My name is Eva van Hameren, and I’m a junior at the University of Oregon. I am majoring in PR with minors in ethics and sports business. My studies have made me curious about why women continue to be underrepresented in so many aspects of the sports industry. Representation in women’s sports includes media coverage, access to resources, and an equitable playing field. As a former athlete myself, my passion for sports has become an integral part of what I want to do with my degree. At the UO, I am exposed to various sports and levels at which they are competed, from intramural leagues to professional athletes. My goal is to provide resources and history that give power to women in sports through my blogging. Topics I will explore in future blogs include women’s representation in sports, women at the Olympics, and women in coaching.
Transitioning from being an athlete to watching athletes helped me understand the physical and emotional commitment sports entail. Taking care of the whole athlete and women means providing quality opportunities in a safe environment. Due to intensive coaching, I have been personally subject to high-stress levels and injuries. My coaching staff as an athlete was notably all-male. White men dominate the coaching and franchise departments, especially in professional sports like the WBNA and NWSL. The lack of representation of people in power can feel daunting. Still, as women, we are responsible for making our voices be heard. I have recently noticed an uptake in promotion for the women’s March Madness tournament, which is encouraging. Increased coverage of women’s sports is a step towards creating representative media coverage.
Understanding the history of sports helps me visualize the progress being made. The influence of Title IX on women’s sports allows us to see how far women’s sports have progressed. Title IX is a part of the 1972 Education Amendments Act, created to prohibit sex-based discrimination. The Title has transformed women’s sports over the past few decades, increasing participation and representation. Understanding the history of sports and the influence of Title IX on women’s sports helps us see how far women’s sports have progressed. Discrimination inhibits progress and communication, especially between genders. Mutual respect is vital in the sports world to be ethical. Our innate desire to connect can bring us together in sports and is a message I hope to promote in these blogs.
I am particularly interested in the Olympics as the committee is committed to full gender equality by the 2024 Paris Olympic games. My interest in the Olympics derives from my dad as he competed in two Olympic games. My dad always told me I could be an Olympic athlete if I wanted to, and I genuinely believe him. Women’s participation in the Olympics has grown from just 22 athletes at the 1900 Paris games to women comprising almost half of the Olympic athletes at the most recent Tokyo games. Countries coming together every 4 years to compete in sports is powerful, and women have been involved for over a century. The variety of sports provides a unique opportunity for women to explore their bodies and strength. I think every young girl should know they have the potential to be an athlete if that’s what they want to do. I plan to post weekly with insightful stories that inspire change.