From smaller crowds in the stands to the lack of conversation about their games in school hallways, girls’ sports deserve the same attention as boys’ sports. Many students have unfortunately seen this favoritism firsthand. It’s frustrating because girls in sports work hard, dedicate time to practice, and put a lot of heart into each game, just like boys. Girls play with passion and pride, but the recognition isn’t always there.
Every season, the girls show up early to practice and dedicate their time to their sport. Whenever these ladies step onto the court, they put their all into it because of their love and passion for the game, not for attention; however, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve recognition.
When the girls’ team wins, it should matter just as much as if the boys’ team wins. The accomplishments shouldn’t be seen as less exciting or less important. Girls train just as hard and give just as much effort as the boys do, so why should the support be any different?
During the 2024-2025 Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) basketball season, the varsity boys’ and girls’ teams played their opening game, only to find the girls’ team empty, with mainly parents in the audience. But for the boys, there was not an open seat in sight; the crowd roared, cheerleaders giving it their all with their cheers.
Adrianna Caldswell, a PPCHS senior, shares, “For my sport specifically, it doesn’t affect the atmosphere that much since our student section always comes in clutch, but I do think the way people perceive girls’ volleyball compared to boys’ football or basketball is really different.”
The silence in the gym during the girls’ game made it feel smaller, even though they played their hearts out. The Lady Jags could tell they were not only fighting for wins on the court, but they were also fighting for respect.
Giving equal attention to both girls and boys sports teams sends a strong message: every athlete matters. Younger girls watching from the stands, seeing that their dreams are worth chasing.
Kierstyn Jorgenson, a sophomore and a player on the PPCHS swim team, emphasizes, “Girls should get the same attention in sports as boys because we are as capable as anyone else is in sports. Many women just don’t get the spotlight as guys do just because they are women, and to me that isn’t right.”
Many female athletes have learned that they don’t have to apologize for being competitive, strong, or ambitious. Sports are supposed to teach important life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and leadership, which are just as valuable to girls as they are to boys.
Change starts in small steps. That could mean promoting girls’ games the same way boys’ get promoted, posting girls’ game highlights, or having pep rallies that celebrate all athletes equally. It could also be teachers and students showing up for the games, cheering just as loud for the girls as they do for the boys. Equal attention isn’t just about taking anything away from the boys’ sports; it’s about giving girls the same respect and opportunities.
In the end, it’s not just about sports. It’s about fairness, equality, and believing that everyone deserves to be seen. When we support girls’ sports the same way we do boys, we build a stronger, more inclusive community. Every athlete deserves a crowd that believes in them, a team that’s recognized, and a school that’s proud. Because when we level the playing field, everyone wins.
