Changing The Game

As a Black woman in an overwhelmingly white sport, Simone Manuel knows her experiences and opinions on racism and inclusion carry weight. But she’s tired of talking. Addressing systemic racism is a societal problem and, if it’s going to be fixed, everyone needs to be part of the conversation.

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When Tierna Davidson earned a spot on last summer’s World Cup squad, she knew what was expected. Dominance on the field, of course, as the defender was the youngest member of the team that won a fourth World Cup title. But strength off of it, too, as Davidson has joined her teammates in using her platform to advocate for women, the LGBTQ community and people of color.

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Jen Welter was the first woman to coach in the NFL, hired five years ago as a training camp assistant with the Arizona Cardinals. But momentous as her hiring was, it’s the women who’ve come after her that make Welter so proud. Being first is great. Not being the last is even better.

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Cheyenne Woods doesn’t want anyone else to define her. As a professional golfer and with her last name, she knows the questions are unavoidable. But she’s found a way to establish her own identity, to make a mark in her own way.

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Chelsea Wolfe just wants equal treatment. As a female BMX freestyle rider, she and her fellow competitors have been excluded from their sport’s biggest events. As a trans athlete, society has tried to exclude her very existence. When BMX freestyle makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo, Chelsea wants to be there. For herself, for her sport and for the trans community.

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To this day, Doris Burke misses being a coach. She misses the chance to work with young women, and help build their confidence through sports. And yet, as a lead analyst for ESPN, a broadcaster whose voice – and talent – is recognized by players, coaches and those watching the games, Doris is still helping to shape young women. And men. In Episode 4 of Changing the Game, Doris Burke explains how the little things add up to make a big impact.

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The WNBA’s landmark new contract makes a statement. It is what happens when women believe in themselves and ask for what they’re worth, and it is what happens when employers put action behind their words. In Episode 3 of Changing the Game, Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike talks about the importance of women knowing their value and standing up for it.

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It’s not enough to mold women into champions. Women have to be each other’s champions. Former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw is the guest on the second episode of Changing the Game, and she explains why the lack of women in the top positions in women’s sports – and everywhere else – is unacceptable, and what she’s doing to make sure it ends with this generation.

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Laurie Hernandez is part of a new generation of female athletes, unafraid to own her talent and her success. In the debut episode of Changing the Game, the Olympic gold medal gymnast talks about how she found her voice and why it’s important to use it, even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult.

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