Colby College

“From a young age, participating in sports has been a liberating experience for me. Through training and competition, I have been able to strengthen my confidence, work ethic, and discipline, and I am incredibly thankful for the wide range of opportunities that athletics has afforded me.” Sharde Johnson ‘22

“I was first inspired to play hockey at three years old when I saw a women's college team play and told my parents, ‘I want to do that!’ Watching women's college hockey and wanting to be there someday was my biggest inspiration as a young female athlete and gave me a goal to work towards from early on. Now that I'm in that same position, I hope I can be part of the inspiration for the next generation. Athletics empowered me from the beginning and cultivated the patience, drive, and resilience that are integral to who I am today. Sports encouraged me to take risks, make mistakes, grow, and built my self-confidence. These lessons have helped me on the ice, in the classroom, in work, and so much more, and I will carry them for the rest of my life." Savannah Shaw ‘21

"Being a female athlete is very empowering for me. In a society where women are not always expected to be strong and muscular, playing soccer and being involved in the world of athletics has allowed me to embrace the strength and power of my body and be proud of it, rather than ashamed. I like to consider myself a driven, hard-working person in my academics, athletics, and relationships and I think a lot of that drive comes from my experiences in sports. Additionally, the camaraderie that forms between girls and women who are on the same team is truly remarkable because everyone has different interests and comes from different backgrounds, but we all come together due to a common interest to accomplish a shared goal." Charlotte White '22

"In a world where girls are often given the limiting message that they are weak, athletics is what liberated me from believing this stereotype. It constantly reminds me that I am stronger and capable of more than I think. This physical empowerment that arises from sports continues to develop this power, confidence and strength which help me face challenges in life." Julia Hutchings '22

“Sports have always played an important role in my life. Playing sports was an outlet for me. It was a place where I learned to be reliable and a place where I learned to rely on others. I learned that through commitment and hard work, we could accomplish extraordinary things together. As a coach, I want girls and young women to know that they are capable of more than they knew possible. My hope is that girls and young women will feel the enjoyment of playing a sport they love while learning the values of hard work and selflessness. I will forever be grateful to my coaches who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow and develop into the person I am today.” Karen Henning, Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse

“My dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to pursue athletics so that they may experience the same happiness that I have given through sports.” I am the woman I am today because of my involvement in athletics. Throughout my life, I have been on a myriad of teams for several different sports, but each experience taught me the same lessons: the power of drive, passion, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and confidence. It is incredibly important for me to share these values with the next generation. For the past several years, I coached youth lacrosse clubs and watched young girls grow to be strong, bright, and disciplined women. My dream is for every girl to have the opportunity to pursue athletics so that they may experience the same happiness that I have been given through sports.” Zoe Lash ‘22

“Having a female coach (Tracey Cote) and being on a competitive women’s team has been empowering. Their support and dedication to the Colby ski team has built an atmosphere where everyone’s goals are supported. The entirety of the Colby ski team community has helped me reach my potential as an athlete and I could not be more honored to be a skier for Colby College.” Erin Bianco ‘21

“Sports are so much more than just a game. Sports give me an outlet to turn negative emotions into motivation through some of the most challenging times of my life, and have given me so many tools to handle the things life throws at me including a second family. There is nothing I am more grateful for than being blessed with the opportunities sports have provided me in my life, and the incredible people and lessons it has brought with it.” Emily Hogan ‘21

“The lessons I have learned from participating in sports have given me the confidence to take chances and face adversity, as well as appreciate the importance of being a good teammate. Through sports, I have developed a much greater understanding of what it takes to be successful, while also learning how to deal with failure. Overall, I’m super thankful for the opportunities that sports have afforded me.” Carly Christofori ‘22

“Youth athletics, specifically female athletics, is so important because in a heavily male athletics dominated world, it is key to show girls at a young age that we deserve to play just as much as they do. My impact on the next generation can help continue the fight and movement for young female athletes, like myself, to participate in sports and to compete at the next level. Also, it is important for myself and other women to give back to the sports that have given us so much.” Lauren Ilano ‘24