SOFTBALL'S JOCELYN TEO AND GRACE CHUA: Empowerment Towards a Homerun

When asked to think of the obstacles unique to female athletes, people often think of the disparity in physique (compared to their male counterparts) and menstruation as the most significant disadvantages. However, beyond the physical, prejudices about females in sport and expectations surrounding femininity can be equally, if not more, detrimental. Chua Xuanyi Grace (20S77) and Teo Kai Ting Jocelyn (20A15), two members of the HC Softball team, share their heartfelt opinions on this issue. 

 

According to Jocelyn, unwarranted assumptions about female athleticism are not uncommon. “[In softball] we might hear things like how a boy has less time to tag the runner(*) because boys run faster than girls,” she said. While they are often merely passing comments, Jocelyn thinks it crucial to discourage such comparisons to avoid perpetuating the discriminatory mindset in sports. 

 

Menstruation also makes training incredibly strenuous for many female athletes due to the severe period cramps and fatigue that accompanies it. However, many tend to discount the psychological discomfort that female athletes have to overcome. “I still resent having to train or compete while on my period because I always feel paranoid about staining my slacks (they’re white),” Grace opened up about her self-consciousness. While it does not affect her performance significantly, having such thoughts at the back of her head while training is irritating. 

 

Girls and women should be encouraged to participate in the sports they enjoy as a means of self-empowerment. Everyone has a part to play to support the new generation of young female athletes– even simple things like recognising their passion and effort, or taking the time to understand the unique hardships that they face, go a long way in bolstering their confidence. 

 

Finally, we asked the two softball players to share a few tips. With nine years of softball experience, Grace advised doing what you truly love and hold on to the joy of triumph. “There’ll be plenty of days where you’re off-form, and you feel terrible. You’ll need those memories to remind you of why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.” 

 

Jocelyn, who stepped onto the field a bit later, suggested reflecting on the progress made; she has kept a sports journal since she joined the softball CCA for the first time last year. “I feel encouraged to try my best in whatever I do because of this self-awareness that I am improving,” she said. 

 

*In a softball game, fielders at four bases prevent the batsman/runner of the other team from scoring by catching the ball and “tagging” them before they run past a base.  

 

Written by: Tran Vu Phuong Uyen (21A15)

Photographs: Chua Xuanyi Grace (20S77), Teo Kai Ting Jocelyn (20A15)