Don’t Let The Broad Beat You!….
Jennifer Olney, Age 12, in the blue jersey for Savage Boys and Girls Club
When I was 12, I played soccer and baseball. Two male dominated sports. I was Bo Jackson before there was a Bo Jackson. Only I was a girl. There wasn’t many outlets for girls to play these sports back in the early-80’s, of course, you could play softball on a girls team but I wasn’t interested in softball. Even when the county girls’ softball team tried to recruit me, I turned them down. In the spring, I played baseball. I was a pitcher, 2nd basemen and I hit DH (designated hitter)for my team. I led the league in RBI’s and I was considered one of the top players for four years until I hit the wall where no girl can go back then– I was not allowed to continue in baseball in high school and thus, my dream of playing in the BIGS ended. During the fall months, I played soccer. And once again, I was the only girl in the youth league. I played in a little town, Savage, MD. Back then there was no Brandy Chastain or Hope Solo to inspire me. I looked to my heroes in sports Dale Hunter Dave Keon and Scotty McGregor that were male and dominated in their own sports. I was also inspired to play by my Mother, Michelle. She taught me how to hit the ball, how to pitch and how to be lady while you do it. The two things you never want to be in a male dominated sports league – be better than the most of boys in talent, skill and be a girl that does it with great class.
On a cold Saturday November morning I was on placed on defense for my team. As we made our charge down the field, I led the defense to opposing side. My mother, all 4 feet 10 inches of her, stood on the sideline as she did every game day was anxiously watching her daughter take on the boys on their turf. I was a warrior, I gave as good as I got. So imagine my surprise when a Father of a young boy on the opposing team broke through the cold morning air with these words from the sideline “Scotty! Don’t let the BROAD beat you!!” Whoa. What was that? I stopped in my tracks. The words were ringing in my ears as I proceeded to look down the field to see “Scotty” coming right at me. In this moment, I had a choice – crumble or proceed to play my game. Guess what I choose? Poor Scotty. As I deked by past him and proceed to score the goal, I looked back to see the look on his face. He hung his head low and glanced to his Dad. Scotty’s Dad threw his baseball cap to the ground in disgust. Scotty had let his old man down. In that moment, I realized that I had prevailed but the victory was bittersweet. How could a grown man say such a vile statement about a young girl? What was the lesson he was teaching that day?
After the game, Scotty shook my hand as the teams assembled for the handshake at the end and said “Great game, you were awesome” and I thought to myself isn’t amazing that his father couldn’t do the same but he could see pass my sex and see only a player. To Scotty’s Dad I would always be the “Broad” who beat his son.
In later years, I took this lesson to heart. I didn’t see men as competition, rather I see all people for their character and values within. My career took me into male dominated sectors such as software and hardware developers, technology based organization where women are a rarity. As I navigated the waters of these industries, I didn’t let my sex hold me back. I also didn’t use it to my advantage either. I didn’t gravitate to the girls club of these sectors, rather, I made sure that I was surrounded by great people of both sexes and focused on my skills and talents to bring out the best in others. My focus was to ensure that all are recognized for their talents within not the sex or race on the outside.
I keep Scott’s Dad in mind – I refer back to it from time and time, reflect on the lesson learned and let it inspired me to play my game and never give up. Scotty’s Dad did make me be a leader and lead others to be their best.
Great story Jen. I can see where you get your drive from. Although Scottys Dad helped you formulate your attitude, I get the feeling he isnt invited to the bealeader christmas parties lol . thanks for sharing this personal and inspiring story
No, Scotty’s Dad isn’t on the attendee list. But he did give me a great lesson that day in spite of the arrows, stones he threw with his words. I think this a good lesson for all – men and women alike – no matter who is throwing stones, you can take the negative and turn it into a positive. Thanks, Dave
Inspiring story.
In the end, that male chauvinist pig, actually did you a favour, Jen. It brings a saying to mind: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” because your worst enemy keeps you on your toes and bring out the “fight” and the best in you.
What an experience Jen!
This post made me think back to my years in grade school. Although I was born in the city (Seattle) I spent my elementary years in a very tiny town in Montana. It wasn’t uncommon for boys and girls to take off on Saturday and not return until dinner time! (grins) We’d all catch frogs at the creek and ponds. Play cowboys and indians. Build forts in the nearby wooded hills. (small area) Then us ‘girls’ would part ways to do more girly things like bake ‘Crazy Cake’, play house, or sing to Abba with our hairbrushes. The boys weren’t interested in those things unless it was to be the audience. haha
For me, that type of gender attitude didn’t show up in my boy peers until I was much older. I wound up experiencing it first hand at home from a very abusive step-father. At some point, I may write a post about it. It was also easy to spot when I was in the military. Although not every man I came across shared that attitude. Yet there was no doubt as to the ones that did!
Fortunately, my husband wasn’t that type of man either. Although I’ve still run across some since he passed away. That’s for sure.
I really wish it was a non-issue in the world. Unfortunately, it still exists in some people. Fortunately, not everyone!
Agreed, Enzo. You never want to cut out those forces are hell bent on your demise completely – there is a great lesson in those people and one that you need to heed. It is all about the perspective we bring to the situation. Early on, I knew this was a defining moment and one lesson I needed to learn. Of all lessons in life I’ve endured, this one stands out because of the fact it taught me that I was never going to back down from adversity. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks, Samantha. It’s unfortunate that some – both men and women – feel they can tear down others with their words and actions. The way we take in these experiences speak more to our character than it does to them. We rise above these issues and triumph over their negatively as a testament to ourselves and our resolve.
Yes, I agree.
It’s been quite a journey so far…this life. : ) There are MANY experiences I wished I didn’t have. However, I can’t change those things. What I do know though…after time passes and the older I get, certain things have given me perspectives on families, society, culture, and the world that I wouldn’t have had without them. The events themselves, I certainly don’t consider to be a blessing. Not at all. The insights I gained from experiencing them, I now consider to be a great gift.
And I believe every single one of us, both men and women, regardless of our experiences, has a unique perspective to offer and share with the world. And that’s what I love most about Twitter and the people I have encountered.
Thanks for sharing a part of your story Jen. I love it when I get to see a glimpse into the lives of people.
Fantastic story Jen! I am pretty lazy with posting comments
but I couldn’t resist myself with your story. You really looked tough in that blue jersey …like you could really kick some boy’s a$$ 
Thanks, Annetta! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I gave as good as I got on the field to the boys. One of the best life lessons I have ever received. Thank you!
Great story Jen. I always say the best person for the job and I believe it wholeheartedly. I am not always the most popular guy for that but I don’t care. We all should advocate for the end of the “old boys club’ mentality in everything we do.
Long live #teamblogjack Ha.
Thanks, Ralph. It may not be popular but sometimes you have to do what is not popular to a be a leader. We need to end separation of the sexes and embrace the person within each of us.
Here, here #TeamBlogJack!