Not another body positivity post…
Let’s get real, GRLs. Growing up as a female athlete isn’t just about training, games, or even victories. It’s about navigating a world that sometimes makes you feel like your body is on display rather than celebrated for what it can do. If you’ve ever felt insecure about how you look in your uniform, been picked on by a student section, or doubted yourself because you don’t match a “perfect” image, this post is for you. Let’s dive into why your body is a powerful tool — not just a trend.
Audi Crooks: Owning Her Strength
Audi Crooks is a basketball powerhouse. At 6’3”, she’s used her size, strength, and agility to dominate the court. But for Audi, success wasn’t just about the stats — it was about embracing her body for what it can do, even in the face of criticism.
Throughout her career, Audi has faced people who reduced her talent to comments about her size. But instead of letting the noise get to her, she turned inward, focusing on her game, her goals, and the unique gifts her body provides. She’s not just an athlete; she’s an example that strength comes in all sizes. Her journey shows that when you lean into your capabilities, you become unstoppable. She continues to set records at Iowa State.
Drew Afualo: Celebrating Bodies for What They Are
Drew Afualo is TikTok’s queen of body positivity. Known for her sharp wit and unapologetic comebacks (warning: she uses explicit language!), Drew champions the idea that your body’s worth isn’t tied to how it looks but to how it supports you. She pushes back against the toxic beauty standards we’re bombarded with daily, reminding us that our bodies deserve love, not scrutiny.
Her approach? Radical self-acceptance. Drew’s message is simple: Focus on how your body serves you, how it helps you thrive, and how it makes you you. It’s a message we all need, especially as athletes. Our bodies are tools for greatness — not ornaments to be judged.
Ilona Maher: Redefining Athleticism
Burlington, Vermont's own... Ilona Maher, a U.S. Women’s Rugby Olympian, is another incredible example of someone who celebrates what her body can do. Known for her powerful build and fierce skills on the rugby field, Ilona uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their strength and athleticism. She frequently shares her journey on social media, reminding young athletes that athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all. Her humor and authenticity resonate with fans, showing that confidence comes from recognizing the amazing things your body can achieve, whether it’s tackling opponents or chasing your dreams. Coming in second at Dancing with the Stars, she came in first in the hearts of many female athletes.
My Story: Learning to Embrace My Body — A Constant Journey
I wish I’d had role models like Audi, Drew, and Ilona when I was younger because growing up almost six feet tall in middle school was rough. My uniform never fit right, and I was always stuck wearing the largest size, the dreaded #54. Everyone knew it. I’d hear whispers, jokes, or even full-on chants from the student section about my size. It felt like a spotlight was constantly shining on my insecurities.
There were times I wanted to quit. Many times I’d stare in the mirror, wondering why I couldn’t just blend in. To say that I’ve completely figured this out would be a lie. My insecurities held me back and made me want to shrink. I began seeing exercise and food as a transactional relationship: “Work out more, you can eat more,” or “Didn’t work out? Eat less.” This mindset crippled me, and the under-eating definitely impacted my performance on the tennis court.
Vulnerable spot… Have I finally figured it out? Some days, yes. Today, I did. Today, I fueled my body and went for a run because I knew it would make me happier, calmer, and keep the inner critic away. Today, it wasn’t about aesthetics. It was about healing, moving, and feeling good in my skin. And that’s all I can control: today. I’m learning to take the things that make me feel healthy and happy and carry them into tomorrow.
How to Rise Above the Noise
Here’s the truth: There will always be critics. There will always be noise. But the way to rise above it is to shift your focus back to what matters. Here’s how:
Know Your Why: What drives you? Is it the love of the game? The friendships? The thrill of competition? Keep your “why” at the center of everything.
Celebrate What Your Body Can Do: Can your legs help you sprint the field? Can your arms help you hit a three-pointer? Can your endurance get you through a tough practice? Can you deadlift a small horse? Focus on those wins.
Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with teammates and friends who lift you up, not tear you down. Having a solid support system makes all the difference.
Control the Controllables: You can’t control what others say, but you can control how you respond. Use the criticism as fuel to prove them wrong. Do NOT let them win, rise above and do what you love.
Tune Out the Toxic: Whether it’s social media or the student section, know when to hit mute. Protect your peace at all costs. Female athletes are subjected to so much hate online by trolls. Don’t let them get to you. Don’t let anyone steal your peace.
Your Body Is Your Superpower
At the end of the day, your body is the tool that helps you chase your dreams. Hating your body is not your path forward. Loving yourself and seeing what your body can do, it’s your vehicle for greatness. Whether you’re 5’3” or 6’3”, lean or muscular, strong, your size does not define your potential. What defines you is how you show up, how you work, and how you embrace what makes you you.
Like Audi Crooks, you can turn your body into a force. Like Drew Afualo, you can push back against the critics. Like Ilona Maher, you can redefine what strength looks like. And like me, you can learn work on it every day to be happy and thrive.
You’ve got this, GRLs. Let’s celebrate what our bodies can do — because that’s where the real magic happens.
