She holds the NCAA Division I record for most home races by a woman’s softball player. Your achievements on the diamond are diverse. But behind all the awards and recognition as one of the greatest athletes in the world, there is Lauren Chamberlain’s commitment to mentoring young girls and women who
She holds the NCAA Division I record for most home races by a woman’s softball player. Your achievements on the diamond are diverse. But behind all the awards and recognition as one of the greatest athletes in the world, there is Lauren Chamberlain’s ambition to look after young girls and women who are about to have a bright future.
Chamberlain hosted several Instagram live shows for Cut 4 on Wednesday to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. He discussed the impact of women in athletics with Diamond and Delino DeShields, Jessica and Jo Adell, and Rachel Balkovec. But Chamberlain also shared her own story in a special segment where she explained how much it meant to her to be a mentor and speaker to inspire other girls and women to realize their dreams in athletics or any other field .
“If you look around today, there are some serious women in the sports of baseball, softball, soccer, and sports who can thank their athletic experiences for their work ethic,” Chamberlain said. “I think about [new Marlins general manager] Kim Ng, she played softball. [Red Sox Minor League coach] Bianca Smith played softball. [ESPN baseball broadcaster] Jessica Mendoza played softball. [Giants coach] Alyssa Nakken played softball. And these are all top notch amazing women, without a doubt, I’m sure if you ask them if exercise is involved – absolutely. “
Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach full time in major leagues, shares her thoughts on her first season at the @ SFGiants and why the National Girls and Women in Sports Day is important to her. 💪 #NGWSD pic.twitter.com/3aNTaOF9gk
– MLB (@MLB) February 3, 2021
Chamberlain cited an incredible statistic during her segment to underscore the critical link between amateur sport and future success for women everywhere.
“Ninety-four percent of women in leadership positions in business have at one point or another been in sport,” Chamberlain said. “And [more than 50 percent] played at college level. So not only does it ensure that girls have access to the sport regardless of their income or origin or whatever, it’s not just access to it, but keeps them in the game and lets them have the platforms to get on with To get to college level, learn more about yourself and guide you into a stellar career. “
Chamberlain also referred to what she referred to as the “bounce back game” – the ability to “bounce back” from difficulties or obstacles in life learned through sports – particularly in “high failure” sports such as baseball and Softball What you fail more than you succeed and even three hits in 10 bats are considered excellent.
For Chamberlain, it was after a record breaking college run with the University of Oklahoma, followed by a pro stint with the USSSA Pride, to channel her passion to help other girls and women prepare for the future through motivational speaking and mentoring as well Join MLB as the host of its YouTube show “Stack’d”.
“For me it was, I just retired – that was a few years ago – what now? What should I do now?” Said Chamberlain. “I’m not sure I’m good at hosting. I was always on the other side of the camera where the questions were asked. I’m not sure if I’m really good at asking questions or a too command room or commander of the show. “
Chamberlain attributes “the will to try” that comes from sport.
“I could fall on my face. I could lose this game for us. I could strike with the loaded bases to end the game which happened before,” she said. “But you know what? I survived. I got up, straightened up, and tried again. The ‘don’t worry’, ‘get up’, ‘do it’, always appreciating the attempt, is something I do I will always cherish and hold my heart high. “
Chamberlain follows in the footsteps of women who have written their names in the history books as pioneers in various fields, and she is well aware of that. She looks back, but she also looks forward, working to ensure that the baton is passed on to another generation of women who will be doing amazing things in the years to come.
“Everything I’ve been taught,” said Chamberlain, “the women who came before me, the women who paved the way, the women who are still below me, pave the way, it’s a cycle.”
