No matter what role a women has in the sports industry: player, coach, photography, reporter, etc. All of the women have every right to be there doing what they love. I was 14 turning 15, when I was first exposed to male domination. Staff, coaches, and players in high school stated a lot of comments to me while I was in high school. Once I graduated, the tables flipped, things began starting to go downhill as college and professional athletes began talking to me and flirting. Even coaches, married men, men in committed relationships and men with kids began flirting too. I came simply here just to do my job. I want to be in an environment where I feel appreciated. I am one strong and very independent women. I have had many people get confused and think that I take advantage of men to try and get higher
in the industry. That is the last thing I would do. I raised my own money for each step I have taken for my job. I raised money for my first camera and continued to work to save up for each camera I own now. Women don't ask for these things but knowing it happens you just have to push through it. It is such a blessing everyday. Now that I am 20 I am so happy and opened to working with younger girls trying to work in the industry, when I first started I didn't have anyone to look up to, women weren't really doing sports photography.
One of my stories about working in this industry was when I was just a freshman. I joined a media organization that I highly looked up to; I was completely mislead by them and their staff. I was constantly sexualized, belittled, and the only female. I was extremely hurt and disappointed and thought I could trust this organization. I will always wish the best for them but leaving was the best thing I could've done. I needed to be in a safe and healthy work space.
- shotwithgrace
Grace Sorrells
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