Athletes, Not Afterthoughts

As a mother of a teenage athlete, I spend a significant portion of my life in arenas, on sidelines and in parking lots, serving as chauffeur, Sherpa, sports psychologist, equipment manager and ATM. And I’ve come to realize something: girls in sports aren’t just athletes. They’re warriors. Gritty, tough, passionate — and still fighting battles they shouldn’t have to.

Yes, we’ve made huge strides in women’s sports — the PWHL, WNBA and MMA — and these girls are tackling stereotypes harder than opponents. But there’s still a glaring gap at the local level too many refuse to see. Want a quick reality check? Look at the ice schedule. If girls make up 35% of registrants, why do they get only 12% of the ice time? That’s not math. That’s misogyny in a jersey.

The conversation around equality in sport often focuses on opportunity: access to ice, facilities or coaching. But the more critical issue is equity. Equity isn’t offering the same — it’s offering what’s needed to achieve fairness. That means reallocating resources, rethinking legacy structures and, most importantly, confronting our own unconscious bias.

Because make no mistake: when girls win tournaments and walk away without recognition — while boys in similar leagues receive trophies and fanfare — it sends a clear message: their success matters less. They matter less.

This isn’t just disappointing. It’s not good enough. Not for my daughter. Not for yours. Not for the future we say we’re building. Recognition reinforces effort. Visibility builds confidence. A lack of it teaches girls to shrink their wins and expect less.

So let’s ask ourselves: are we unintentionally reinforcing outdated hierarchies? Are we truly creating space for girls to thrive — or are we quietly sidelining them? Our daughters aren’t asking for favours. They’re asking for fairness.

They’re not just playing. They’re preparing — for life, for leadership, and a future that depends on us getting this right. She learned how to fall hard, get up fast, and take up space like she means it. Sports taught my daughter how to take a hit, dig in, and drive forward. It taught me how far we still have to go.

 

Janet Smith is a proud mom of one daughter and a marketing professional who is grateful for her rural roots in the London area. Follow Janet’s funny and honest journey at IG & TT | @re.marketable.janet or FB | @janetsiddallsmith