DePaul University Athletics
Seven Empowered Blue Demons Share Inspiring Stories
3/25/2021 1:15:00 PM | CROSS COUNTRY, ATHLETICS, SOFTBALL, TRACK AND FIELD, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL, WOMEN'S SOCCER, WOMEN'S TENNIS, WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Their perseverance and fighting spirit commemorate National Women's History Month
CHICAGO – When you stop and think about it, women may just be the greatest wonder of the world.
None of us would be here without them.
In commemoration of National Women's History Month, female student-athletes from DePaul Athletics programs have been invited to share their insight, feelings and thought-provoking stories about challenges they have overcome and the women who inspire them.
*****
"We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational---and so disciplined they can be free."
Kavita Ramdas, global advocate of gender equality
Cross-country runner Olivia Borowiak posted a 15th-place finish earlier this month at the BIG EAST Cross Country Championships in Cary, N.C. with a time of 21:06.5. It was the best finish at the conference championships since the Blue Demons have been a member of the BIG EAST.
There are two women who have served as inspirations for this sophomore from southwest suburban Yorkville---professional runner Alexi Pappas and Olivia's mother, Suzanne Borowiak.
"Alexi Pappas is a runner and a writer just like me, and she is a great inspiration because she is living my dream life," Borowiak said. "One day, I would love to race the 10K on a national setting and also publish a book. She has gone through ups and downs during her career, and I can learn from how she persevered through it.
"My mom serves as my inspiration because she has been tested through many health ailments and continues to be a supportive mother that's always looking out for her children and making the best of things. She is the strongest person I know because she has fought and is still fighting to stay here with us, her family."
For the most part, Borowiak said she hasn't been confronted by barriers or issues of racial or gender equality and inclusion that have plagued other female student-athletes and young women in general across our nation.
But Borowiak did encounter a frightening incident last week that women and girls reading this story may have also experienced at some time in their lives.
"The one obstacle that I have faced as a female athlete, and as a cross country and track runner who uses the city and the lakefront for practice is getting catcalls on the streets where I run or experiencing frighteningly close encounters with men while on my runs," Borowiak said.
"Actually just last week, this man was walking on the sidewalk near me as I waited for the light to change on one of my runs. I stepped forward to allow him more room to pass. The next thing I knew, he was right behind me, inches from me actually and trying to talk to me. I thought he was going to reach out and grab me, but then the light changed so I took my opportunity to run out of there.
"I think it is unfortunate that females like me have to be careful when we are outside of our homes because there's crazy men out there who just might do something to us. There is no reason for men to objectify our bodies, yet they do, and we know they do when they call to us on the streets or invade our space.
"And the only way to really deal with these issues is to just watch out for them and be aware, which is super sad that there's people in this world preventing me from being 100 percent safe on a simple afternoon run."
*****
"I raise up my voice not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…We cannot succeed when half of us are held back."
Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Prize laureate
Lexi Held is an All-BIG EAST First Team guard and the BIG EAST Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
And like Borowiak, Held spoke about her mom Monica as the person that has inspired her just by pushing Lexi to always work hard and go after what she wants no matter the obstacles she may face.
"I definitely think that being a female student-athlete has its challenges," Held said. "Often times we don't get the same respect as our male counterparts even though we work just as hard, if not harder."
Held addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the inequitable treatment of women student-athletes at the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
"I think it speaks a lot about what the NCAA's priorities are considering the things they say they stand for," Held started out. "But actions speak louder than words.
"It is very frustrating to see the lack of care for the women's side compared to the men's side. But it is reassuring how so many people spoke out immediately and demanded change.
"I deal with issues like these by focusing on my own goals and not allowing other people's options dictate my feelings. If anything, issues like these motivate me even more."
*****
"I had two options. One was to remain silent and never to speak and then to be killed by the terrorists. The second option was to speak up for my rights and then die. And I chose the second one."
Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Prize laureate
Unlike Borowiak and Held, All-BIG EAST women's tennis standout Aspasia Avgeri came from a different environment being born and raised in Athens, Greece.
And yet, when it comes to reflecting on the most important woman in her life, Avgeri is cut from the same cloth as Borowiak and Held.
"My mom has inspired me a lot throughout my life," Avgeri said. "She's a woman that always fought to get where she is today regardless of what obstacles she had to face. She has four kids and never stopped working full-time. She always found the time to take care of us, take us to tennis practices or any other activities and be there for us without hesitation.
"She prioritized us without giving up her career and goals. My mom is always fighting for what she wants and deserves, and that's something that stayed with me as a child. She taught me that everything can be achieved if you want it bad enough---but it can only be achieved if you fight for it."
Avgeri acknowledged that every young female athlete has stories to share about encountering ordeals. For Aspa, growing up playing sports as a female was not as hard considering that her parents were always around to lend support
But with Georgios and Maria Avgeri 5,440 miles away, it was Maria's feisty spirit that sustained her daughter during tough times living in a foreign country.
"Things changed when I came to the United States," Avgeri said. "It was a challenge for me especially because my parents and my family were so far away. I'm originally from Greece and my accent will always give that away. I'm proud of where I'm from and of my accent.
"Unfortunately, people who don't view foreigners as equals love to express their opinion. One time, a student at DePaul heard my accent and he approached me saying that I should go back to the (despicable) country I'm from, and if I don't do it on my own, Donald Trump will make sure that I will be deported.
"This was pretty hurtful. I came to the US to be a part of the athletic program and play the sport that I love so much and I was not ready for this kind of treatment.
"Even though I was hurt at the beginning, I realized that comments of individuals shouldn't change the way I feel about who I am or feel any less proud about where I'm from. Especially when comments like these come out of hatred and from people that I don't know. My teammates helped me a lot to understand what happened, and that means the world to me."
*****
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
Mother Teresa
Maranda Gutierrez is an All-BIG EAST First Team infielder and the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year who cherishes the opportunity to celebrate womanhood and share with us the inspirations in her life.
Taking time to reflect on all of the accomplishments, she believes Women's History Month has made it quite apparent that women are truly capable of anything. Despite a history of not being afforded equitable opportunities for suffrage, education, athletics or careers in science and government among others, women continue to overcome barriers.
As examples, Gutierrez pointed to Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Kamala Harris and Mae C. Jemison among many others playing significant roles in our society.
"My greatest female inspirations are my mother, nana and grandma," Gutierrez said. "My mother has inspired me with her relentless work ethic as a business owner as well as her selflessness as a caring person. She has taught me what it means to be a light unto others through her compassionate actions and words.
"My nana (my mother's mom) has taught me about the importance of sacrifice and forgiveness. As a mother of eight as well as opening her home to her mother and mother-in-law, my nana cared for everyone without ever complaining. Even when my nana's father had left their family when she was only eight years old, she was still willing to take care of him towards the end of his life. Her willingness to forgive and love others is truly inspiring.
"My grandma (my father's mom) inspires me with her generosity and strength. No matter what my grandma has, she always gives her all! Whether it is her time, energy or physical resources, my grandma is extremely generous to both those she knows and does not know. My grandma is also very strong as she is the glue that holds my family together and excels in her role as our peacekeeper."
*****
"Fill your life with women that empower you, that help you believe in your magic and aid them to believe in their own exceptional power and their incredible magic too. Women that believe in each other can survive anything. Women who believe in each other create armies that will win kingdoms and wars."
Nikita Gill, writer and poet
The woman who empowers Blue Demon volleyball player Sierra Ellison may not even realize the profound impact she has on others. Just in the natural course of living her life, this woman has been a shining beacon for Ellison and many more.
Raising a family on her own while forging ahead in the workplace on the wings of a competitive brand of individualism is a situation not uncommon for women across this country.
What makes this a little more special is the reservoir of selflessness and compassion she can call upon in reaching out to those in need. It is an ironic yet heartwarming trait in American society that so often those with the least to give are the first to extend their generosity.
"I would say my mom has played a major role as the inspiration in my life," Ellison said. "She is the hardest-working person I know. Every day she amazes me by just how much she cares for others, and I think that is a really important message she has shown me. Even while facing adversity, she will be the hardest-working person in the room and does not let others prevent her from achieving her goals.
"My mom has gone through so much, and I think it is important to realize that she has faced some pretty difficult obstacles for solely being a woman. Nonetheless, this never stopped her. As a single mom, she has raised and taken care of me on her own for a good portion of my life, and I am forever grateful for the enormous amount of sacrifices she had to make.
"If not for her, I definitely would not have the amount of opportunities I have today, let alone be playing volleyball in college. She has taught me how to be selfless by putting others before myself---not focused on my own success but the success of people around me. Enduring all the hardships of being a single mother and also a woman in the workplace, she has never stopped showing kindness and love for others. That is why my mom, Keri Smith, is my inspiration."
Keri Smith instilled a buoyant determination within her daughter that no matter how hard others try to keep her down, Sierra inevitably rises back up to the surface. That is a gift from mother to daughter worthy of a lifetime achievement award.
Ellison said that as a young girl growing up in a society that undeniably displays a bias against females whether by physical capability or emotional stability, she has experienced quite a few barriers.
"Playing baseball among boys at a very young age, I dealt with remarks thrown at me being a girl in a boys' sport," Ellison said. "I was told to quit, go play with other girls and that I did not belong there. I think my 10-year-old self, rather than listen to these hateful comments, took those words as an opportunity to prove why I was there. I turned those remarks into fuel to work harder, telling myself that the only way I can beat them is to prove them wrong.
"This is a lesson I take into my day-to-day life as a female student-athlete and want young girls growing up to learn. There will always be people discriminating against women and discrediting their accomplishments. However, by taking their words and using them as motivation to work harder is how they will overcome the people in their lives who seek to put others down."
*****
"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."
J.K. Rowling, author
Rutendo Chimbaru knows how to get from one place to another in a hurry as a Blue Demon Track and Field standout who helped the Blue Demons finish first in the 4x400 in the BIG EAST Outdoor Championships as a sophomore. The following two seasons, "Chim" as she known around the Sullivan Athletic Center, helped lead DePaul to runner-up finishes in the 4x400 at the conference indoor meet.
Collaborating on a relay team is just the beginning of Chimbaru's prowess in working with others towards a common goal. One of the more outspoken student-athletes at DePaul, she exudes the characteristics of a natural-born leader and indeed, Chim has served as Captains Council president.
Chimbaru has looked up to two women in particular---track and field legend Allyson Felix and a woman from Zimbabwe with the wonderfully lyrical name of Fortune Chimbaru.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Rutendo watched many of Felix's races and patterned her running style and race strategy after the Olympic champion sprinter. She ran the 200 and 400-meter races just like her idol while adopting the same resiliency that sustained Felix through challenges on and off the track.
"Allyson Felix is a major inspiration of mine and so is my mom," Chimbaru said. "When the odds have been against her, my mom has persevered through it all and taught me a lot of valuable lessons about defying the odds and persevering through challenges.
"As a female student-athlete back in Zimbabwe, I experienced some gender bias as a result of societal perceptions about female athletes. I started running track at a young age, but it seemed to be an expectation that by the time I was 16, I would stop because as a girl, I would find it difficult to balance school and track. Plus, track was not going to get me anywhere in life.
"I remember at one parent-teacher conference, one of my teachers told my parents to force me to quit running track because it seemed like a waste of time. That way, I would have more time to focus on schoolwork. I was not a bad student in high school at all
"I only heard some of these comments, but my parents heard most of them. I am grateful they didn't tell me everything that people were saying to them about encouraging me to quit track because as a female student-athlete, it wouldn't lead me anywhere. Without my parents' support, I would not have been able to pursue a collegiate track career."
*****
"Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
If she ever gets the chance, All-BIG EAST First Team forward Morgan Turner would lock arms and stand side-by-side with members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in their relentless demand of the U.S. Soccer Federation for real-life, real-dollars gender equality.
World Cup 2019 champions Megan Rapinoe and Margaret Purce were invited to the White House on Wednesday by President Joe Biden to commemorate "Equal Pay Day"---symbolizing how far into the year women must work to make up the paycheck disparity between what men and women earned on average the previous year.
The U.S. women's soccer team has sued the U.S. Soccer Federation over wage discrimination.
"I have always looked up to the US women's national soccer team as a group of strong women," Turner said. "I remember watching them when I was little and wanting to be just like them. They inspired me to work hard and push myself to be the best player I could be."
"As I have gotten older, I look up to them and other athletes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for being outspoken about issues such as equal pay, equitable media coverage and social justice. The sports world does not value women's sports or highlight women's athletic accomplishments as much as men's, but the U.S. Women's Soccer Team has always played an active role in changing that, which is really inspiring to me.
"I am very grateful to the staff at DePaul Athletics for placing a premium on women's sports. I appreciate that they represent us equally in media coverage and that so many staff members support us by coming to our games and recognizing our accomplishments."
*****
"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice."
Bethany Hamilton, author of "Soul Surfer" and shark attack survivor
The seven Blue Demons were asked to leave a message for young girls just now taking up sports, endeavoring to become the next Lexi Held or Maranda Gutierrez. What could they pass along to the little girls who look up to them?
"Enjoy the work you put in. Something that really helped me improve was when I started to enjoy my longer runs by admiring the landscape, observing the people around me on the lakefront and listening to my mind as my thoughts drift from one thing to another. Enjoying my runs really motivates me to get out and run almost every day because it is something that I look forward to doing."
Olivia Borowiak
"I would tell young girls that want to grow up and become a student-athlete to have confidence in themselves. Confidence is very important for young girls who may be faced with people who discourage them. Personally, I struggle a lot with confidence and I know I am not alone. Many athletes face difficulties with confidence in themselves and their skill level. But by having self-confidence, young girls will be able to achieve anything they set their mind to and not be afraid of failure because they have faith in their own abilities as an athlete and a young woman."
Sierra Ellison
"The journey to achieving your goals is not easy, but certainly worth it. Work hard, trust yourself and always have gratitude. Do not let your lowest or highest moments define you, but simply enjoy every moment because it is a privilege to be here."
Maranda Gutierrez
"You can do anything you set your mind to accomplishing. Be confident in who you are, be true to yourself and always believe in yourself. Learn from your teammates but don't compare yourself to them. Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something!"
Morgan Turner
"Becoming a successful student-athlete on the field of competition and in the classroom is not easy, but hard work does pay off. Stay focused on yourself, believe in yourself, and when the going gets tough---that's when you discover your true nature."
Lexi Held
"Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. No matter the external factors, as long as you stay true to yourself, you won't be affected by negative comments or abusive behavior. Appreciate and embrace who you are so you can follow your dreams and passions."
Aspasia Avgeri
"Keep believing in yourself and working hard towards your dreams. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to be better. Remember to cherish every moment and every opportunity you get to play your sport because nothing is ever promised."
Rutendo Chimbaru
One final thought, courtesy of Mother Teresa, to our seven dynamic Blue Demons who continue to inspire all of us.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples."
None of us would be here without them.
In commemoration of National Women's History Month, female student-athletes from DePaul Athletics programs have been invited to share their insight, feelings and thought-provoking stories about challenges they have overcome and the women who inspire them.
*****
"We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational---and so disciplined they can be free."
Kavita Ramdas, global advocate of gender equality
Cross-country runner Olivia Borowiak posted a 15th-place finish earlier this month at the BIG EAST Cross Country Championships in Cary, N.C. with a time of 21:06.5. It was the best finish at the conference championships since the Blue Demons have been a member of the BIG EAST.
There are two women who have served as inspirations for this sophomore from southwest suburban Yorkville---professional runner Alexi Pappas and Olivia's mother, Suzanne Borowiak.
"Alexi Pappas is a runner and a writer just like me, and she is a great inspiration because she is living my dream life," Borowiak said. "One day, I would love to race the 10K on a national setting and also publish a book. She has gone through ups and downs during her career, and I can learn from how she persevered through it.
"My mom serves as my inspiration because she has been tested through many health ailments and continues to be a supportive mother that's always looking out for her children and making the best of things. She is the strongest person I know because she has fought and is still fighting to stay here with us, her family."
For the most part, Borowiak said she hasn't been confronted by barriers or issues of racial or gender equality and inclusion that have plagued other female student-athletes and young women in general across our nation.
But Borowiak did encounter a frightening incident last week that women and girls reading this story may have also experienced at some time in their lives.
"The one obstacle that I have faced as a female athlete, and as a cross country and track runner who uses the city and the lakefront for practice is getting catcalls on the streets where I run or experiencing frighteningly close encounters with men while on my runs," Borowiak said.
"Actually just last week, this man was walking on the sidewalk near me as I waited for the light to change on one of my runs. I stepped forward to allow him more room to pass. The next thing I knew, he was right behind me, inches from me actually and trying to talk to me. I thought he was going to reach out and grab me, but then the light changed so I took my opportunity to run out of there.
"I think it is unfortunate that females like me have to be careful when we are outside of our homes because there's crazy men out there who just might do something to us. There is no reason for men to objectify our bodies, yet they do, and we know they do when they call to us on the streets or invade our space.
"And the only way to really deal with these issues is to just watch out for them and be aware, which is super sad that there's people in this world preventing me from being 100 percent safe on a simple afternoon run."
*****
"I raise up my voice not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…We cannot succeed when half of us are held back."
Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Prize laureate
Lexi Held is an All-BIG EAST First Team guard and the BIG EAST Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
And like Borowiak, Held spoke about her mom Monica as the person that has inspired her just by pushing Lexi to always work hard and go after what she wants no matter the obstacles she may face.
"I definitely think that being a female student-athlete has its challenges," Held said. "Often times we don't get the same respect as our male counterparts even though we work just as hard, if not harder."
Held addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the inequitable treatment of women student-athletes at the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
"I think it speaks a lot about what the NCAA's priorities are considering the things they say they stand for," Held started out. "But actions speak louder than words.
"It is very frustrating to see the lack of care for the women's side compared to the men's side. But it is reassuring how so many people spoke out immediately and demanded change.
"I deal with issues like these by focusing on my own goals and not allowing other people's options dictate my feelings. If anything, issues like these motivate me even more."
*****
"I had two options. One was to remain silent and never to speak and then to be killed by the terrorists. The second option was to speak up for my rights and then die. And I chose the second one."
Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Prize laureate
Unlike Borowiak and Held, All-BIG EAST women's tennis standout Aspasia Avgeri came from a different environment being born and raised in Athens, Greece.
And yet, when it comes to reflecting on the most important woman in her life, Avgeri is cut from the same cloth as Borowiak and Held.
"My mom has inspired me a lot throughout my life," Avgeri said. "She's a woman that always fought to get where she is today regardless of what obstacles she had to face. She has four kids and never stopped working full-time. She always found the time to take care of us, take us to tennis practices or any other activities and be there for us without hesitation.
"She prioritized us without giving up her career and goals. My mom is always fighting for what she wants and deserves, and that's something that stayed with me as a child. She taught me that everything can be achieved if you want it bad enough---but it can only be achieved if you fight for it."
Avgeri acknowledged that every young female athlete has stories to share about encountering ordeals. For Aspa, growing up playing sports as a female was not as hard considering that her parents were always around to lend support
But with Georgios and Maria Avgeri 5,440 miles away, it was Maria's feisty spirit that sustained her daughter during tough times living in a foreign country.
"Things changed when I came to the United States," Avgeri said. "It was a challenge for me especially because my parents and my family were so far away. I'm originally from Greece and my accent will always give that away. I'm proud of where I'm from and of my accent.
"Unfortunately, people who don't view foreigners as equals love to express their opinion. One time, a student at DePaul heard my accent and he approached me saying that I should go back to the (despicable) country I'm from, and if I don't do it on my own, Donald Trump will make sure that I will be deported.
"This was pretty hurtful. I came to the US to be a part of the athletic program and play the sport that I love so much and I was not ready for this kind of treatment.
"Even though I was hurt at the beginning, I realized that comments of individuals shouldn't change the way I feel about who I am or feel any less proud about where I'm from. Especially when comments like these come out of hatred and from people that I don't know. My teammates helped me a lot to understand what happened, and that means the world to me."
*****
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
Mother Teresa
Maranda Gutierrez is an All-BIG EAST First Team infielder and the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year who cherishes the opportunity to celebrate womanhood and share with us the inspirations in her life.
Taking time to reflect on all of the accomplishments, she believes Women's History Month has made it quite apparent that women are truly capable of anything. Despite a history of not being afforded equitable opportunities for suffrage, education, athletics or careers in science and government among others, women continue to overcome barriers.
As examples, Gutierrez pointed to Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Kamala Harris and Mae C. Jemison among many others playing significant roles in our society.
"My greatest female inspirations are my mother, nana and grandma," Gutierrez said. "My mother has inspired me with her relentless work ethic as a business owner as well as her selflessness as a caring person. She has taught me what it means to be a light unto others through her compassionate actions and words.
"My nana (my mother's mom) has taught me about the importance of sacrifice and forgiveness. As a mother of eight as well as opening her home to her mother and mother-in-law, my nana cared for everyone without ever complaining. Even when my nana's father had left their family when she was only eight years old, she was still willing to take care of him towards the end of his life. Her willingness to forgive and love others is truly inspiring.
"My grandma (my father's mom) inspires me with her generosity and strength. No matter what my grandma has, she always gives her all! Whether it is her time, energy or physical resources, my grandma is extremely generous to both those she knows and does not know. My grandma is also very strong as she is the glue that holds my family together and excels in her role as our peacekeeper."
*****
"Fill your life with women that empower you, that help you believe in your magic and aid them to believe in their own exceptional power and their incredible magic too. Women that believe in each other can survive anything. Women who believe in each other create armies that will win kingdoms and wars."
Nikita Gill, writer and poet
The woman who empowers Blue Demon volleyball player Sierra Ellison may not even realize the profound impact she has on others. Just in the natural course of living her life, this woman has been a shining beacon for Ellison and many more.
Raising a family on her own while forging ahead in the workplace on the wings of a competitive brand of individualism is a situation not uncommon for women across this country.
What makes this a little more special is the reservoir of selflessness and compassion she can call upon in reaching out to those in need. It is an ironic yet heartwarming trait in American society that so often those with the least to give are the first to extend their generosity.
"I would say my mom has played a major role as the inspiration in my life," Ellison said. "She is the hardest-working person I know. Every day she amazes me by just how much she cares for others, and I think that is a really important message she has shown me. Even while facing adversity, she will be the hardest-working person in the room and does not let others prevent her from achieving her goals.
"My mom has gone through so much, and I think it is important to realize that she has faced some pretty difficult obstacles for solely being a woman. Nonetheless, this never stopped her. As a single mom, she has raised and taken care of me on her own for a good portion of my life, and I am forever grateful for the enormous amount of sacrifices she had to make.
"If not for her, I definitely would not have the amount of opportunities I have today, let alone be playing volleyball in college. She has taught me how to be selfless by putting others before myself---not focused on my own success but the success of people around me. Enduring all the hardships of being a single mother and also a woman in the workplace, she has never stopped showing kindness and love for others. That is why my mom, Keri Smith, is my inspiration."
Keri Smith instilled a buoyant determination within her daughter that no matter how hard others try to keep her down, Sierra inevitably rises back up to the surface. That is a gift from mother to daughter worthy of a lifetime achievement award.
Ellison said that as a young girl growing up in a society that undeniably displays a bias against females whether by physical capability or emotional stability, she has experienced quite a few barriers.
"Playing baseball among boys at a very young age, I dealt with remarks thrown at me being a girl in a boys' sport," Ellison said. "I was told to quit, go play with other girls and that I did not belong there. I think my 10-year-old self, rather than listen to these hateful comments, took those words as an opportunity to prove why I was there. I turned those remarks into fuel to work harder, telling myself that the only way I can beat them is to prove them wrong.
"This is a lesson I take into my day-to-day life as a female student-athlete and want young girls growing up to learn. There will always be people discriminating against women and discrediting their accomplishments. However, by taking their words and using them as motivation to work harder is how they will overcome the people in their lives who seek to put others down."
*****
"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better."
J.K. Rowling, author
Rutendo Chimbaru knows how to get from one place to another in a hurry as a Blue Demon Track and Field standout who helped the Blue Demons finish first in the 4x400 in the BIG EAST Outdoor Championships as a sophomore. The following two seasons, "Chim" as she known around the Sullivan Athletic Center, helped lead DePaul to runner-up finishes in the 4x400 at the conference indoor meet.
Collaborating on a relay team is just the beginning of Chimbaru's prowess in working with others towards a common goal. One of the more outspoken student-athletes at DePaul, she exudes the characteristics of a natural-born leader and indeed, Chim has served as Captains Council president.
Chimbaru has looked up to two women in particular---track and field legend Allyson Felix and a woman from Zimbabwe with the wonderfully lyrical name of Fortune Chimbaru.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Rutendo watched many of Felix's races and patterned her running style and race strategy after the Olympic champion sprinter. She ran the 200 and 400-meter races just like her idol while adopting the same resiliency that sustained Felix through challenges on and off the track.
"Allyson Felix is a major inspiration of mine and so is my mom," Chimbaru said. "When the odds have been against her, my mom has persevered through it all and taught me a lot of valuable lessons about defying the odds and persevering through challenges.
"As a female student-athlete back in Zimbabwe, I experienced some gender bias as a result of societal perceptions about female athletes. I started running track at a young age, but it seemed to be an expectation that by the time I was 16, I would stop because as a girl, I would find it difficult to balance school and track. Plus, track was not going to get me anywhere in life.
"I remember at one parent-teacher conference, one of my teachers told my parents to force me to quit running track because it seemed like a waste of time. That way, I would have more time to focus on schoolwork. I was not a bad student in high school at all
"I only heard some of these comments, but my parents heard most of them. I am grateful they didn't tell me everything that people were saying to them about encouraging me to quit track because as a female student-athlete, it wouldn't lead me anywhere. Without my parents' support, I would not have been able to pursue a collegiate track career."
*****
"Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
If she ever gets the chance, All-BIG EAST First Team forward Morgan Turner would lock arms and stand side-by-side with members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team in their relentless demand of the U.S. Soccer Federation for real-life, real-dollars gender equality.
World Cup 2019 champions Megan Rapinoe and Margaret Purce were invited to the White House on Wednesday by President Joe Biden to commemorate "Equal Pay Day"---symbolizing how far into the year women must work to make up the paycheck disparity between what men and women earned on average the previous year.
The U.S. women's soccer team has sued the U.S. Soccer Federation over wage discrimination.
"I have always looked up to the US women's national soccer team as a group of strong women," Turner said. "I remember watching them when I was little and wanting to be just like them. They inspired me to work hard and push myself to be the best player I could be."
"As I have gotten older, I look up to them and other athletes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for being outspoken about issues such as equal pay, equitable media coverage and social justice. The sports world does not value women's sports or highlight women's athletic accomplishments as much as men's, but the U.S. Women's Soccer Team has always played an active role in changing that, which is really inspiring to me.
"I am very grateful to the staff at DePaul Athletics for placing a premium on women's sports. I appreciate that they represent us equally in media coverage and that so many staff members support us by coming to our games and recognizing our accomplishments."
*****
"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice."
Bethany Hamilton, author of "Soul Surfer" and shark attack survivor
The seven Blue Demons were asked to leave a message for young girls just now taking up sports, endeavoring to become the next Lexi Held or Maranda Gutierrez. What could they pass along to the little girls who look up to them?
"Enjoy the work you put in. Something that really helped me improve was when I started to enjoy my longer runs by admiring the landscape, observing the people around me on the lakefront and listening to my mind as my thoughts drift from one thing to another. Enjoying my runs really motivates me to get out and run almost every day because it is something that I look forward to doing."
Olivia Borowiak
"I would tell young girls that want to grow up and become a student-athlete to have confidence in themselves. Confidence is very important for young girls who may be faced with people who discourage them. Personally, I struggle a lot with confidence and I know I am not alone. Many athletes face difficulties with confidence in themselves and their skill level. But by having self-confidence, young girls will be able to achieve anything they set their mind to and not be afraid of failure because they have faith in their own abilities as an athlete and a young woman."
Sierra Ellison
"The journey to achieving your goals is not easy, but certainly worth it. Work hard, trust yourself and always have gratitude. Do not let your lowest or highest moments define you, but simply enjoy every moment because it is a privilege to be here."
Maranda Gutierrez
"You can do anything you set your mind to accomplishing. Be confident in who you are, be true to yourself and always believe in yourself. Learn from your teammates but don't compare yourself to them. Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something!"
Morgan Turner
"Becoming a successful student-athlete on the field of competition and in the classroom is not easy, but hard work does pay off. Stay focused on yourself, believe in yourself, and when the going gets tough---that's when you discover your true nature."
Lexi Held
"Follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. No matter the external factors, as long as you stay true to yourself, you won't be affected by negative comments or abusive behavior. Appreciate and embrace who you are so you can follow your dreams and passions."
Aspasia Avgeri
"Keep believing in yourself and working hard towards your dreams. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to be better. Remember to cherish every moment and every opportunity you get to play your sport because nothing is ever promised."
Rutendo Chimbaru
One final thought, courtesy of Mother Teresa, to our seven dynamic Blue Demons who continue to inspire all of us.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples."
Players Mentioned
/ WOMEN'S TENNIS
/ TRACK AND FIELD
/ TRACK AND FIELD
OH
/ WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
INF
/ SOFTBALL
F
/ WOMEN'S SOCCEREpisode 29: Kacy & Jenna
Thursday, November 13
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Wednesday, March 19
Episode 11: DeWayne Peevy, Vice President/Director of Athletics
Wednesday, December 18
Blue Demon Breakdown - Oct. 16
Wednesday, October 16