There are many misconceptions involving girls in sports: They’re lazy, they don’t do “real” sports, or that they have it easy. However, that is definitely not the case. 

A lot of people assume that girls don’t take sports seriously, but there are plenty of young women here at Elkhart High School who can prove that wrong. They put forward their best to be in a sport…this should not go unnoticed. 

Sophomore varsity cheerleader Nevaeh Link is extremely passionate about Cheer. “I’ve always been an athletic person,” claims Link, “I started doing sports when I was about four or five, and I haven’t stopped since.” Link reveals that her dad is her biggest role model and it’s who she looks up to when it comes to sports. “My dad played sports for Elkhart Memorial and broke records, so I would definitely say that he is my role model.”

Link feels that girls have it harder than guys when it comes to getting recognition in sports. She admits that there are rumors and stereotypes that young women have to experience that young men don’t. She then goes on to explain that while guys are getting praised for their skills and accomplishments, girls are often getting tossed to the side. 

Similar to Link, sophomore junior varsity swimmer Zaria Stevens puts her all into swimming. “I started swimming because I wanted to be more active, and I just really like being in the water!” expressed Stevens. Being a swimmer taught her a lot about life. “I’ve learned that stuff doesn’t come easy–especially as a girl.” Stevens’ experience in swimming has both positive and negative aspects. Even though she loves to swim and her team is very supportive, she feels she has to try much harder for the recognition she deserves.  

Both Link and Stevens plan to continue their sport in college. They want to show young girls that just because some goals don’t come easy, always believe in them and never stop trying to achieve them!