In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Bandits are highlighting women who have made their mark on basketball on and off the court, who are excelling in the sports industry and who continue to break barriers.
Members of Bandits front office and gameday staff have shared their thoughts on what female representation in sports means to them.
Kat Stefankiewicz - In-Game Host
"More women are finding the willpower and support to create change. We see more women in positions where there was a void which in turn drives inspiration. The more we support gender balance and highlight the growth of a minority presence as a collective, the greater the gap closes between genders. I look forward to the day where this question is behind us. I also look forward to continuing to support the movement towards equality in sports with my whole heart."
Katia Sanon - Athletic Therapist
"I think women representation matters as it shows to future generations that if it is a girl's dream is to be involved in sports, she can. Seeing more women in sport shows that we have a place in the industry and that we are an added value. By being a woman in sports, I want to inspire others to break into the industry and see the health benefits as well as the positive mental and social impacts of physical activity."
Coco Sauve - Account Executive
"Being a woman in sports is an opportunity to create representation for the future generations. Sports has impacted my life in ways that I could never imagine by giving me a platform to instill confidence & learn invaluable skills through the sport of basketball"
Shantelle Chand - Sideline Reporter
"Female representation in the sports industry is essential because not too long ago, there was a time when women weren't showcased enough on sports platforms. It's important to me to see women get more opportunities in sports media because we will always substantially have more of a difficult path to success regardless of our talent, knowledge, and skills. Working alongside so many amazing women in the field makes me extremely hopeful for the future, and the doors that we will open for others. "
Kristina Weir - Game Day Director
"I have had the honour of being both brought into and mentored by some incredible women in this industry, and because of that I’ve been able to make my mark doing what I love. I use every opportunity I can to pay it forward by supporting my fellow women, and encouraging those looking to break in, to get involved. I’m proud to be a woman in sports, and do my part in growing our representation in the industry."
Taylor Claggett - Operations Assistant
"The role sports has played in my life has been invaluable. It gave me the confidence as a young girl to dream big and take risks, and I know it does the same for many other young girls that are involved in sport. It’s important for girls to see females in the sport industry that they can look up to so that they can continue to see greater opportunities for themselves through their involvement in sport beyond the playing field”
Emmy Curtis - Broadcast Volunteer
"I am so inspired by the increased representation of women in the sports industry. My career as a sports reporter has been influenced by women like Erin Andrews and Doris Burke, female leaders who paved the way for our generation. What female representation in the industry means to me is having the opportunity to be a role model for young girls and showing them that they can do anything they put their mind to."
Diana Hong - Communications Volunteer
"Although we came far from how we were in the past where women could not even participate in sports, it is upsetting to see how girls and women are falsely represented in the sports industry. Being a woman in sport means constantly proving people wrong by breaking the current stereotypes surrounding girls and women athletes."
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