Women In Sports: Time for a Change
By: Ella Embry
On a Friday night football game, looking into the stands, you see bleachers filled with students. Screaming and cheering as the boys play on the field. Excitement is filled in the air and the mood is bright. When you go to a girl's sports game, the energy is quite different. Not as many supporters in the crowd, and less publicity to share their hard work. Times are changing at Jenks, whether we like it or not, and women in sports should start being embraced and not criticized.
One of the most influential females in sports history is Serena Williams. She dealt with hate and criticism both on and off the court and had to fight for her right to play tennis. Whether this be comments made on clothing she wears on the court, to getting drug tested more than male competitors just due to “suspicion.” Females in the sports world have it far harder than males.
Serena Williams, Pic Creds: Insider.com
Sporting events at Jenks are broadcasted in multiple ways. Whether that be through post-game interviews, social media, or newspapers. A common misconception is that these are all done by men. A woman shouldn’t be reporting on sports because she simply doesn’t understand it as males do? I don’t think so. It shouldn’t matter, male or female, what your job consists of.
When it comes to sports at Jenks, the most attended games are the male sports teams. Most female sports at Jenks do not get highlighted as much as the boys and it’s time for a change. Recently, our JHS Superfans have started embracing the female sports culture. Newly elected Vice President, Brynn Stoner, joins the Superfan team and shares what she is most excited about as for helping to make a change at Jenks.
2022-2023 SuperFans at the Jenks White Out Game, Pic Creds: jhssuperfans on Instagram
“I’m super excited to be SuperFan Vice President this year! I can’t wait to be able to help plan pep rallies and school events,” says Stoner, “I plan on treating the boys and girls sports teams both equally by attending all games and cheering them on non-stop. I also plan on using our Instagram as a form to promote each and every team.”
With opinions and culture changing at Jenks, we should always keep an open and positive mind. This relates to issues even outside of the sports industry. We should always note that both women and men are capable of whatever they set their minds to and encouraging one another is the best solution. If you would like to learn more about JHS Superfans or are interested in influential women in sports, you can check out @jhssuperfans on Instagram or see the links provided below on sports culture.
