Stay in the game {Athleta Girl}

I’m incredibly excited to partner with Athleta to promote their new campaign Stay In the Game. This post is sponsored by Athleta. According to The Women’s Sports Foundation, girls drop out of sports 2x as fast as boys. Being physically active is a priority in our family. Though none of my kids have that one sport that they are all-in passionate about, they are each active and have learned the joy of pushing their limits physically by participating in various sports.

My oldest daughter is fierce on the basketball court and her favorite position to play on her co-ed flag football team is quarterback. Though her choice of sports is far different from mine as a kid, I see so much of me in her. In partnership with Athleta, I am sharing a letter to my daughter regarding staying in the game…

Hey Sweet Girl,

Football season starts next week! I know you have your heart set on being a quarterback again this year and I am excited to watch how the season plays out for you. There will be a fair share of victories and defeats. You know that and I’m grateful you have the opportunity to learn from both.

I sure love watching you on the field – just like I love watching you covered in paint and glitter. Your childhood has been full of grass fields and basketball courts. So very different from mine! I spent the majority of my childhood with chalk on my hands, teammates by my side, and a coach pushing me to be my best. Your nana and pappy always encouraged me to stay in the game, work hard, and have fun in the process. Competitive gymnastics not only defined my childhood and middle school years, it also shaped my personality, drive, and work ethic.

I was never the highest ranking gymnast, but I was one of the hardest workers. Though my hard work didn’t land me on the top of the podium very often, it won the respect of my teammates and coaches. By staying in the game despite not being the ‘best’, I learned to push through physical pain, endure when I wanted to give up, and fight hard even when I knew I wouldn’t finish first. I learned these lessons in the gym, you are learning them on the field, on the court, and in the Crossfit box.

Staying in the game for me meant making the daily decision to show up, to work hard, and to give my very best even if a gold medal was not hung around my neck. Staying in the game means the same for you. When you give 100%, push when you want to quit, and encourage those around you – it makes me ridiculously proud of you. Girl, you’ve got grit and strength. Both are not something you just get…you work for it. I hope I can lead you to embrace both.

I see your determination on the football field. I watch your intense focus on the basketball court. I smile as you dance between burpess at Crossfit Kids. You are learning to push your limits. You are learning to work hard when it is uncomfortable and when giving up would be easier.

Often you are not the fastest or the strongest, but you are beginning to understand that staying in the game is as valuable (if not more valuable) than standing on the top of the podium. I watch you struggle as you work so hard only to see others pass by you. I understand the disappointment and frustration that comes in those moments. Oh girl, do I get it!

Sweet girl – stay in the game. When someone else wins the medal or gets the recognition you worked so hard for – stay in the game. When you put in the time and effort to learn something new and it clicks quickly for someone else – stay in the game. When it would be easier to sit out – if you still want to play, you better stay in the game. When you get the medal and you stand on the podium, soak in that moment then get back down, continue to put in the work, keep developing that grit, and stay in the game.

And me – I’ll be on the sidelines cheering with a big smile and waiting for our post-game fist bump.  
_______________

To find out more about Athleta and the Stay In the Game campaign check out this YouTube video.

Athleta products are among my favorite for the gym and the field. We are tough on our clothes, especially the ones we wear to workout. Athleta products always stand the test of what we put them through at Crossfit and other physical activities. The clothes are comfortable, versatile, and hold up to our active lifestyle!

What we wore:

On me – Salutation Capri, Topanga Racerback Tank, Hyper Focused Bra

On my daughter – Chit Chat Tight, Power of Chi Tank, Reversible Upbeat Bra 2.0

Photos by Jessie Dewey and Chris – thank you!