More Than a Game: Why Women’s Sports Deserve Our Full Support
- Norris Frederick
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
When you step onto the field surrounded by athletes from every corner of the sports world soccer, football, baseball, track, and more you’re reminded that greatness doesn’t belong to one lane. And when that moment exists not just for glory, but for giving back, you realize this is what real community looks like.
More Than a Game: Why Women’s Sports Deserve Our Full Support
Why This Game Was Special
I had the honor of playing in a celebrity softball game to promote the Junior Little League World Series. From the moment I picked up the bat, I could feel the energy of something bigger than just a game. It was about representation, community, and showing young athletes especially young girls that their future in sports is worth fighting for.
This wasn’t your average celebrity event. It was a mosaic of talent: professional soccer players, MLB legends, football icons, Olympians, and Hall of Famer, Warren Moon, who showed up to support us former University of Washington athletes. But what stood out most wasn’t just the star power, it was the purpose behind the event.
Dawgs vs. Cougs A Rivalry Reunited for Good
One of the most electric parts of the day? It was Dawgs vs. Cougs former athletes from the University of Washington and Washington State University, coming together for an unforgettable showdown on the field.
The rivalry was real, the competitive energy was high, but what truly stood out was the camaraderie and joy shared by every single player. We cheered each other on. We laughed. We talked trash in the best way possible. And most importantly, we were united in our mission: to give back to the next generation of young athletes.
As someone who proudly wore purple and gold, being on the field with fellow Huskies and going toe-to-toe with Cougs brought back memories and created new ones. It reminded us all why we fell in love with sports in the first place.
Signing Balls, Giving Back: A Uniform That Meant Something More
Before we ever stepped onto the field, we were already part of something special.
I was handed my custom jersey “Frederick #15” printed across the back in Husky purple and in that moment, it hit me: this wasn’t just a game. This was legacy. This was about bringing joy to the community, showing kids what’s possible, and standing proudly as a Dawg surrounded by purpose.
Then came the sharpies.
Box after box of neon yellow softballs stacked on the table, waiting to be signed. I don’t take that moment lightly. Each signature was a handshake, a message, a reminder to a kid out there: you matter. Whether they keep it on their shelf or take it to the field, that ball is now part of a story theirs and mine.
It wasn’t about being a celebrity. It was about being present.
That’s the power of showing up.
The Future Is Female And It’s Time We Show Up
Let’s be real. Women's sports have long been underfunded, under promoted, and underrepresented. But what I saw at this event was hope. It’s not just about putting girls in uniforms and on teams. It’s about providing the same level of access, support, resources, and opportunity that boys have enjoyed for generations.
Here’s why we must keep supporting female athletics:
Representation inspires participation. When young girls see female athletes dominating on the field, they start to believe they can too.
Equal funding creates lasting opportunity. From better equipment to quality coaching and facilities, financial investment matters.
Community events build visibility. Getting female athletes involved in events like this raises their profile and shows their impact off the field.
Giving Back Is the Real Victory
It would be easy to show up, play, and leave. But events like these are about staying longer. Talking to the fans. Signing autographs. Listening to stories from parents and kids who drove miles to watch, who even flew across the globe to be here. That’s what it means to be part of a community that uplifts each other.
As a former track and field athlete, I’ve always believed in the power of sports to change lives. It gave me discipline, purpose, and a platform. Now, I try to use that platform to make sure we’re not just passing the baton but building a stronger race for the next generation to run.
"It’s not just about playing the game, it’s about making sure the next generation gets to play too."
Let’s Champion Women’s Sports Together
Supporting women’s sports isn’t a one day event or a social media trend. It’s a movement!
Here’s how you can help:
Attend a women’s college or pro game
Support your local girls' teams
Donate to youth sports programs
Share their stories
Mentor a young female athlete
The next Serena. The next Abby. The next Allyson. She’s out there watching. Let’s show her that we believe in her journey!
This is awesome. Love to see events like this, but even more so, the participation and engagement that you and other role models put forth to make that lasting impression on those who attended. It’s days like this, that kids will grow up remembering and cherishing for a lifetime.
Well said Norris!! I'm SO happy I got to be there and be a part of such a great cause! Uplifting female athletics is so important, and I couldn’t have been proud to be part of an event that truly celebrates that. Watching the community show up with so much heart and purpose was so inspiring! Not to mention how much fun the game really was! That video sums it up perfectly. 😋 Days like these are a constant reminder of how powerful it is when we come together for something that truly matters!! Next year you're hitting a home run...I already know!!!
what an incredible event and experience for everyone involved! thank you to all the alumi athletes for showing up, spreading joy and championing female athletes! LOVE this!! 🥰🥰