WATCH: ACC Celebrates International Women’s Day 2019

“You’re DOMINANT. You’re POWERFUL. You can CHANGE THE WORLD,” –Aisha Sheppard, Virginia Tech.

International Women’s Day is acknowledged throughout the world on March 8. The day of recognition ages back to 1911 and celebrates “the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” March 8th also falls in the middle of the 2019 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament — a tournament showcasing the 15 teams of, arguably, the most elite conference in the country.  In the midst of the neck-and-neck battles, rivalries, heartbreaking losses and overtime wins, players sat down and spoke with High Post Hoops about what it means to be a woman in sport and the responsibility that comes with it.

The past few years have been particularly revealing of misogynistic, toxic viewpoints regarding women’s basketball.  Whether fighting for pay equity in the WNBA (please note the difference between pay equity and wanting NBA salary equivalence, for trolls out there) or simply having to combat endless internet identities reiterating the same tired line of going back to the kitchen (thanks, Liz Cambage for setting them all straight a few days ago), respect seems to be an uphill battle for players. However, today is about the celebration of them, not the natural defense and responsiveness to ignorance.

“There are young girls who aspire to be in the position [I’m] in now,” Virginia’s Mone’ Jones said. “I’m just blessed to say I’m a woman in sport.”

Virginia Tech’s Kendyl Brooks also added her awareness of stepping into the position of a role model. “Growing up…I [looked] up to lots of female role models…It gives me a lot of pride knowing I’m one of those role models little girls look up to now.”

On Thursday morning,, with the Greensboro Coliseum filled with children, Brooks helped pay it forward. Thousands of kids were present to watch a 67-57 Syracuse victory over Virginia.  They witnessed generational female influence as Tina Thompson served as the head coach of the Cavaliers, half of the women they are absorbing and observing for those two hours.

“It’s amazing: being able to showcase my talent. We’re just able to be great and be the women that we are. We work…hard,” Boston College’s Milan Bolden-Morris said.

Isis Young added, “Perform[ing] at the highest level [is] a way for us to gain some power in the world. We need more women’s recognition all the time.”

So today- March 8- WOMEN, this one is for you all. Happy International Women’s Day.

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