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“National Girls and Women in Sports”

Well…late as usual, but at least tonight I have a few great things to share with you guys. Let’s start off with my performance last week at the 104th Millrose Games held at Madison Square Garden. Again, an extremely exciting moment for me to be able to compete at home in New York again. I hadn’t ran on that track since my senior year of high school at A. Phillip Randolph, so I was excited to return to the Garden. When you say 104th that says a lot. There’s a lot of history and tradition that has taken place over the years at this meet. This is a meet that draws a large crowd every year, and I remembered the excitement as a high schooler to compete there. The warm up area brought back so much of those memories as all of the high school teams were back there warming up for their races again. It was so humbling to watch them, and remember that just a few years ago I was just like them and to think where I am now. Another moment to truly count and appreciate my blessings.

The race went well. My goal was to get to the cut in first, and take control of the race from early. The track at the Garden is about 150m, so the turns are very tight and it is very difficult to pass on the track. So, taking the lead early on was very important. I was pleased with my time, although I mentioned wanting to take a shot at Diane Dixon’s track record. Apparently I forgot how hard that track is, but 53.60 was the fastest time run there in the last few years, so I think it was a great race. I knew with Dee Dee Trotter, Moushaumie Robinson, and Angee Henry in the race it would be a good one, and so it was.

On to today. as some of you may have seen from my tweets, today is National Girls and Women in Sports Day. When I found out last week that this day was being celebrated I reached out to a good friend of mine, Tatiana Warren, to see if we could find anything in Columbia, SC to participate in. She reached out to Dreher High School, where she is an assistant track coach, and mentioned the day and that I would like to participate in any event they may have planned. It just so happened that today was also National Signing Day and it so happened that three female students were signing and making commitments to Universities. So, it turned out to be the perfect event for me to participate.

I was prepared to go to Dreher this morning to give a speech on the importance of Girls and Women in Sports, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The faculty and staff, put on a great assembly, and highlighted some of my accomplishments and really welcomed me into their school. I prepared a short speech to give, and after I saw all that they had done in preparation for me I again was so humbled.

I want to especially say thank you to Principal Stiglbauer, Dr. Javis, Coach Brooks, and Ms. Kelly Brooks who especially made my visit a pleasure. It was such an honor to be invited to your school, and share some of my experiences with your students. I’d also like to say congratulations to the young ladies that signed their Letters of Intent this afternoon. It was a special treat to find out that one of the ladies was actually committing to USC, my alma mater. I had no idea that one of the signees was coming right down the road to become a Gamecock, so that made my trip to Dreher even more special this afternoon.

Well, it’s time for me to prepare for this weekend. I’ll be competing in the 400m this Saturday in Boston. Wish me well! Until next time!

Tasha

Speech
Good afternoon.
First and foremost, thank you to Ms. Stiglbauer, Coach DuBard, Coach Brooks, and the entire Dreher High School faculty, staff, and student body for allowing me to be here with you this afternoon.
I wanted to come and speak this afternoon because it is an important day for women. Not only is it National Signing Day, but it is also National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Some of you may be asking “what’s so important about girls and women in sports?” It’s important because before the passing of Title IX in 1972, high schools and colleges were not legally forced to provide equal opportunities for women in extra curricular activities. The law requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding. This day is also important because of its impact on us women. Studies have shown that competing in sports reduces the risk of teen pregnancy, drug use, obesity, and it helps to promote good self esteem and body image. By competing in sports, you ladies have already become role models for those to come after you.
For me, Women in Sports is important because it has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. As you can see, I am a Gamecock. I attended the University of South Carolina on a full track scholarship. I had so many valuable experiences, and made some lasting relationships. In December of 2009, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. While at South Carolina, not only did I receive a great education, but I was also able to expand upon my talents as an athlete. Because of that I am now living my dream as a professional athlete. But what most inspires me, is that I am now a role model to so many young girls. It is so important that we have positive influences and role models in our lives, and having women in sports allows for that in a major way.
I encourage each of you young ladies, if you haven’t already, to find a sport that most interests and challenges you. Always give everything in life, whether it be school, sports, or life experiences, your honest best. Take advantage of the opportunities being provided for you as now is the time to prepare for your future. To Sara, McKay, and Christal, a special congratulations on your accomplishments thus far, and well wishes on what’s to come in your collegiate careers.
Thank you.

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This post is related to events on our Calendar:

• 104th Millrose Games - Madison Square Garden
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day

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