“Because there is the dismissal of female athletes, it is so important that women support other women in sports” – Abby Sluys

Abby Sluys is an OCAA All-Star volleyball player for the Redeemer College Royals.

Here is Sluys’ message to other women’s athletes for International Women’s Day:

“The time I have had in sport has helped make me a stronger person physically and mentally. My time in sports has given me perseverance, confidence, and determination. These characteristics I have gained from volleyball have carried over to other aspects of my life which I am very grateful for. Being involved in sport has shown me that I am capable of so much more than I thought I was. It has pushed me into being a stronger person in all parts of life. A difficulty I think comes with being a female athlete is the feeling that people don’t care as much about what we do. In my experience, there have been times where I have felt dismissed by others because I am a female athlete as opposed to a male athlete. I think that because there is the dismissal of female athletes, it is so important that woman support other woman in sport. We need to push each other to be strong, hard working athletes and encourage each other to set goals and work towards them.

I think it is very important for women in sport to create a strong community around each other. We as female athletes have so much potential that we must encourage one another to reach for it. Having a strong community around ourselves creates an atmosphere for growth where we can become the best athletes we can be. In my experience, some of my greatest friendships have come through sport. These friendships have provided me with growth, confidence, and encouragement. My advice from my experience is to find an environment in sport where you feel supported and feel like a part of the community. Women belong in sport, and we belong in a community of other strong women.”