They play as kids in knee-length jerseys and as D-I athletes in college colors. They fall and fail. They rise again to raise trophies. They’re questioned for becoming parents or proving critics wrong. But girls and women in sport show up. They show up to make an impact, to have fun, to break records, to support their teammates, to represent, and on Wednesday, girls and women in sports are celebrated. National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 2 recognizes those who work t

Just 15 out of 100. That was Belmont’s 2021 score on the athletic equality index compiled by Athlete Ally, a nonprofit LGBTQ athlete advocacy group. In its final year in the Ohio Valley Conference, Belmont currently holds the third-lowest AEI score in the conference. The average score for OVC members is 20.6, while the average score in the Missouri Valley Conference — which the Bruins will join in 2022 — is 38.8. For queer-identifying athletes like ‘21 softball alumnus Georgi

Simone Biles said ‘no’ at the Tokyo Olympics. Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open. Kevin Love left the NBA court mid-game. In leaving the game, they shook the sports world, and media outlets ravenously sought an explanation. Athletes are relied on for their strength and skill; they’re not supposed to throw in the towel. So why did these athletes take a step back from the sports they love? The answers: because of stress and the demand to perform. Because of social anxiet

For nursing junior and Bruins baseballer Tommy Crider, the day starts before dawn when his alarm clock blares at 5:15 a.m. A quick shower and breakfast later, he leaves for his assigned health care facility for a 6:15 a.m. clinical shift. Clocking out 12 hours later, he heads home to a pile of homework after a busy day on his feet. Waking up at 6:30 a.m. the next morning, a lifting session awaits before hours of class. He rushes off to his midday practice, hitting balls and r