Nikewomen NFR Blog

Champions Don't Just Win

LaurenBrill — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:45:40 GMT

If you can imagine what it would be like for a young boxer to have had the opportunity to spar with Muhammad Ali, or a street baller trying to make it big going one-on-one with Michael Jordan, than you can understand what it meant to me to attend the Women’s Sports Foundation 30th Annual Salute to Women in Sports dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The Women’s Sports Foundation Annual Salute to Women’s Sports dinner is a night where the most accomplished female athletes of both the past and present come together to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments. I was there on the red carpet to chat with all the star athletes, including Brandi Chastain, Jessica Mendoza, Angela Ruggiero and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

With a strong appreciation for female athletes and a love for sports, I hope through my own work to level the playing field for women, expand women’s participation in sports and help female athletes continue to gain the respect and attention they deserve. To be in the presence of women like Billie Jean King and Brandi Chastain, was an experience of a lifetime because these women have already knocked down a door that I am now simply trying to walk myself and others through, as they have already changed the game for women through their own athletic prowess and commitment to the cause.

Each athlete that I spoke to had a unique story that consisted of various challenges and a number of impressive accomplishments. For example, Brandi Chastain reflected on having no fear taking a penalty kick with the 1999 World Cup on the line against a Chinese goalie who had previously blocked her penalty kick. Ice Hockey Gold Medalist Angela Ruggiero found it motivating when a male she played with or against felt she shouldn’t be on the ice. Despite their distinctive journeys, they all shared my passion and my dream, to see the young women of the world have an equal opportunity to participate, and excel in sports and reap all the benefits of existing in a competitive environment.

While I was among these determined and talented women, I realized I was among not just winners but champions. As those who are just winners simply strive to be the best in the world while true champions also use their gift to make a better world.

-Lauren Brill

Keep the Game Alive

SarinaMorales — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:12 GMT

It’s the fastest growing sport in the United States and it’s women like Andrea Duran, who are keeping the sport alive. In 2012, softball will no longer be a part of the summer games. A hard hit for the game of softball, but not something that should keep women from participating in the sport all together.

“There’s still the national team!” Andrea says. “There’s more to be said for the sport outside college and we should keep high expectations for women who play softball.”

Andrea, in addition to her hard work and dedication to the game, is balancing her third base position for the National Team as well as her job as Director of Operations for her university softball team out in California.

Whether or not softball ever gets reinstated into the summer games, it’s a good sport to play in addition to whatever other athletics you are into. Throwing and catching a ball is great work for hand-eye coordination. Sprinting to the bases is a great workout for your hamstrings and core. Hitting a softball is awesome for working on your concentration, and is probably one of the best ways to get out some aggression. Go to a batting cage if you are stressed out. All I need is a good 30 minutes and I’m in good spirits.

It’s the different parts of the game that when brought together, can make you an overall better athlete. Andrea ran track and swam before choosing softball as her main sport. I played volleyball and basketball in the off-season. If nothing else, after watching this video, you will realize that softball is amazing simply because no other athlete can pull off the lawn mower better than Andrea Duran. I’ve been working on my moves in my free time.

-Sarina

Definitely Delicious

KatieHennessey — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:56:56 GMT

When I was 10 years old I attended a softball camp in Anaheim, CA. I met legendary players, gold medalists, collegiate national champions and the icons who pioneered the way for female athletes including the one and only Lisa Fernandez. Flash forward about nine years to the present.

I heard about this new place in a mall that I work in called the Teen Vogue Haute Spot. The new Nike Delicious gear was to be spotlighted and our new NFR, Sarina was also going to be there. For these reasons alone, I was so excited to go and check it out. Then, I heard about the special guest, Lisa Fernandez and I was not going to miss it!

I walked into the Haute Spot like a kid in the candy store, knowing that I would be face to face with one of the most influential female athletes of our time. I checked out all of the displays in the store and saw the new Nike gear that has bright, eye-catching colors and some cool retro like style to it. After a little bit, in walks the new NFR, Sarina. I got the chance to talk to her about her experiences thus far and she replied to me with a smile, in that unique New York accent that it, “kept her busy”. I am so glad that I got to meet her in person, because she is everything I thought she would be and more. She had to get back to prepping for the event and I found myself starting to get nervous in anticipation for the arrival of Lisa Fernandez.

While I waited I saw all the cool stuff the Haute Spot offered; a makeup station, caricatures, and dressing rooms to try on all the sweet gear. I also snuck a peek into my brand new goodie bag with the words “Delicious training” on it and found a bunch of great new stuff I am stoked to use.

Then I looked up and who did I see? None other then the golden girl herself, The Lisa Fernandez. I went up to her and told her my story of how I went to her camp and we talked about the camp and how much of an impact it had on me. We also discussed the future of softball and how it has been voted off the table for not only the 2012 games, but now the 2016 games as well. She was as amazing as I remembered her to be and then some. She even took pictures with me and let me hold her three gold medals that were heavy enough to do a good bicep workout with.

Lisa then went to the platform and answered Sarina’s questions about softball and the mental side of being an athlete. I stood in awe of not only Lisa, but of Sarina. It was pretty cool for me considering this was a visual combo of both occupations I have always wanted to be or attain. I played softball to be elite and make it to a Lisa like level, but now I realize another dream of being a reporter. The way the two stood side by side on a stage made me stand in awe of all the possibilities the world has for female athletes.

Both of these beautiful women were so poised and passionate about what they do and it made me strive to be better and work through any obstacle that might come my way. I loved meeting them both and wish them luck in all they do.

Sometimes malicious, but always delicious check out the new gear on the Nike Women website!

-Katie Hennessey

Nike + Teen Vogue = Haute Spot

SarinaMorales — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:15:19 GMT

I remember growing up and wearing my father’s t-shirts to practice. They were large and frumpy, (No offense dad) but it was the only thing I thought was comfortable and looked good on me to say the least. However, today, ladies have no excuse! Girl, you have no reason to even look at men’s clothing, never mind wear it! We have options now! No more having to feel uncomfortable with stretchy pants and nylon tops that make you bulge in awkward places. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t feel good and look good at the gym or on the court. Girlies...let’s go shopping.

Today, we are celebrating the spirit of young female athletes! We want to win! We want to train hard. And we want to have a great time doing it! Hence, you need to look good in order to achieve these goals. This is why Nike teamed up with Teen Vogue to deliver fashion and training advice for all those ladies heading back to school. And when Nike and Teen Vogue get together, you get more than you’re basic run of the mill.

It was the Nike Teen Vogue Haute Spot event! One of the hottest DJs, Morgan Page, spun a party at the mall. Gold medalist, Lisa Fernandez, signed autographs and answered questions from fans. Celebrity Trainer, Marie Purvis, prepared custom workouts and offered delicious training tips to look and feel fit. Footwear designer, Mark Miner, was on hand to offer extensive knowledge on all the latest training shoes and gave tons of insight on what Nike was currently working on. Last but not least, fashion consultant, Rebecca Resnick, let the ladies know exactly what to wear this fall.“It’s all about the prints, being bright and not matching!”

Nike is offering lots of prints for you ladies at the gym. The dri-fit cotton tees are my favorite things to wear! The new training shoes out come in so many colors, you can match or not match, it’s up to you. Whatever you wear, just know, a little sweat can be a great accessory.

-Sarina

Persist For Your Passion

KatieHennessey — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:18:03 GMT

In Southern California we take softball very seriously. Now I know what you might be thinking. Softball isn’t exclusively a Cal sport. Don’t get me wrong, I know some of the greats come from anywhere, Texas, Arizona and as this last College World Series showed us, even Canada. But softball in So Cal is not only a sport-it’s a lifestyle. We play year round because weather permits it and because competition is becoming so fierce if you don’t play all the time, other girls will pass you by. Unfortunately, softball has been pulled off the table for the 2012 games even though it’s growing in popularity worldwide. The 2008 games brought a gold medal to a country who wasn’t the US, which just proves how competition is breeding success on an international level.

With all that being said Corona, California, my home town, had the privilege of hosting the Australia National Softball team on a field I once played on. Trust me; even though these two games were just for experience and a warm up for team Australia before the World Cup; it was still taken very seriously. Warm up music, banners and the Australian flag adorned the field and a competitive spirit filled the air. The opponent of the Aussies did not come in the form of Jessica Mendoza with her US teammates, but rather a team full of college standouts, who play together during the summer to keep their skills sharp. These women make up the team Storm USA. The two talented teams went back and forth with Australia showing a relaxed confidence. Storm USA was battling with every pitch, running full speed and constantly chattering back and forth to one another. There were slight differences between the teams besides the uniforms and Australia’s hats instead of visors-Australia had world class experience and poise which is to be expected from a team that represents the best a country has to offer. After the first game Australia showed they were dominant, but in the second game they were down the whole time until one of their players hit a three run walk off homerun.

Throughout the first game I was sitting next to a five year old named Keely, who kept holding a shiny lime green, yellowish softball. I asked her if she played and she simply replied, “Not yet.” I asked her what position she wanted to play and with her big blue eyes she looked up at me and smiled, “pitcher.” I couldn’t help but remember that that’s what I wanted to be when I first started and I also remembered that I wanted to be a National player. Representing my country with that gold medal hanging around my neck, as the Anthem played. But what about 2012? What about after 2012? What about all the little girls like Keely who look at girls like Mendoza and dream about being in her shoes? As exciting as it was to see international competition in person, I couldn’t help but feel sad to think that the event I watched on TV every four years might not come back. There is a professional women’s fast pitch league, but most of softball’s exposure comes from the games. It is something fans of the sport all over the country gather around the TV to not only watch but also to talk about the players, learn from them, and hope to one day be them.

I got a chance to talk to the Australian head coach and we discussed the current state of the 2016 revival effort and how it affects the current players. He told me how it is causing his players to pull money out of their own pockets in order to travel and compete. Something they are more than willing to do to keep chasing the softball dream. When I asked about the future of the sport and how it affects all the little girls who dream of being on team USA, he told me that as a kid you should just want to play for your country and with the possibility of the international stage being pulled, it should make the athletes push harder. He reminded me that we should all take pride whether playing on this small stage in Corona, CA or on the international stage. He concluded with saying that it’s about the name on the front of the uniform that matters and we should play with that pride and continue to persist for the sport we love. So whether your game is this one of softball or something else, do just that. Persist for your passion and continue to represent your team in the best way you can. Be confident. Be strong. Be persistent.

To help support the reinstatement of softball to the games, check out www.backsoftball.com

-Katie Hennessey

Big Kids Sports: Bringing it back to the old school

AshleyCeaser — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:24:36 GMT

I don’t know about you, but I have to admit I miss the days of lunch and recess. Those were the times in elementary school when I would eat my lunch as fast as I could so I could go out to the playground, and continue the never-ending tournaments of tetherball, ball wall, dodgeball, 4 square and kickball. But then, I grew up (and so did everyone else).

Meet Big Kids Sports (BKS). Founded by Justin Vavuris and Sean McDermott in May 2008, BKS was formed to encourage/foster social networking and community building.

“Currently, there’s no real, organized space for adults to socialize other than the local bar scene,” relayed Vavuris. “BKS provides that alternative, so that adults in Palo Alto can go out, meet new people, and have fun without bars and alcohol as the only focal point. It’s a self-selecting group too, so the likelihood that you’ll meet someone with a similar interest in an active lifestyle is much higher.”

Based in Palo Alto, CA, BKS offers non-traditional old school sports such as Wiffleball, kickball, dodgeball. The program also includes softball, soccer, basketball and flag football leagues. And to continue the fun into the grown-up world, they offer team building and corporate events. They currently have almost 400 members with approximately half of the participants being women.

Anyone can join (you just have to be over 21) and best of all, membership is free. For more information, you can check out them out at the Big Kid Sports website or on Facebook. Who said growing up was no fun?

-Ashley Ceaser

Sister One LE Winner: Aubrene

ElizabethNguyen — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:50:08 GMT

The Stars were out tonight and they were definitely worth coming out to see! I am not talking about the ones in the sky, these stars are very much “down to earth!”

Celebrities from sports to movies came to strike out Lou Gehrig’s disease at an All-Star Softball charity event. Of many special guests attending the game, there was one very special softball all star, her name is Aubrene Blas. Aubrene's pledge was chosen among countless girls as the winner of the Jessica Mendoza Sister One Limited Edition contest. As the winner of the contest, Aubrene won the opportunity to hangout with softball gold medalist, Jessica Mendoza, as well as, a Flip camera and tons of a Nike gear.

Jessica presented Aubrene with her Nike+ Sister One Limited Edition shoes on the field between innings with everyone in the stands cheering. It was exciting watching Aubrene’s eyes stare in disbelief as Jessica revealed the shoes the Nike team had been working hard to hide from her the entire day! As Jessica unraveled the shoes wrapped in its gold bag; inch by inch Aubrene’s face began to light up with joy and froze in a huge smile! The moment was adorable; Aubrene looked like a kid on Christmas day.

Post-game, Aubrene caught up with Jessica to walk off the field to the after-party. On the way they chatted about Softball, Aubrene's 4.0 GPA and the sport/school/life balance. Jessica also took the opportunity to autograph the shoes and Aubrene's flip cam.

Of the experience Aubrene said:
“I couldn’t be happier because I really look up to Jessica Mendoza! This is so amazing! This is a life changing experience for me. Jessica makes me want to be a better me; a better softball player and person. Jessica has it all. She can do everything and she is so humble and down to earth...I want to be that great someday,”

I can’t wait to see this shooting star’s wishes come true!

-Lizzie Nguyen

The Power of Sunlight and Sports

LanaDonahue — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:50:45 GMT

In the last few years alone, digital media has taken over a large part of our daily life. That’s not to say this is a bad thing—the boundless information provided by the internet has certainly been the answer key to unknown words, places and even sports friends and colleagues speak about. And I too often have my phone or laptop at arm’s length.

However, the surge of popularity in gaming, texting and just general internet browsing is causing us to take time away from past times like pickup softball games, kickball, handball or just taking a stroll through the neighborhood. Countless studies have been conducted supporting the theory that the frequent, small doses of exposure to sunlight promote positive moods. Similarly, sports get our body moving and endorphins going—which are natural stress relievers. Thus, I have made it my goal for the week (especially with the great weather New Jersey has been home too recently) to round up a few of my friends for a pickup game of some sort. Not only will it be a fun form of exercises, but it will tear me away from my computer desk for a while and allow me to enjoy the warm rays! I encourage you and your friends to do the same. And if you can’t round up a group...think about hopscotch, hula hooping, jump-roping or giving your bike a whirl!!

-Lana Donahue

A League of Our Own

AshleyKoehn — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:09:11 GMT

What sports terrify you? What sports have you never competed in?

Personally, I’ve never played “team sports.” Perhaps it’s because I like the personal pressure, the sole victory and individual drive. Or maybe it’s simply because I’ve never been coordinated enough to run and dribble at the same time or catch a softball or spike a volleyball.

Nonetheless, this past month, I decided to take this “fear” and turn it around and join a spring softball league! For the past months, my co-ed team has played one game a week in downtown Chicago.

Not only have I drastically improved my catching and throwing, and actually learning WHEN to hit – I’ve learned that at the end of the day, whether our team won or lost, it was (I can’t believe I’m saying this) OKAY.

I’m obsessed with winning and being good at the sport I’m competing in. But truthfully, I’m not the best softball player, and I’m coming to terms with that because literally I’m having such a great time! My spring softball league has brought my back to my roots, my days of playing with the neighbors at the park; playing for the fun of the game.

Ladies, summer is just around the corner! There are countless summer leagues to join! Volleyball, softball, and kickball just to name a few. Round up a group of friends and play a sport that you never imagined you would play. I guarantee you that you’ll have a great time stepping out of your comfort.

-Ashley Koehn

Nike's End Of Season Bash!

BrittanyJonesCooper — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:00:41 GMT

Where can a person see the latest Nike gear, talk to superstar athletes and learn to dance like a robot? It's Nike and Seventeen Magazine's End of Season Bash: The coolest place for teen girls!

I got to the event early to watch the all-girl dance crew, Beat Freaks, warm-up. They are seriously amazing! After practice, they sat down with me to talk about their amazing rise to fame. The crew shared how excited they felt every week performing in front of millions of fans on television. They are "Freaking their dream!" and want young fans to do the same! I fulfilled a dream of mine a little later, when I danced with the Beat Freaks! They taught me a really cool robot move, and for a brief moment, I felt like a part of the crew!

At 7 on the dot, hundreds of girls filed into the Montalban Theatre. Singer/Songwriter Anya Marina kicked off the night with a show stopping performance for the excited crowd. Meanwhile, I snagged a moment with each of the all-star athletes attending the event. Kara Lawson and Candace Wiggins are both professional basketball players who are passionate about encouraging girls to perform on the court and in the classroom. My interview with Dawn Harper was also a lot fun. We laughed the whole time. She won a gold medal for hurdles in Beijing and during our interview; she pulled it out and let me wear it! Those medals are way heavier than they look.
After the fashion show, the crowd participated in a Q&A with all of the athletes. Soccer star Stephanie Cox and softball powerhouse Lisa Fernandez gave the girls really great tips on overcoming obstacles.

As the night sped to a close, it was time for the grand finale. The Beat Freaks exploded onto the stage gave a jaw-dropping performance for their fans! It was the perfect way to end a perfect event!

-Brittany Jones-Cooper

Crossroads Nike Diamond Day Event!

ElizabethNguyen — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:39:31 GMT

Some say, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I say, “When Nike brings you another Diamond Day event, make noise!” At Ocean Park in Santa Monica there was nothing but roaring, pom-poms in the air, and non-stop chants, hollers and action from the Crossroad athletes and their supporters! Here the Road Runners made both lemonade (metaphorically speaking of course) and noise!

“It was a great game. One of the kids during the training sessions like, ‘oh, it’s all coming together now!’ and I was like ‘cool!’ because you know, if you reach one kid then it is all worth it! And in fact, I know ALL the kids were really excited about this event and Nike coming out to support us,” shared Coach Shawn Gilbert after the game.

Sports Performance Coach, Brock Christopher, worked with the talented Crossroads athletes and he shared that, “I thought it was a really good game. I thought the girls did really well, and they did an awesome job of playing on a lot of the stuff that we worked on.”

Coach Christopher also has some juicy tips for softball athletes, “Most people have a problem with lowering their hips and using their core muscles and their hip muscles. And so if you get down in a lower position, that’s a start to a good base.”

Thanks Coach Christopher for the advice! And thanks Crossroads for a great game!

Another Nike Diamond Day success!

-Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nguyen

Carson Diamond Day

ElizabethNguyen — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:40:33 GMT

This was a true softball event, with blue foam fingers, hotdogs, music blasting with guest DJ’s from Power 106 and prizes. Of the constant energy emanating from the crowds on this beautiful sunny afternoon; the Nike reps were even there to be this game’s loudest cheerleaders!

After winning a spectacular game, Coach Cam Werner of the Carson girl’s softball team shared; “My team was definitely prepared. We practiced our hitting every single day. And obviously, you know, it paid off today, especially for Brittany”

Brittany is the athlete that ended the game with the winning hit. When I asked Brittany how she felt about her game-winning hit and how she was planning to celebrate she shared, “I feel good. When I was going in there I was nervous and right before I was up to bat I couldn’t even find my helmet!...It was so lucky I found it! I feel so relieved now and I am happy we played a good game! And also I am hungry. So to celebrate we are definitely going to go eat!”

Coach Cam voiced that the Carson Diamond Day Game “was a program changing win for the team, that says ‘yeah, we are here,’ and it’s fun. It was also really exciting that Nike was behind us and supporting the team. This was just such a phenomenal event with such a great turn out...There wasn’t an empty spot in the stadium. It was awesome!”

When asking the coach and team if they had any last words to sum up the event, there were only two- “Go Colts!”

I can’t wait to cover more of these Diamond Day Events, check back for more stories from the field!

“Word!”
-Lizzie Nguyen

Jessica Mendoza: Athletes First

meghanbrennan — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:20:09 GMT

"You want to be an athlete first," it's advice from US outfielder Jessica Mendoza. It’s short, sweet and to the point. And it applies to athletes of every gender, age and sport.

I met up with Jessica in Mason, OH on the 2nd stop of my Nike Final Five tour. She popped in on the girls’ varsity softball team. It’s safe to say they were surprised.

For several hours Jessica hung out with the girls, shared her stories of inspiration and pushed them in training. She took the time to play catch with each outfielder. And when offered a break to grab some dinner, she instead ordered a turkey sub to go and spent the time sitting in a circle with the team, chatting.

As president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, she challenges girls to stop defining themselves by their position or skill and focus on becoming a well-rounded athlete.

That’s easy for Jessica to say. Right? She’s US Softball Athlete of the Year, earned a gold and silver medal, two World Cup titles and consistently bats over .300. In fact in 2007 she hit .533 with 10 RBI’s.

But it hasn’t always been this way. Early in her softball career she describes her lanky uncoordinated self as “Bambi running down to first base.” Thankfully, her father instilled in her a good work ethic, and the importance of training.

“I learned at a young age it wasn’t about just going and hitting, or throwing a ball,” says Jessica. “And now I love training.”

-Meghan

PLAY LIKE A GIRL

LaurenBrill — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:17:32 GMT

I hold my head up high because I am a female athlete. Recently, I attended the ProFastpitch X-treme Tour in Clermont, Florida, which is where professional softball players help amateurs to improve their game through a weekend softball clinic. Whether I was watching professionals swing a bat or amateurs catch a fly ball, I realized that this was our turf. But after talking to many of the girls about the obstacles they face as female athletes, I was disappointed that most felt they don't receive the respect they deserve from their male counterparts.

I heard complaints like, "They don't think we are as strong or as fast" or "They think we'd be better off as cheerleaders" (which, by the way, requires a lot of athleticism). There is no question that men and women have different strengths. Often, women's team sports have more finesse and incorporate more teamwork. Even though we are different, we are still equal. Most wild animals are faster than boys, but do you see us telling men to clear the field for four-legged creatures? No, because wild animals are wild animals, boys are boys, and girls are girls. Girls don't want to be compared, we want to be appreciated! Like many female athletes around the world, the young women I met at the PFX Tour event are passionate about sports, dedicated to the game, and tremendously athletic. So as female athletes continue to excel at their sports, they must stand up to the cynics who only dream that they could PLAY LIKE GIRLS!

-Lauren Brill

Give Them A Chance To Dream

LindseyDisher — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:19:36 GMT

For high school senior Caitlynn Gummult and sophomore Aubrey Fredlund, softball is more than just a game, it is a way of life. Both girls have been playing since they were old enough to swing a bat and are not looking to stop any time in the near future. But what happens when your desire to continue to play is met by a closed door with a sign that reads -- "Dead end to opportunities"?

A decision was made by the 117th International Committee to exclude softball, as well as a few other sports, from the games in 2012, crushing the dreams of girls like Caitlynn and Aubrey. In light of a decision to be made by the 118th Committee on two new sports to be admitted into the 2016 games, I decided to sit down and get the girls' take on the exclusion and possible readmission of the sport.

Both girls agreed that the initial decision to take softball out of the 2012 games was heartbreaking."It definitely affects me," Aubrey said."The only real goal now is playing in college and getting a scholarship. Sometimes I wonder, what's the point?" Caitlynn agreed, saying that,"People who were striving to win a gold medal, now have worked for nothing."

The options really are limited, although the USA team still exists even outside the games. The team travels to play different colleges and countries- but like Aubrey put it "There was just something empowering about knowing that I could possibly play in 2012."

For a sport that has little to no pull in the professional area the introduction of softball to the 1996 games gave young girls something to shoot for. Both Aubrey and Caitlynn noted that every young girl grows up dreaming of winning a gold medal. "To know that taking my game to the next step is no longer an option changes everything and affects the hopes and desires of other girls my age," Caitlynn said.

So they wait, hoping that the 118th committee will make a decision in their favor and give them back their dreams to continue to play the sport they so deeply love.

-Lindsey Disher