There are so many controversies when it comes to a girl who enjoys sports. We get judged for just about everything we say when watching or talking about them. Most of these struggles are based on deep-rooted sexist opinions (although no one will ever admit it), and it is beyond obnoxious and annoying. Here are some of them:
1. People always assume that we only watch sports for the men playing them.
I have always been a baseball girl. I have grown up watching, cheering, and going to games with my family. Since growing up around the sport, I have continued to go to games through high school and college. All you ever hear at baseball games is, “Oh she is just a cleat chaser, chasing after all those baseball butts.” No. Actually, there are very few of us girls out there that like to sit and watch 9 innings of baseball.
2. Guys will always quiz girls on their knowledge.
This is just disgraceful; don't question our intelligence and passion for the game we love. We know current players, we know past players, we know six plus four equals two and that a free throw is one point.
3. Always having to explain what is going on to your other friends.
Always being asked questions while sitting at games like, “How many points was that basket for?” or, “What just happened during that play?” or finally, “What does his position do?” Random questions are always thrown our way and we are expected to know the answer right away.
4. The number of T-shirts, jerseys, and possessions we own with our favorite sports team logo on it is mind blowing.
Jerseys, phone cases, shirts, bracelets, notebooks, shoes, clothes for our animals -- the list goes on and on. The amount of money we spend on things like these adds up to a down payment on a car.
5. Getting a notification on our phone and others assume that we are texting when really we're getting an update that our team scored.
This happens to us on the daily, MLB AtBat, NFL Mobile or NBA Live Mobile are all constantly updating us and making us seem cooler than we actually are. My mom is not a sports fan and she would constantly ask why my phone is constantly vibrating. All I say back is, “Don’t worry about it Mom, it’s just my ESPN app updating me on scores.”
6. The excitement we feel on our teams opening day has to mean we're a bandwagon fan.
Because it's impossible for women to love sports when it isn't opening day or the post season.
7. Getting genuinely upset when there are actual bandwagon fans, especially during the postseason.
If you can't ride with our team during the five-game losing streaks, the injuries and the downright painful games you don't deserve to cheer them on when they're having success. Us girls will call you out during the season, when the season is over, or during the championships games.
8. None of your friends understand your passion for the game.
Any time I go to a baseball game with my friends and a home run is hit, or a great play is made and I stand up, clap and yell, I get looked at like I'm crazy. My passion for my team does not resonate with my friends.
Baseball, hockey, football, soccer or basketball-- whatever sport you love -- don't be afraid to show your love despite all of these struggles, girl.
