I have played sports since I was a little girl. My earliest memories are of learning how to ski when I was three. That turned into eight years of ski racing across the West, competing against hundreds of other kids in giant slalom, slalom, and super-g races.

My interest eventually turned to softball. I was a social person, and I wanted to be a part of a team. I initially played for local rec teams, and then a local club team, and eventually a national club team that traveled all around the country most of the year playing in various showcases and tournaments.

In that time, I was fortunate to have interacted with countless participants in women’s athletics. What I have observed is that there are numerous benefits to playing whatever sport you choose: camaraderie, competition, learning to balance athletics and academics, and developing your mind and body just to name a few.

But there are also some unique challenges to overcome as a female athlete as well. One obvious thing is the need to be two different people. Unlike male athletes, women are expected to be aggressive on the field and passive off of it. And add to that outside expectations of what we are supposed to look like, sounds like, and be like, and you have a complex set of trials that are unique to the woman athlete. And I’ve seen the impact of these trials on others, and on myself, over the years.

To try and better understand these challenges, I have read many articles on the subject, and I am not surprised to see that female student athletes experience higher levels of exhaustion, anxiety, and depression than others. It makes me sad, and it makes me want to do something about it.

I finally decided to do just that. After finding many good articles, videos, and academic papers on the subject, I was surprised that I couldn’t find a single organization dedicated to advancing mental health in women’s sports in a more holistic way. I have decided it’s time to launch a website – and social media channel – where girls like me can learn more about what they are facing, so they can survive, grow, and thrive. And importantly interact with each other so they know they aren’t alone.

I named my project Iron Butterfly because I like the idea that women can be strong and resilient AND kind and delicate all at the same time – just like the strong Southern Women that are often called the same. You can learn more about this term on my website (www.iron-butterfly.org).

This is the first step to help others take full advantage of the opportunities on the field and on the court that is in front of them. Please join me on my journey.