to follow in their steps:
 
Mariah Chandler: "Always stay true to yourself. You will have tough days and you will be challenged. Not only from your male counterparts but also from your female coworkers. Be firm in your approach and never lose yourself when trying to please the majority. Be confident in your walk, even if it may be intimidating. Be graceful with your words, as words can come back and bite you. Don't be afraid to take a break; your mental health is most important. Go out of your way to make someone else smile; you never know what others are going through and it might make you feel better also. You are stronger than most people will ever believe, as long as you believe it."
 
Francine Stadler: "Never give up your dream. Work hard but at the same time have fun. Enjoy every minute of your experience as time passes quickly."
 
Deanna Iwanicka: "Be strong. Believe in yourself. Together we can make a difference."
 
Emily Brennan: "Keep at it. If you love it, keep at it. There is a home for you in sports. Don't make yourself small to fit into a space that society has carved out for you, telling you to say "thank you" for what you are given. This is the age of the PWHL selling out arenas, Nebraska/Omaha women's volleyball is selling out stadiums and the women's NCAA championship averaging 9.92 million viewers on ESPN. 'If you build it, they will come.' There is always a new generation of little girls behind us, watching us, and they learn by example. If we show them we have a place here; they will have no question that they do too."
 
Jordan Samping: "Resilience is key in the sports industry. Whether facing setbacks, injuries, or criticism, maintaining a resilient mindset will help you bounce back stronger and more determined."
 
Isabella Goveia: "Girls are powerful in sport. Whether you play a team sport or individual sport it's important to realize that we all work towards the same goals, and all have equal love and dedication to our sport. So, it's important to uplift one another, instead of comparing ourselves. Now more than ever women in sport are given the chances to excel and make positive impacts to not only women in sport but sport in general. It's important to focus on your own goals but be supportive of others too."
 
As we reflect on the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of women in sports, let us not simply acknowledge their achievements but actively celebrate and uplift them. It is incumbent upon us to recognize the talent, dedication, and resilience of female athletes, coaches, and support staff, both on and off the field. By amplifying their voices, advocating for equal opportunities, and championing their successes, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape for all. Let us stand in solidarity with the women in our lives who are a part of the sports world, honoring their contributions and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Together, let's continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive in sports.