.@dawnstaley talks about overcoming body shaming as a player and how much she instills body positivity into her players and other women’s athletes.
#MarchMadness x @GamecockWBB
We have to revamp Physical Education or invest more into it so there’s real accountability and development. We shouldn’t be getting middle school students who haven’t mastered basic movement patterns like skipping, galloping, pivoting, and balance.
A FitnessGram test alone isn’t enough…it measures outcomes, not movement quality.
If we want better athletes and healthier students, we have to teach and assess movement through a deeper lens…kinesiology, biomechanics, and sport-specific metrics matter.
There are moments that weigh on you like looking in the stands and wishing more parents were present, even when the opportunity to support their child is just minutes away. Those moments can be disheartening. But leading requires us to stay anchored in purpose, not circumstances.
Because even on those days, growth is happening.
Our athletes are improving. They’re gaining confidence. They’re learning discipline, resilience, and self-worth. They’re walking a little taller, carrying themselves a little differently, and beginning to understand what they’re capable of becoming. They are proud…proud to be a part of something bigger.
And that’s where we find our wins. The uniform fit well, their energy felt different. Their performance improved. Those “small” wins often overlooked…are actually the foundation of something much greater. Over time, those moments compound, and they build programs, cultures, and individuals who are prepared to succeed far beyond the field. They set and eventually become the standard.
I hate losing. I hate the feeling, I hate the struggle but I respect what it exposes.
Nothing is given in this game. The teams that beat us earned it, and until we match that work, we’ll keep feeling this.
The good news? Tomorrow is ours to fix it.
Had to empty my pockets at the metal detector this morning like usual 🙄. After I finished, the officer pointed at my pockets and asked, “What about that?” Then she repeated it.
I looked down, patted my pockets, and checked them again…completely confused. Finally I said, “Ma’am…that’s just my hips. I’ve been working out, but I guess it hasn’t shown any results yet. Sorry.” 🧐
The poor thing was actually more embarrassed than I was and kept apologizing, saying she’s trying to lose weight too. 🫠🤣🤣
Supporting women’s sports goes far beyond simply providing access to a field or a roster spot. True support means creating an environment where female athletes are able to perform at their best and that includes their comfort, confidence, and dignity while competing.
Equipment and apparel matter more than people often realize. Different brands fit different body types differently, and an “XL” is not a universal solution for every strong, muscular, or heavier athlete. Our athletes come in a wide range of builds, and our responsibility as leaders in athletics is to understand that and plan accordingly.
The same goes for details many people overlook…such as undergarments (light, medium, heavy support), uniform cuts, and even the idea of “nude” or neutral colors. Skin tones vary, and what works for one athlete may not work for another. When we truly care about women’s athletics, we pay attention to these details because they directly impact how comfortable and confident our athletes feel while they compete or attempt new sports. Moving around while feeling uncomfortable in our attire is a no go for many athletes.
If we are serious about advancing women’s sports, we must look at the totality of the athlete experience. That means listening, learning, and making thoughtful decisions about equipment, apparel, and resources across all programs. When administrators and coaches take the time to understand these needs, we not only support our athletes better…we elevate the entire standard of women’s athletics.
@TripleDoubleXO A lot aren’t developing…they’re mad they aren’t developed and wasting the season complaining and whining about it….meanwhile they are 19 coaches deep on the bench…doing what?? smh
I gotta get these kids streaming lol they are hilarious and it’s clean kid friendly behavior until someone says “if you look/say etc…you ____” we gotta tighten that up!! Getting cancelled b4 they even start lmaooooo
Getting to know your students and athletes is not always enough at the last minute or by word of mouth. It’ building relationships, realizing they aren’t themselves and looking out of it, knowing when something is off and trying to accommodate them respectfully and favorably if you can.
I’m a high school principal. Last week, I had to call a senior, Leo, into my office. Our system showed he had missed twenty days this semester. That’s automatic failure. He walked in, head down, wearing the same hoodie he’d worn all week. I had the suspension papers typed out. "Leo, what’s going on?" I asked, ready to give the standard lecture on responsibility. He didn't look up. He just whispered, "My mom’s chemo schedule changed. She’s too weak to walk after the appointments, and we don't have a car. I have to carry her up the stairs to our apartment. It takes all afternoon." I looked at the papers on my desk. They felt incredibly heavy. I didn’t see a truant student anymore; I saw a boy being a man before he had to be. I ripped up the papers. "Here’s the deal," I told him. "You get her home. I’m emailing your teachers to set up remote work for the days you miss. We are going to get you across that stage." He finally looked up, eyes red, and just nodded. Sometimes, the most important lesson a student can learn is that authority actually has a heart.
Anonymous
The search is on for South Carolina’s top senior softball players! ⭐🥎 Nominations for the North vs South All-Star Softball Game are now open.
Be sure to submit a nomination by April 27: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…
When athletes quit or avoid playing for their school team because they say “the team isn’t good,” I often wonder🧐:
what are you doing to help improve it? True competitors/serious athletes don’t wait for a great team…they help build one.
And definitely shouldn’t be allowed to quit one sport and join another in the same season.