Nike Women Blog

Gevrina Gets the Goods on Going Pro

GevrinaSeferaj — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 06:00:07 GMT

Growing up I did tap, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. The best way to describe me was a girlie girl. My mom thought that at the age of seven it would be a good idea to try and play a sport. Her suggestion was tennis. Unfortunately, I was no tennis prodigy and would hold the racket as if it were a ballet prop.

I remember one of my coaches had to tell me to stop kicking my leg up in the air every time I hit the ball. My heart wasn’t into tennis it was in dance. So, my mom decided to keep me in my dance classes.

Of course once I hit fifth grade something hit me, I don’t know what it was, but I got this wild idea that I should try to play softball. Softball? I’m 5’2 now who knows how tall I was back in middle school and I thought that I could play softball. Having the supportive parents I did both my mom and dad said to try it.

I remember my dad took me to the sports store and got all my softabll gear. I remember him laughing saying, “Gevvy I will come to all your sport events, I know you are going to be an athlete at one of the best schools.” I didn’t take my dad serious at that point because I was 11 years old and I only knew how to dance. What sport was I going to be good in to get a full ride to college? To my surprise it would later be ROWING. Back to my softball story, I would love to end it with I became a star pitcher or hitter but I was horrible.

I was so bad at softball that the coach didn’t have it in his heart to disappoint a young girl. My position was behind the left outfielder. For those of you who are sports almanacs there is no such position…that’s how terrible I was. I did win a spirit award at the end of the year from my softball coach (I guess I made a good cheerleader for the team).

Andrea Duran, professional softball player and assistant coach at my alma mater found this story pretty funny, who wouldn’t. This story isn’t what made us bond right off the bat it was the fact that we are both BRUINS!! Aside from her kick butt attitude she is super sweet. The trainer at the shoot was actually one of our trainers when we were both athletes in college.

Andrea makes training look too easy, she was doing a photo shoot, interviews, exercises, and training all in one day. The life of an athlete…not too shabby right? My favorite part of the entire interview was when we started off singing our fight song, not to mention that our coach was there to add in.

And on a random note, I can’t even tell you how much of the new Nike product I put on my “must have” list. I think Santa is going to be generous with me this year… So to check out more of Andrea hit her up on twitter.

-Gevrina
@Nike_NFR

Jessica Mendoza Leads By Example

GevrinaSeferaj — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:10 GMT

All of us have pretty jam_packed lives. From juggling school, work, a husband or kids, we all have a lot going on. And don’t forget we also have social media that keeps us in the loop of everyone else’s hectic lives.

As of now, I’m balancing writing articles, preparing for my interviews, working out, staying socially connected, volunteering, friends and my family. What are you juggling? Feel stress at some points? Well how about being an athlete, being a sideline reporter, having a husband and a baby boy? That is the life style of one of my favorite athletes Jessica Mendoza.

Jessica has a contagious smile and immediately gives off a nurturing presence. If you didn’t know she is actually going to start doing sideline reporting for college football. This young mother and loving wife who juggles so much and has become a world-renowned athlete who many admire.

As we hung out at the gym, I watched Jessica work out, and boy is she in stellar shape. We talked about leadership and what she thinks makes a good leader. A strong leader never gives up and does what he or she feels like, remaining respectful toward the people around them.

“Dream it, live it, love it,” is Jessica’s motto and I have to say, I like it! Dream big, live your dream, and love what you do! I can tell that Jessica is extremely passionate about every aspect of her life. My all-time favorite moment during the interview, was when she told me that she is a mom first and her baby boy ran up to us. He’s such a little stud. I thought it was really cute when she said, “How can I stay mad after striking out when I come home to this little guy?”

I also saw Jess at the espnW retreat and we exchanged our experiences. Jessica totally embodies a woman of power and leadership. She is strong yet humble and believe me, she kicks butt on the field. Her passion for life has definitely fueled her leadership role on and off the field.

Having the support and love of her family is something that is very important to Jess and I feel that having support from loved ones always causes the stress to disappear. Regardless of how hectic our lifestyles are, we just have to remember to give ourselves time to enjoy the company of family and friends. Once we are recharged we are ready to take on the world again!

-Gevrina

When Passion Creates A Leader

LisaLane — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:57:18 GMT

Any chance I get to watch my 10 year-old sister play softball...I take it. It brings back memories when I played on the same fields, and felt that same sense of “teamwork”. It was playing softball where I learned what discipline and hard work truly meant.

Watching her games remind me of the impact playing sports has had on me personally. Sports provided me not only a way to be a leader, but also a way to find someone to look up to. I always took to heart what my coaches said, and I knew I could count on them to help guide me in the right direction.

Playing sports taught me that I wouldn’t win unless I put in the hard work during the week. It is there where I met some of my best friends and where I found my passion to stay active. There are so many benefits to playing sports that the list could go on and on.

As I watch my sister, I realize that I have 10 more years of experience playing softball then she does. This means more practices, more games, more wins, more losses, and more knowledge of the game. When I thought about that, plus the impact coaches used to have on me, I thought to myself, “Why wouldn’t I step up and help her and the team out?”

Since I know my sister looks up to me, I thought I would take on the role of coach and leader, and teach her all that I have learned about softball over the years. I am helping improve their game in all areas such as running bases, hitting, and pop flies; however, I make sure to extend my lessons beyond the basics.

I also teach them the importance of staying positive, cheering their team on, and communicating with one another. This is such a rewarding experience because I am able to use what I have learned and gained from playing sports over the years, and spread it on to the next generation.

I just want the girls to understand the game and have fun playing the game. If you have the opportunity to take some time out of your day to help your sibling, cousin, friend, or local youth team, I highly recommend helping out!

It helps me get back out there and play the game I love so much, while allowing me to help the younger kids who are falling in love with the sport at the same time. I know that I have an opportunity to help shape their future, and to help them further increase their appreciation of the game.

The other coaches have told me what an impact I am making and how much the younger girls look up to me. Their praise makes it all worthwhile. What can you do to turn your passion into a means to help another?

Tweet me at NFR_Lisa and let me know!

-Lisa Lane

All You Have To Do Is Ask!

SarinaMorales — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 06:00:25 GMT

Some like to dream and others like Malikka, make things happen! After reading about a number of the NIKE/ESPN Girl Magazine hosted team school days, Malikka decided to make some moves of her own and wrote to ESPN Magazine to request her own team day.

Ask and you shall receive, Malikka and her softball team were given a day all to themselves with gold medalist softball player, Jessica Mendoza. Jessica taught them some new team warm ups, gave tips for mentally preparing for next season as well as some good offensive and defensive techniques.

Jessica was the ideal athlete for this high school team. Not only does she hold softball clinics herself, but she genuinely enjoys working with young athletes.

The girls fell in love with Jessica the moment she walked into the gym. Jessica has an incredible work ethic. It started in her early childhood when her father mandated a rigid workout program for Jessica and her siblings to follow. Now that she’s a mom, she’s taken up her father’s traditions and set up a program for her little baby boy to train.

How she balances time for training, competition, working as a sports commentator for ESPN, being president of the Women’s Sports Foundation and the importance she places on family is what impresses me most. I suggested she start a workout video of how to train on the road. Her secret (which is obviously not a secret anymore) is she creates workouts in her hotel. Her favorite: the bathroom lunge. Since bathroom floors are always made of tile, Jessica likes doing lunges in the bathrooms. She puts a towel underneath her foot and she says the slippery floors help her work on her core as well as strengthen her legs.

Balance and support are the two most critical things as an athlete Jessica says. Jessica’s family is her foundation and finding time for everything is just what Jessica has learned to do through school. For Malikka and her teammates, now more than ever, these girls can take this unique experience and use it as motivation throughout next season. Malikka and her team had a personal training day with one of the best in the game, and to think all Malikka had to do was ask.

-Sarina

They Said You Could Never Go Back

SarinaMorales — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:30:02 GMT

I know they say you can never go back...but whatever I am going to do it anyway! My favorite pastime was baseball and softball when I was in high school. I loved the smell of the grass in the summer beneath my cleats and the intense conditioning in the winter. I even loved the soreness and the sweat. When I played softball and baseball n high school, it not only trained me physically but mentally. I can’t compare the feeling of being part of a team I was so dedicated to. I loved it. I miss it.

Which is why I am going back. Not to relive the glory days of my old softball and baseball career, but for the pure passion to train with a team again. To run as hard as you can because the player next to you is running just as hard. I want to feel healthy again. It’s one thing to go to the gym and train and it’s another thing to play on a club team. To work with a competitive team again is like something you can’t understand unless you’ve done it.

Just as they say you can take a girl out the Bronx, but you can’t take the Bronx out of a gir.You can’t take the competitive edge I need fulfilled in my body at the moment. It was hiding, but since my old coach invited me to train a week ago, I’ve had pretty much nothing else on my mind.

If nothing else comes out of this but to get into better shape and see how good my arm and swing is, I want to help out the girls. I want them to know that anxiety is normal and great to use in clutch situations. I want to help them focus and help them with all the things I wish I had when I played.

With the winter in full effect, I would recommend any athlete who wants to gain back that competitive edge, take a visit to your alma mater and see how you can get involved again.

I will begin training within the next month. I’m anxious. I just hope I can keep up with the team!

-Sarina

The Loss Of A Teammate

KatieHennessey — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:45:38 GMT

I have played the game of softball for ten years. And throughout that time I have come across many girls who are all basically of equal talent. But something that does vary throughout my teammates is the amount of passion that each girl has for the game. The love and desire of getting out there day after day and grinding away at something that does not come easy.

Over the years I have played defense for numerous pitchers, all with their own style. I recently suffered the loss of one of my teammates who had the most passion and energy for her craft then anyone I have ever played with.

Afton Williamson was not only good, but outworked everyone. Whether it was hitting or pitching, fielding a grounder or laying out for a line drive; she outdid us all.

Afton recently finished up at a community college in Riverside and transferred to a university in North Dakota. It was a huge change and commitment, but softball is what she lived for and if it took her across the country; then she followed it.

Recently I found out she and two of her other teammates went missing.

They found their car and bodies soon after.

When I first found out I was in shock. I cried immediately when I saw her face on the news and told my dad that it was like losing family, because she had become family throughout our years together.

She was the kind of person who always smiled and fought so hard for every out. Her absence on the team will not only be felt, but her absence in our lives will echo for years to come.

So ladies, when teammates are not just teammates anymore, make sure they know. Make sure that these women who have become family know how much you care about them and what an impact they made on your lives.

Rest in peace beautiful girl.

A memorial scholarship has been set up for Afton Williamson through her previous school in Riverside. The scholarship will go to a softball player at the school who exemplifies Afton’s kind and competitive spirit.

If you would like to contribute please email me at katie.h@nfreporter and I will send you the information.

-Katie Hennessey

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, then 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