Take a listen to our passionate and dedicated interns who are making a difference in empowering girls through sports and leadership.
Introducing Roohee:
Our newest team member, Roohee, shares her inspiring journey in sports. As a Black Belt in Martial Arts and a horseback rider from grade school through middle school, Roohee’s story is nothing short of unconventional. Her focus was always on academic achievement, but she also observed the gender inequities and societal emphasis on body image in sports—barriers she now seeks to challenge.
Finding ways to release stress and build confidence, Roohee first discovered her competitive spirit on the badminton court and found leadership growth in cross country, where she forged meaningful relationships and made social impacts. A compelling statistic she shares: 94% of women in C-suite roles played sports during their formative years, highlighting the power of sports in fostering future female leaders. Roohee now channels her skills as president of DECA, blending her academic and athletic talents to make an impact in the business world.
Liz’s Story:
Liz’s journey in sport began with feelings of being non-athletic. She mentions how Illinois uses the FITNESSGRAM assessment, which she believes can sometimes do more harm than good by shaming kids rather than inspiring them. During the pandemic, Liz found joy in walking, jogging, and eventually joining her high school cross country team, where she thrived personally and athletically.
Her most impactful experience came from her relationship with her three female coaches, Rief and Sharp, who supported her through conversations about period health, fueling strategies, and mental performance. Today, Liz continues to find joy and competitive spirit in running while studying at the University of Illinois. Her story demonstrates that every girl can find their place in sport when given the chance.
Reflective Questions:
Kailin wraps up the episode asking important questions about how we can help girls stay in sport, the roles coaches and athletic directors play, and how to create safe, inclusive environments for girls. Liz emphasizes the significance of an all-female coaching staff, words that resonate with the power of girl-led support—Girl Power!
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