Girls should not play on boys teams?

While sitting in class and listening to my peers present topics that were most impactful to them, a student made a comment that I initially did not agree with, but once explained I could see her point of view. She stated that she did not agree that women should play on boys teams because it hurts them emotionally and with recruiting as well as other factors.

I know I have touched on this topic before and felt that women should play on men's teams if they had the talent and dedication; however, that was until a student mention that women should not play on men's teams because they should be setting goals for themselves to achieve if they know they are better than the rest. Instead of striving to play with boys, they should set personal goals that will help them improve on their own level.

I absolutely agree with this statement and thank that student for providing the class with her viewpoint. I always felt that hard work and dedication were enough for an athlete to be granted credit for their talent and challenging the opposite sex in the same sport. It was not until that statement did I feel otherwise, but now I realize that women are gaining more attention, not because of their talent, but for the simple fact that they are playing with boys and not girls.

It is important for women to realize that even though they may be better than the other women they are playing against, does not mean they are at the same level as males. I think it is great to challenge oneself and want to improve by playing with men because they are typically better, but I think personal goals should be set first.

It is not until a woman has met all of her own goals and accomplishments that she should begin playing with men. There are several ways in which an athlete can better him or herself that should be taken into consideration.