Here's to the Pack

"To every girl coming up in the Pack with a dream to do something that doesn't yet even exist: We believe in you to accomplish what we can't even yet imagine.  Your Pack is with you.  And history awaits you."  ~Abby Wambach

On February 2, 2020, Tim Busse, brother-in-law of my long time friend and outstanding athlete, Marj Busse, reposted Abby Wambach's congratulations to Christine Sinclair on her record-breaking goal.  No small achievement for this Canadian athlete who set a new record for the most goals in international women's soccer.

There were so many things I loved about this post. First, I love that it was posted by a guy! I also love that Tim tagged his wife, his sisters and his mother and that Marj was a part of this.  These are all strong women who obviously live with men who are not intimidated by their strength. These women, especially his sisters and mother, grew up in a time when women's sport wasn't always embraced by society in general.  And, of course, those of us growing up in the day heard the phrase, "You throw like a girl!" more than once - and it wasn't used as a compliment.

When I think of growing up I am so grateful for having a father who not only allowed me (yes, 'allowed' - I had friends whose parents did not let them participate in 'vigorous' sports) but actively encouraged and supported me.  My dad was my first coach.  I remember our first softball practices when we were around 6 & 7 years old and didn't want to wear our gloves on our left hand.  We never really used this hand for anything and so couldn't imagine ever actually catching a ball with it.  My dad wasn't always patient, but on the ball field with a bunch of little girls, he was amazing.  I am grateful for growing up with two brothers, one a year older and one a year younger, who allowed (yes, that word again) me to play sandlot ball, pick up football, hockey and other neighbourhood games the boys were playing.  I don't remember any other girls playing.  I thank them also for never giving me a break when I did play with them.  It was always an honour to be 'one of the guys'.  I don't ever remember anyone giving me a hard time growing up as a tomboy.  At least not until I was getting into my teens.  The boys at that stage of my life were more impressed with the make-up girls and the ones who wore bras and cheered them on from the sidelines than they were with the girls who could play (some of whom also wore make-up and bras!).

While all of this was fine and dandy there was one thing that irked me more than anything.  I grew up in an era when there were very few opportunities for girls/women to dream about playing the sports they loved as a career.  Yes, there was tennis and, to a lesser degree, golf but both of these sports required LOTS of $$$.  My brothers grew up dreaming about playing football and hockey. There were many 'game-winning' moments in our basement, on our driveway and in the neighbourhood sandlots for the boys.  I remember clearly how angry this made me at the time.  I had such a strong sense of this being so unfair! Somewhere along the way this began to change just a little. You will never know how much I love the women who paved the way for those women athletes who are household names today.  You will never know how much I love the women who honour each other and the successes of their own team-mates and rivals equally.

When I started playing softball I found my tribe, my pack.  There were many tribes along the way in many sports; softball, basketball, volleyball, golf, swimming and yes, even field hockey (for a game or two).  The girls I played with were my heroes.  I don't remember any competition amongst us.  I don't remember any arguments or criticism.  I only remember teamwork and friendship both on the court/field and off.

"Her victory is your victory," Wambach declares. "Celebrate with her."

Many of the women I grew up playing sports with are still playing strong.  Many of them have taken on new sports in their later years as well.  These are the women who inspire me daily.  I am not always a fan of the big name athletes and soccer isn't always my favourite sport, but WOW!  Christine Sinclair's accomplishments are creating a new world for little girls who will follow in her footsteps.  Abby Wambach has set a standard for celebration, not only for the little girls coming up but for the women who are playing at all levels right now.

To all the little girls in my world - your pack is waiting for you!

Happy International Women's Day to all the women out there, in sports and in life, who are paving the way for those who are watching all you do and say.