Being a female athlete means that I can display my strength as a woman: mentally, emotionally, and physically. I have always had a deep love of sports. I hated how I was excluded from the playground or even from family activities because I was a girl. I grew up playing tennis and golf in high school. I learned so many lessons from being a HS athlete that has carried over into my career as a nurse. I continue to enjoy training for and competing in amateur and recreational endurance events. Playing sports as a girl/woman throughout my has given me a safe place to show others and myself what I am capable of. I am proud to be a woman and EVERYTHING that has entailed.