“Things that society views as inappropriate for women go directly against what is needed in sports” – Steph Brooks

Steph Brooks is a USports soccer player for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks.

Here is Brooks’ message for International Women’s Day:

“Playing soccer, and sports in general, has made me stronger in ever way possible. It has given me the self-confidence to achieve things in all areas of my life. Including academics and employment. It has also given me my closest friends who push me to be better on and off the field.
Luckily, I have had a lot of supportive people in my life. However, there have been a few occasions where people have told me that soccer will take me no where. Or that the level I play does not matter because I’m a girl and that I will never be as good as the boys. People have said things to me like “it’s only girls’ soccer.

Don’t be afraid to view sports as any other passion. If you enjoy it you can achieve great things with it. Don’t worry about what others think about you and most importantly don’t be afraid to be strong and bold. Things that society views as inappropriate for women go directly against what is needed in sports. So be proud of the muscles you have, or the voice you use, because you shouldn’t be ashamed for pursuing something you love.“