Standing on the Shoulders of Those Before Us

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“It is our moral obligation to help the ones in need, and we must leave no one behind.”

-Rebiya Kadeer

Rebiya Kadeer, a noted women’s rights activist and businesswoman was arrested in 1999, while on her way to meet with U.S. Congressional staff, for distributing allegedly sensitive information that, in truth, was nothing more than publicly available journals. 

Rebiya’s story of courage and struggle resonates for me especially this week.  While our work at BAWSI is very much in the trenches with the BAWSI Girls and the student-athletes, there is also a very clear diligent focus on being an advocate for womens sports, female athletes.   Title IX has changed the face of equality and opportunities for young women, but in the spectrum of the sports culture we are really only at an adolescent phase and we still have so much further to go. 

I think one thing that truly sets female athletes and sports apart is the emphasis and value on relationships and on the people.  I think because of the shared struggle we are keenly aware that we would not be where we are today without those that have fought before us and those that stand with us everyday as we try to exercise our voices and flex our muscles on behalf of all that is good and right.  

As a coach and athlete I look back on my fondest memories through sports and I think the richness and depth comes from these moments being shared with others, with my teammates, coaches, family.  I feel that sense of moral obligation that Rebiya speaks of to help the ones in need and leave no one behind because I know that my life-defining moments of joy and hardships gleaned from sports would not have been possible if I was not able to stand on the shoulders of those who have come before me, paving the way to play, paving the way to coach, paving the way to love sports. 

Taking the long view in my service and time with BAWSI I am able to identify this theme of “Paying it Forward” at play in so many different phases.  For our student-athletes on the playground this core value is just being deep rooted and solidified in their service.  Our leadership team and community of supporters live out this value daily. 

We all say, “Wow, this is such a small world.”  And it is. This past week, I was not only able to exclaim this cliché once again, but I was also able to witness the beauty of a strong woman recognizing a tremendous opportunity to bring someone with her and help her grow, and pay it forward. 

One of our most dedicated volunteers is Sue.  Sue is genuine, real, and passionate.  She gives hugs and smiles freely.  She will delve into deep conversations about life lessons, but she will also pick up dome cones and brush off scraped up knees.  She is ready and up for anything.  Sue has been a part of the BAWSI family for years.  She sets aside time from being a successful and busy contractor and entrepreneur to volunteer. 

Four years ago I met Sue on the playgrounds of Washington Elementary School when I was coming out to serve along side my basketball team from San Jose State University.   I had the privilege of serving with some amazing young women who truly put the BAWSI girls first, no matter what their jam-packed schedule was or how tired their days had left them. 

Some four years have passed and I am reconnected with Sue on the playground at Washington once again.  She asked me about two of my former student-athletes from San Jose State.  I appreciated her genuine concern and interest in how they were, and what they were up to.  Sue was impressed by their stories and her first impression of their amazing service stuck with her over time.  Sue asked for their contact information, as she wanted to connect with each of them to see in what ways she might be able to help them out now.  One of the students is an Engineering major and that is Sue’s expertise, after setting up coffee together, internships, job possibilities and a network arise. 

What amazes me is that you never know who you will meet, or when things will come back to you, but because these young women served authentically and were themselves they made an impression and that impression has led to building a network without even realizing it.  BAWSI and the community of female athletes is a unique and strong community and we must watch out for each other.  Sue is doing just that.  Not only do I appreciate her support through service, but I appreciate that she recognized an opportunity and obligation to look back and see who else she could bring with her, leaving no one behind.  I am excited to see the networks form intentionally and organically over time.  If we all embody this spirit of bringing folks with us and letting them stand on our shoulders I do believe that we will continue to change the face and value of womens sports in our community and moreover we will change the world. 

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