Athlete vs. Tomboy?

The youth girls T-shirt reads... I am an athlete, Not a tomboy

Growing up with three older brothers as well as a father who was a football coach, I often heard the comment "you're such a tomboy." I never questioned the label, I just thought it to be true. After all, sports played a defining role while I grew up. Organized team sports started around fourth grade then basketball took control of my life in eighth grade, high school and college. I surrounded myself with other girls who had a passion for basketball so I had agreed that I was "such a tomboy."

And though I am married with two beautiful kids, I still find myself loving to play sports. I'd like to say I am as competitive as my younger days but with a milestone birthday around the corner I know that the game has taken on a different yet substantial role in my life. I do love to play but I have found enjoyment watching my husband and kids partake in different sporting events and love to hang out with other families while we watch and fellowship. Again, she's "such a tomboy."

Athlete vs. Tomboy? The reason for my questioning the tomboy stereotype came in to play almost 5 years ago when my son turned a year old. At this age all he wanted to do was play in the dirt with cars and make vroooming sounds. He was a magnet to mud. Throwing it, playing with it or even eating it...he was all about the mud. Also, he often wanted me to get down on my hands and knees and crawl around the house with dump trucks, monster trucks and pick-up trucks. I did it but didn't "get" it. Even to this day when he wants to jump around like a madman and demolish his cars and trucks, I am taken aback because I don't get it.

But maybe I do get it. It is the athlete vs. tomboy debate. I am an athlete. I like sports. I like to play and I like to watch. I enjoy studying the game to figure out all of the X's and O's. Why do you pitch a ball on the inside corner against a lefty? Why do you run the ball on 3rd and long? Why play zone and not man to man? This is my interest. This is what I understand. It's what I do!

Yep, I am an athlete, not a tomboy! I only wish the t-shirt came in my size!!!