Letters to Future Women in Sports -- Vikings Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day

In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day in the United States, members of the Portland State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) wrote letters to the future women in sports. The letters offered advice, recounted personal experiences, and shared hopes for the future of women in sports.

The full letters are below:

Dear Future Women in Sports,

First off, I want you to know that everyone belongs in sports. This community is unmatched in that all people are welcomed and celebrated. Sports are how I found my forever friends, my voice, and truly, how I found myself. As a woman, at times it can feel like you’re taught to be small, to be nice, to be quiet, and to not take up space. In sports, you’re taught the opposite. Be strong, be powerful, be as loud as you want, be passionate, be competitive, be a leader. If I could say one piece of advice to future girls in sports, it’s as simple as this: Take up space and keep playing sports!

Jamie Zamrin

Cross Country/Track & Field

Big Sky SAAC President

Dear Future Women in Sports,

Why not you?

I know you have way more ability than you give yourself credit for, largely because we’ve been told that results equal success. That narrative is outdated. How you empathize with others, respond to adversity, and take initiative defines your character. To make it in this world, we must be our own biggest fans, not critics. While high standards will take us far, so will celebrating the small wins that often go unnoticed. Be your own biggest advocate, learn from those around you, and speak even when your voice shakes.

Shea Garcia

Softball

Portland State SAAC President

Dear Future Women in Sports,

I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the incredible journeys that lie ahead for each of you in the world of sports. Over the next few years, you will face challenges and triumphs, moments of doubt and a number of victories. Through it all, remember that you stand on the shoulders of the amazing women who came before you. These women paved the way for your participation in sports, breaking barriers and defying expectations. Now, it is your turn to carry that torch forward and inspire the generations that will follow. Never be afraid to challenge stereotypes and push against societal norms. Your presence in sports is not just about competition; it is about reshaping perceptions and expanding the realm of possibility for future generations. Be unapologetically yourself and encourage others to do the same. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, and view every setback as an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Your journey in sports is a marathon, not a sprint, and the lessons you learn along the way will shape you into the extraordinary women you are destined to become. Most importantly, never forget the impact you can have beyond the field of play. As women in sports, you have the platform to inspire change, challenge inequalities, and promote inclusion. Use your influence to advocate for a world where every woman and girl feels empowered to pursue their athletic dreams without limitations.

Alison Harris

Softball

To the Future Women in Sports…

Be passionate, be grateful, work hard, and embrace the challenges. Remember to speak up and never give up. Most importantly allow yourself to make mistakes! it’s okay to fail, it’s just part of your story. 

Mariana Garcia Rosette

Golf 

What I would say to future women in sports,

I would say the most important thing to remember is to do it for yourself. There are always going to be people telling you that you aren’t good enough or that it’s boring just because you are a girl. But it’s important to not let that get to you and to have a personal motivator to keep you going. 

Campbell Faust

Cross Country/Track & Field

Dear Future Women in Sports,

There have been so many strides and achievements that we’ve been able to achieve since the beginning. The word “no” might be thrown a lot at you and people might doubt your abilities but remember, only your opinion matters. You know your capabilities and when you put your mind to something you’re passionate about, the sky’s the limit. So, keeping working hard, proving people wrong and changing the face of women’s sports for generations to come. You are the future so never stop believing in yourself and the other powerful women around you. 

Makayla Romeo

Softball

Dear Future Women in Sports,

My advice would be to schedule your breaks. If you don’t schedule your days off, your body will do it for you in the form of bad pain and injuries. Remember that the harder you work, the more you’ll need to receover. So, work hard, but listen to your body and take that day off when you need to!

I wish you all the best. Good luck!

Cynthia Valerie Ong

Golf

Dear Future Women in Sports,

Being a female athlete is not easy. You’ll be faced with a lot of challenges and may not get the recognition that you deserve. However, I encourage you to stand tall, walk with confidence, build relationships within your community, and don’t define yourself by your sport performance.

Tyra Schaub, Paige Stepaniuk and Delaney Nicoll

Volleyball

Dear Future Women in Sports,

We are often told what a feminine body looks like and what an athletic body looks like. They’re defined as two separate things. But they’re not separate.

You have been shaped into confident, strong women by every practice, game, and “optional” team event. There is no single shape of a female athlete. Your muscles, scrapes, callouses, and bruises are only a symbol of hard work and dedication.

So, I hope you always remember your strength is beautiful.

Sydney Watson

Soccer

Dear Future Women in Sports,

You are more than capable to achieve and accomplish anything that you want, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t! Through the journey remember the most important thing is staying true to who you are because you are more than enough. There will be people that might doubt you along the way but stay the course! Enjoy the journey and trust the process because it will be worth it in the end.

Grace Johnson 

Softball

Dear Future Women in Sports,

Fall in love with the competition, celebrate the victories, and learn from defeats. Take a moment to cherish the friendships you make along the way. Embrace the challenges with grace, turn setbacks into comebacks, and let every stride be a statement. Your voice and determination is your most powerful weapon so don’t be afraid to use it. The legacy you create today will shape a future where women in sports are celebrated and respected. 

Natalia Martinez

Softball