By Kaia Costa
In 2016, former tennis player Raymond Moore said female players “ride on the coattails of the men” and should “get down on their knees” and thank male players for their success. Did you even know who Raymond Moore was before reading this…? I sure didn’t.
I’ve played softball since I was six years old. From the day I picked up a ball, I’ve heard the same comments about “short fences,” “bigger ball,” and “it’s basically the easy version of baseball.” The jokes always seem harmless to the people saying them, but over time, they add up. They reflect a larger stereotype that girls’ sports are somehow less competitive, less impressive, or less important than boys’ sports. And those assumptions don’t just come from kids on the sidelines, but from adults in the professional sports world as well.
In 2015, Sports Illustrated writer Andy Benoit tweeted that women’s sports were “not worth watching.” The comment sparked immediate backlash, was widely criticized as sexist, and was even mocked on Saturday Night Live. Benoit later apologized, but the message behind the tweet echoed something many female athletes have heard before—our efforts will never amount to those of male athletes.
These statements reinforce stereotypes that female athletes constantly work towards nothing. In softball alone, the idea that it’s “easier” than baseball ignores the reality of the sport. The shorter pitching distance means the reaction time for a hitter is even faster. But all anyone ever wants to talk about are the “shortcuts.” The game requires explosive speed, quick decision-making, and intense mental focus. Every sport has its own mechanics and challenges. Comparing softball to baseball as if one is more difficult than the other misses the point entirely. They are different games, each demanding unique skills and dedication. If they were the same, they would be called by the same name and played by the same people.
Stereotypes about women’s sports go beyond the field. They affect media coverage, funding, attendance, and the way young girls see themselves. The lack of appreciation for women’s sports in society and lack of representation in the media could ultimately affect a young girl’s self worth. When people repeatedly hear that women’s sports are “boring” or “not worth watching,” it entirely disrespects every female athlete and their dedication to their sport.
But if there’s one thing I know, when you step onto the field, stereotypes disappear. The early morning practices, the pressure of a tied game, and the sting of a tough loss, those moments are real. They shape discipline, resilience, and confidence. These moments don’t become less real because of the lack of appreciation it receives.
Women in sports don’t need shorter fences to prove their strength. We don’t need comparisons to validate our skills. What we need is the same respect automatically given to male athletes. The next time someone “jokes” about women’s inferiority, I hope they take a closer look. Because the girls on that field, court, stadium, or gym aren’t asking for the game to be simplified, we’re asking for it to be valuable.