Don't control your tricks: Support women and girls in sports

Hi! I'm Barrett. When I was a kid, I dreamed about becoming a professional athlete, but I didn't think that could ever happen. The only time I saw girls and women excelling on a national or global stage was when I watched the Olympics. Even now that there are more professional athletic opportunities for women, the lack of parity and continued fights for equity turn these athletes into advocates instead of allowing them to focus on their sport and developing their talent on the field, court, apparatus, ice, etc.

Instead of pursuing professional athletics, I started my career in sports media. But I faced ageism and sexism, and I never knew what time I'd be able to eat dinner on a Sunday because I had to wait for NFL and MLB game stories. Sports became a job instead of a passion, and I decided I'd rather enjoy them as a fan. I've pivoted my career path since then, but I'm still an advocate for the value of sports, particularly for women and girls. I went to see Team USA gymnasts on the Gold Over America Tour in October and am looking for other ways to support women who want to make a living as an athlete.

I hope donations to the Women's Sports Foundation will help women today and girls in the future achieve the dreams I couldn't.