Last night, my daughter and I rushed to get all our work done, ordered Chipotle, and then sat down on our couch to watch March Madness. Two giants were playing, and it was a battle to be seen.
On the court were players in pigtails, braids, and full-on makeup. They were strong, fierce, and determined. And they were all female. The coaches, the referees, and the support staff—nearly every one a woman. The commentators and announcers were mostly women. The ads featured women in sports.
I never watched anything like this growing up. I watched the Mets with my dad, the Knicks, or football on Sunday. The only time women athletes were on TV was during the Olympics or maybe tennis.
The tide has been changing. Women's soccer has demanded equal pay and equal representation. Serena Williams and Simone Biles broke endorsement records. There are more females than ever before working in the NFL.
But last night was something special. These players lit the TV on fire in the most beautiful way, all because so many women blazed the trail before them.
It took a long time to get here, too long, in fact.
But last night, young boys were looking to get Caitlin Clark's autograph. Legends in the NBA said that women were changing the game for the better with new styles of play. Young girls saw that they can be themselves on the court and off.
And it's hard to believe we're just getting started.
Sports has always had a direct effect on society on multiple levels, from supporting vulnerable and marginal groups and rallying a nation in transition to building confidence and creating opportunities for youth.
We are living change right now, and dang, girls! You are killing it!
Even if you are not a sports fan, there is something electric about what's happening right now. Use it as a spark to engage with your daughters and with your sons.
You won't believe your eyes until you see it for yourself.
There is so much to root for, and I'm here for it.