Deborah Proves Girls Can Play Football, Drums and Own a Business
By: Deborah Holland | Age: 37 | On: 09-11-2009
This is one of many reader entries from the Share Your Story section, designed to encourage and inspire other women to rise to the challenge and follow their dreams.
Have you ever been told you can't
because you're a girl?
When I was ten years old and in the fifth grade, I heard “football tryouts after school” over the intercom. I was so excited about finally getting to play football at school. You see, I grew up with three brothers, and was constantly playing in the road, or down the street in an abandoned field with all the other boys in the neighborhood as well.
Needless to say, I showed up for the tryouts, and the coach told me I couldn’t play. I had a confused look I’m sure, because I responded, “yes I can”. He replied, “no you can’t! I said, “yes I can” one more time, and he said again, “no you can’t”. I finally said, “why not?” He replied, “because you’re a girl!” that is the day I learned that the world made a difference between men and women.
I signed up for band to play the drums because I wanted to be as close to the football field as I could, and also wanted to be “cool”. I love playing the drums, and after college, I went on and played for a local church on their worship team, and for their youth. I didn’t get to play football, but being a girl drummer is kinda rare too, and I have put it to good use.
Being told I couldn’t do something because I was a girl made me head strong to prove I could do a lot being a girl. I went on the open my own business and started a franchise.
My youngest daughter is ten, and she just went out for the local football team, and made it! She is the only girl on there, and I am excited that the coach welcomed her with open arms, and stood up for her after other players commented “we have a girl on our team!” He replied, “we also have a boy on our team!” I loved the way it seemed as if they was no difference at all.
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gretchen | September 11th, 2009 7:38 am
Deborah – that was fantastic! Your story is very similar to mine and we are about the same age, too! Feel free to tell us more about your business.