Reflection: One year of women’s sports!

When a team wins a basketball championship, they take turns climbing a ladder to cut down the net, signifying the teams triumph. 

On April 1, 2022, I climbed a ladder and cut down a basketball net as a gesture to welcome the grand opening of The Sports Bra. Today, that small gesture means so much more...

***

One year ago: Our Grand Opening.

I guess it goes without saying — I’ve got a lot of feelings today.

I feel like I don’t remember much about that day, but I think that’s just my brain trying to protect my heart from all the feels. Cuz when I think back — really think hard — I remember everything.

I was scared to death.

I remember waking up and feeling both terrified and anxious but kind of just wanting to finally just do it to see if it would and could go alright.

I remember the entire crew was buzzing with anticipation, nerves were fraying as people and media started to congregate outside. Underneath it all was a shiver of excitement, I could tell the team was just as pumped and as scared as I was too.

I’m not sure I took any regular breaths that day. I was either taking huge gulps of air or hyperventilating, and when the doors finally opened I’m not sure I breathed at all.

Two, three, four people at a time streamed through the doorway, atop the carpet we’d only just rolled out one day before. And the stream of people flowed in and has not stopped.

I remember people standing in the middle of everything and just stopping — it didn’t matter if it felt like a thousand people were waiting to get in — folks just stood there and took it all in. As if to say, “Finally, it IS here.”

And when the room was filled, we filled it more and more and more. Over and over.

Between the thrills and hugs and tears of joy, I took refuge in the only place I’d known for years: the kitchen. Through fire, blood, sweat and tears the crew plowed through.

Chef @gwynetho asked me if I was ok and I burst into tears. “I just feel so grateful. Like I don’t deserve you guys or them. We’re all here busting ass and for what? My dream?” She said that everyone here believed in me and that it was going to be ok — and that this was worth it. She made me half a sandwich and brought me a glass of water and made me sit down.

I sat in the corner next to the dishwasher and ate. When I finished I knew Gwyn was right. And even though I had no idea where this train was headed, it was going to be ok.

***

The basketball net from that day has become a tangible reminder of the community that stood with me, not only on that day, but on countless days before and endlessly since. It is a reminder of what is possible when we stand together and believe in something, when we work hard and when we fight for something.

Thanks to your dedication, hard work and belief in me, the mission & vision of The Sports Bra — this entire endeavor was made possible. 

I am so grateful.