In a town called Evanston outside the windy city of Chicago, I defied expectations and rewrote the story of young women in sports.
My name is Lucinda Lindland. I am a 20-year-old sports fanatic. Coming from a family that lives and breathes football, my passion for sports — especially football — runs deep in my veins. When I was in fifth grade at Washington Elementary School, one of the only activities I wanted to participate in was flag football. Summer break had passed and school was just about to start, which meant flag football season was nearing.
On the day of the tryouts, I couldn't help but notice one thing: I was the only girl in a field filled with boys.
It was tough. I felt like I didn't belong. I felt like I was somehow less capable because I was a girl. It was a funny feeling because growing up, my brothers would teach me how to throw a spiral, show me all the different types of plays and teach me all the rules of the games. They encouraged me to play and love the game.
I walked to take a sip of water to refresh before tryouts began. I was shaking due to nervousness and couldn't find a way to calm my nerves.
A couple moments later, I found a swoosh of inspiration beneath the uncertainty.
I looked down at my feet and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my sparkling new shoes. My two brothers, Charlie and Sawyer, pooled the money to buy me the shoes for my football tryouts. The shoes had a lightweight feel with vibrant, bright colors that I loved.
The colors made me feel alive.
I found myself with the courage to challenge the other boys on the field. Running faster, throwing harder and competing harder than the other boys, my shoes gave me the encouragement and motivation I desired.
When I took the field, I realized I was not alone in the challenge but was a part of something much bigger than myself. It was for every young girl whose love for sports shined brightly, yet hints of hesitation blocked that first step toward their dreams.
I completed every throw and gave every handoff with fierce determination that radiated throughout the field. I had confidence that grew with every play that followed.
As the tryout list came out the following day, I saw myself at the top. Lucinda Lindland: Quarterback. "My brother's encouragement and dedication to me showed me that I am capable of just doing it," I thought to myself with a smile on my face.
As a 20-year-old in 2024, I reminisce about my days on the flag football field, drawing inspiration from that time to motivate my life situations.
