Play Like a Girl!
Play like a girl! (stock image)
I have finally recovered from waking up early to watch many of the middle-of-the-night Women’s World Cup matches this year, and let me tell you - it was worth it!! And, no, for the record, I have not recovered from the unacceptable behavior of the Spanish Soccer President. I am still in shock that he forced a kiss on Spanish top scorer Jenni Hermoso … on stage … in front of all of us. The absolute entitlement that he demonstrated to do whatever he wanted to her was weird, disturbing, and disgusting. And yet so familiar. I’m also still in shock that he’s still around. And yet, it’s so familiar. Okay, enough about him and his ugly cloud over the women who were amazing on the pitch, day after day, for a whole month! Onward!
For those of you who missed the action, Spain took the cup this year, beating England in the finals and unseating us (United States) as reigning champs! It was some of the best examples of sportsmanship, female empowerment, and, of course, soccer that I have ever seen! Watching the players support each other (even those from opposing teams) and work together to achieve something beyond the event itself was inspiring and motivating. Now that I had a chance to reflect on the event (and sleep a little), I keep coming back to one simple phrase: Play like a girl.
Everybody can (and should) play like a girl. Nowhere was this more evident than during the Jamaica vs. Brazil game. It ended in a draw, which sent Jamaica to the round of 16 for the first time ever (Yahoo!), and in a shocking upset, Brazil went home. But that’s not the part that got me. After the match, Jamaica’s Bunny Shaw approaches Brazil’s legendary Marta, who was going home after just playing her last World Cup match of her career. This was clearly an emotional moment for both women and one that could’ve played out in any number of ways. Bunny obviously looked up to Marta (even as she physically towered over her) and appeared to express gratitude for all that Marta has given to women’s soccer (fútbol). Rather than brushing her off or focusing on the team’s loss, Marta quickly jumps into the role of the wise, loving encourager! Watching that exchange was a powerful example of grace, style, and leadership. Marta took the opportunity to build up a fellow athlete and model sportsmanship as it should be! This is how to play like a girl!
Did you know how many players and coaches in this year’s competition are openly LGBTQ+? Roughly 100! The impact on LGBTQ+ communities around the world cannot be overstated. These athletes are competing as their true and authentic selves, proving that being yourself doesn’t have to get in the way of success. Many media outlets have stated that this is likely the most “openly gay” sporting event in history, and this is huge! It sends an overwhelmingly positive message of support for LGBTQ+ young people and others who may be struggling to embrace every aspect of themselves. In fact, I learned this piece of data from a young transgender person who beamed with pride when she shared the news. The players and coaches model a welcoming and inclusive environment in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive and push themselves to be the best version of themselves. It models support, affirmation, and encouragement - literally everything that this consultant writing this blog could ever want!
Folks are calling this one of the best World Cups in history, and if you look at it by the numbers of attendees and those that tuned in around the world, that’s probably not far from the truth. But, for me, it was something more. It was a celebration of inclusivity, sportsmanship, athleticism, and positivity that defined what it means to play like a girl. I want to keep it going! I want to encourage you to bring that positivity into your relationships and build each other up. Mentor those around you, and take in the wisdom of those who have a lot to share. Celebrate the diversity and successes of others. Allow your definition of inclusivity to grow. Every day, in every interaction - play like a girl!