What it’s like to be a girl in the sports world

I knew that from the moment I decided to make my major concentration in sports broadcasting, my world was about to change. It can be hard to be a female in any industry, but sports has to be one of the hardest. Without a thick skin and immeasurable determination there is a good chance that you won’t make it. You have to really love what you do if you want to make it in sports.

With the industry being such a male dominated one, we ladies need to stick together. It is important that we help each other when at all possibly so I thought it would be great for others to hear from a couple ladies living in the sports business right now.

Cedes Powers, Michigan State University, Marketing

 Do you think you are ever looked over in the sport industry because you’re a woman?

The sports industry is a male dominant field. Women will always have to prove that they can be as successful as men in the same job setting.

Do you have an example of a time where you were discriminated in the sports field? If so, please describe the situation

Many times my knowledge of sports is overlooked. Being a young woman people assume I do not know the ins and outs of sports.

What should we be teaching young women going into the sports industry?

We should encourage them to be confident, competitive and hardworking. Communicating and being able to work with men is also a key in being successful.

What are some ways you think that as women we can get rid of the “men’s club” stereotype when it comes to the sports business?

Encouraging more women to become involved in the sports industry and always work hard to prove your abilities.

Cara Kaye, Michigan State University, Business major

Do you think you are ever looked over in the sport industry because you’re a woman?

In my experience so far, just as a student and with some different internships, I think there have been times where I have felt looked over because I am a woman, but also I think at times it has proved to be advantageous. I think a lot of people just assume men are the only ones who want to work in the sports industry – as coaches, administrators, in broadcasting, and so on, but that just isn’t true and the more I have gotten experience working in the industry the more I have met women (already in the industry) and students, who want these roles just as much as men do.

Do you have an example of a time where you were discriminated in the sports field? If so, please describe the situation. 

Personally I do not think I have experienced a specific time when I felt discriminated in the industry because I am a woman but I have heard countless stories of women that have, and that needs to change.

What should we be teaching young women going into the sports industry? 

Young women going into the sports industry really need guidance and support, especially because the industry is so competitive and demanding. I feel really lucky to have both men and women mentors, bosses and supporters who help me out constantly and encourage me, but I know a lot of young women, especially students, who feel kind of lost and don’t know the best options to do in college or at internships in order to succeed one day as a sports professional.

What are some ways you think that as women we can get rid of the “men’s club” stereotype when it comes to the sports business?

I think the best way women can do this is to continue to prove they are just as valuable in the sports industry as men and to continue to work hard to be the best at the roles they have in this industry.

Being a woman in the sports industry makes me proud to know that I sometimes intimidate men and I know that I frequently break barriers. Just know that you are not alone when someone degrades your talent in this industry. We have all had it happen to us so we need to turn it around and use it as a life lesson and teach those who follow us.