WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – February 3, 2021, marks the 35th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The day is earmarked to inspire girls and women to play and be active and realize their full power. This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy during challenging times has been heightened now more than ever!
Seven members of the Salem Academy & College staff reflected on the ways that they were drawn to sports and the impact that it made on their life personally and professionally. They shared their thoughts as follows:
Erika Bonadio / Faculty Athletic Representative
What age were you when you first began playing sports? I started taking dance when I was three but was decidedly not good at it. From there, I swam, dived, and played basketball and soccer. Now I run mostly for fun but I'm reasonably good at it.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? My dad encouraged my sisters and me to play sports but we went to a grade school where the only option was basketball and club sports weren't a big thing.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? I love to move and compete. I guess I'm lucky that I enjoy sports and exercise.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? I swam recreationally in college and was recruited out of the pool by our swim coach. It wasn't something I was looking for, but it changed the direction of my life. I was a math major and probably wouldn't have considered a career in Exercise Science if I didn't go from swimming to teaching swimming to teaching other types of exercise, which eventually led me to a masters in exercise science and then a doctorate in kinesiology.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? When girls see me doing all the sports I enjoy (running, biking, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding), I think it lets them know that girls can play any sports they want. Twenty years ago, I was rock climbing with a group of men, and a little girl on the trail yelled, "Look Daddy, it's a GIRL!" I was happy she was excited but sad that it wasn't more common. More girls and women are playing more extreme sports and competing at higher levels, but I wish more girls played just because they love it.
As an Exercise Science professor, I teach students how important it is to advocate for girls and women to have access to sport and for diversity in sport. No one should be limited in what sports they can access because of race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other factor.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? I'm constantly humbled by our students. They are amazing young women and I'm probably more inspired by them than they are by me.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) The past year has been hard, but Zoom helps. There's something about being able to see students that keeps things real. It isn't the same as being in person, but it's something. Another thing that helps is having reflective journaling assignments in certain classes. Some students allow themselves to be very vulnerable and we've been able to connect that way.
Since COVID, I've renewed my yoga practice and I'm running more. There's a greenway about 15 minutes from my house that runs along a creek. I had stopped going there because the drive to work cut into my free time, but since we're working from home, I've been running there once a week. It's good to get away from the house and there's always some kind of wildlife.
Vavina Lapham / Salem College Assistant Swimming Coach
What age were you when you first began playing sports? I started dancing at age two, gymnast at age five, swimming at age six, cheerleading, basketball and softball player by age seven.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? My parents inspired me to try all sports, I was a dancer, gymnast, cheerleader, basketball player, softball player and swimmer all throughout my youth. I stayed very active and engaged each and every season. To top that all I even learned to play the piano.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? I remember bits and pieces from my early years from my dance teacher to theme of dance recital. I remember my mom taking me to gymnastics and her singing in the car and learning to walk the balance beam. But my fondest memories started with Coach Hayes in basketball in second grade, I learned the love of the sport from his passion for basketball. I played point guard because I was much shorter than the other players and but it formed a lasting sports friendships, that carried me on to the softball fields and then to cheerleading.
The most impactful moments in sports for me was when I met Coach Phylis Steimel. She had formed Rowan Aquatic Club at Catawba College. I tried out for her team and made it. My passion for swimming competitively started in that pool among my peers Todd & Tara Desboro and Jacob & Michael Hartsell. I went on to swim in the Junior Olympics by the time I was eight. Breaststroke was my favorite stroke.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? By teaching swim lessons children and adults, coaching children from age 4-18 sharing my passion for swimming is easy it natural.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? It is truly a joy to see a fully engaged turned on kids for swimming. To see them smile during and even after a tough practice show me I am I still the true love of the sport. Inspiring future champions. I am currently coaching a little girl that her that listed when she grows up she wants to be a swim coach like me. When I read that! I knew I was making the impact and legacy I was meant to make. Inspiring the true love and passion of the sport is natural for me. But making it fun and engaging and reaching the children so that they walk away with their own love of the sport that is definitely the legacy I want to leave.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) COVID, has impacted me a great deal as collegiate coach but on the year round level I have been able to continue to coach and share my love for the sport with a few adapted Protocols to ensure that we are Covid compliant.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? As a college coach it's more than being a coach on the deck, it about inspiring them in life as well. I also have to ensure they are academically compliant, and have to check in and stay on top of their grades, to reminding them to be mindful of their social activities, and that they representation of Salem and themselves. Inspiring them to be the best at everything they do. Inspiring the love of the sport beyond their collegiate years and providing the motivation to never give up. Because are they unstoppable when they put their passion and determination and heart into wherever life carries them.
Octavia Saunders / Salem College Head Soccer Coach
What age were you when you first began playing sports? Three years old
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? I come from a Footballing family, it was instilled in me at a very young age by my dad who was a very good player in his youth! Footy is always on the tele in our house!
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? I started training with the boys when I was six and I know when I turned up the first night most of them thought 'who is she, she won't be able to play with us.' Then I ended up tearing a lot of them up out there and I soon earned their respect.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? I've always wanted to get better, be better and be the best. I saw some of my older teammates go out to the United States to play at a university and they were loving their experience. I wanted that opportunity to better my game, gain a different playing experience and continue my education while playing the sport I love at a high level.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? I believe that is my goal everyday I'm out on that field running sessions, or doing a film session, or just talking about soccer. I bring high energy to the field because I am so passionate about what this sport can bring to young women. The game really changes lives.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? Accomplished would probably be my word. I have personal career goals that I want to achieve in my life as a coach but a big part of my coaching philosophy is to inspire my players to be their best selves and enhance their overall college experience with soccer and all the aspects that fall into being a collegiate athlete.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) We have been very creative with our team zooms; ball skills, circuits, yoga, game nights, soccer tactics, Holiday parties, career leadership programming.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? When you see them achieve goals/aspirations that they didn't feel was possible and you become a part of that journey and those successes with them. You see them come into their own and build in confidence and courage.
Bouaketh Chanthavisouk / Salem College Head Volleyball Coach
What age were you when you first began playing sports? I think I first played organized sports in the sixth grade.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? I don't remember having any sort of inspiration or favorite athlete/team growing up. I was doing the things my brother and sisters did and trying some they didn't.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? I enjoyed the sense of belonging it gave me. I was and still am socially awkward. Using my athletic abilities gave me a way to develop socially.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? It was a natural progression. I didn't actively seek the opportunity to play in college. I'm short for volleyball and a singles/bunter hitter for softball. But coaches talk to other coaches and then they talk to you. No computers, no video so they relied the recommendation of your coach especially if they couldn't get around to seeing you play.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? I'm but a small branch on a coaching tree. The limbs that grow from my branch consist of HS, club, and youth coaches. My first college coaching student athlete is in her sixth season overall and second at her current institution. It's really fun to hear her talk about her team and their progress. Like me, they're a new staff trying to establish a positive team culture. It's a little strange at first to hear her say, "I just do what you would have done for us." Because I'm struggling to remember what is was I did, but she remembered so that's enough.
Quntashea Lewis / Salem College Head Basketball Coach
What age were you when you first began playing sports? I was always an active child however I did not begin playing organized sport until well into my teen years.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? The UConn Huskies women's basketball team definitely inspired me to become a better basketball player when I first began playing basketball. Being from Connecticut, their women's basketball program has always held a special place in my heart. They are a large part of my falling in love with the game.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? When I look back, I just remember sports being really fun. I was inspired by watching extremely talented women excel whether that was on/in the court, field, swimming pool, etc. I loved that they were strong and proud of their strength and athletic abilities.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? Playing sports at the collegiate level didn't cross my mind until the end of my high school career. I knew I loved basketball and wanted to enjoy a couple more years of playing. That was likely my biggest motivator. That and the ability to bond and help future teammates. I like to believe that I've known since then that I wanted to coach.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? My hope is that I have led by example and aided in inspiring a new generation of women in sport to follow their passion full force. To do so in a way uninhibited by fear of the unknown or failure.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? My hope is that I inspire young women to not only be great athletes on the court but also exceptional students in the classroom and individuals of high quality character.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) COVID-19 has definitely impacted my ability to work with young women in athletics. Everything now is strictly over some sort of virtual interface. Overall I am appreciative that I am able to continue workouts with my team in some capacity. In the meantime, to keep in touch with sports I have been watching lots and lots of basketball.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? It's difficult to single out one moment. I am always just so impressed and in awe of the strength and resilience of each new generation of athletes. With COVID-19 completely shifting everyone ideals of normalcy I continue to be impressed and inspired by my current athletes' abilities to continue to navigate college as student-athletes and uphold their commitments to their education, our program and themselves. With no precedent for them to follow they continue to excel. That's what most stands out to me at the moment when considering my experiences with student athletes.
Kierston Garner / Head Softball Coach
What age were you when you first began playing sports? When I was almost four I started really picking up interest in sports. Any sport at the time it really wasn't something I was forced to do but I stayed around a neighbor of mine most of my childhood and he was a bit older than me so honestly, football was the first sport I learned to play.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? My dad has to be the first person that inspired me, we really started a bit interest in my hometown for softball and girls sports in general. We started out in little league at the field at my school, moved up to school ball in middle school and established a travel team around that same time too. As far as that first team went, that is who helped to spark the interest for more young ladies like me and now softball is a very competitive sport in the Stokes county area.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? The ability to find a personal mental release for myself and all my friends that became more like family continued my love for the game. Softball is a game of failure, even if you only get 3 hits out of 10 you had a good day. This required you to find more than one way to stay competitive and persevere through the tough times but you enjoyed it while you did it and was surrounded by those you cared about most.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? I watched the Women's College World Series every year on television right before we got out of school for the summer. That would be our "homework" for our next softball practice to see what we could learn from the ones that did it at a high level. From that moment on my hopes were to play as long as I could and even though I didn't go to a Division I school, I found my place and continued to play for four years here at Salem.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? I would like to think that I have. I try and teach my team never to take a moment for granted because you never know when it might not be there anymore, but even if you can't play, teach! We volunteer our time each year to younger athletes that want to learn from them and that they admire. Personally, I had the chance to have my sister follow my every footsteps and now she plays Division I, but I have the luxury to also restart that journey with my six-year-old sister. My hope is that she loves it like I do, and who knows maybe one day I can teach my children the same way.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? I have always been one that wants to give back any knowledge overload that I can to help someone else grow and succeed. That's a part of coaching that is rewarding because if you put your heart into the work you do and see the results you know you are impacting a life. Those connections that you make in those moments last a lifetime!
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) Absolutely! I hate to seem so sure about it, but the pandemic honestly had me feeling defeated for a while because I felt hopeless on how to help my athletes. Yes, I was able to work some one-on-one with some young athletes locally since softball is an outdoor sport. But, you also have to fight the weather and things too. So, for a bit it was challenging until I started to find effective ways to get things done.
Not going to lie for a while it was hard to know where my desire for sports was because I felt no matter where I went there was a roadblock. I was able to incorporate daily motivational readings into my routine, walking my dog, and working out in the early morning. Keeping myself busy and maintaining a healthy mental state while doing so.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? Through this crazy pandemic experience, I have been able to cherish the relationships I have with my athletes. I miss seeing them in my office space studying or just dropping by to say hi. Most weeks I don't go without someone reaching out to check in and ask me how I am doing. That, that's why I love coaching. I'm still figuring out ways to help us connect together in various ways on screen, but I know that I'm doing some good to help their futures flourish and I will stand up and support them every step of the way.
Felicia Penn / Salem Academy & College Director of Student Activities
What age were you when you first began playing sports? I first started playing sports when I was five years old. I joined my first soccer team in Winston-Salem. By the time I was 9 or 10, I was involved in soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and bowling.
Who was the person(s) or team(s) that inspired you to get involved in sports? My mom always encouraged my passion for participation in sports. She was a swim coach & instructor at a local YMCA in Winston-Salem at one point, plus she loved playing softball growing up. Also, I loved watching sports, whether it was the summer Olympics when Mia Hamm won gold; watching Tim Duncan and Randolph Childress play at Wake Forest University; or tuning in to view Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls.
When you recount your earliest sports memory what was it about sports that you found so inspiring? In particularly with team sports, the camaraderie with other team players is greatly inspiring. When the team is successful in mastering a play or applying skills in a game, it can be the greatest feeling.
What was a moment that sticks out most in your mind when you realized that you wanted to continue playing sports at a collegiate level? I realized that I possibly get to continue playing a sport (volleyball) that I truly loved.
How have you taken your love of sports and passed it onto a new generation of young women? I have assisted in coaching the varsity volleyball team at Salem Academy for the past six years. Additionally, I have previously assisted with coaching basketball skills for middle school youth and worked at a youth sports camp.
Describe the feelings in knowing that you are inspiring a new generation of young women? It is a happy feeling to pass on the love of a sport to a new generation and watch them enjoy play as much as I did. It is also fun to play volleyball with them and show that I still have a skill or two to surprise them.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your ability to work one-on-one with young women in athletics? What have you done in the meantime to maintain a love of sports (ex: running, exercising, yoga, etc.?) Indoor volleyball is a difficult sport to play during COVID, especially with the number of people on the court and the close contact a player spends with their teammates and opposing teams. In lieu of volleyball during this time, I have been practicing yoga and doing home workouts via social media.
What moments as a coach/administrator have you been able to experience, when working with a student-athlete, that most stand out to you in your career? It is always great to watch when a student-athlete finds confidence in their abilities and let their training take over, especially during gameplay. It is true that almost 90% of all sports/gameplay is mental and self-doubt/anxiety can paralyze any athlete, no matter how great. However, when a student-athlete breaks down that mental wall, it is like the brightest light and they become unstoppable.