For some, self-expression is an idea limited to the confines of clothing, brightly dyed hair, and tattoo sleeves. It is something not necessarily noticed by a crowd of sports fans as a player steps onto the field or as a runner takes their place in their lane. For some athletes, though, it is something that they take into careful consideration, as mindful of a step in their pre-competition routine as warming up.
Members of the Lasell women’s track and field team have various reasons for the way they express themselves during meet days, whether it’s to help them physically compete to the best of their abilities or to boost their confidence. Because of the strict limitations of uniforms, those who find self-expression important think outside the box to find ways besides fashion to show off their personalities.
Senior health science major Mikayla Bokis explained that individuality is an important part of athletics. “I find that self-expression is crucial especially when it comes to athletics since athletes are often stereotyped and don’t have the chance to express themselves openly during competition,” Bokis said.
Freshman thrower and forensic science major Lillian Sullivan echoed the sentiment. “Women often express themselves through hairstyles and accessories in athletics to showcase their individuality and confidence, creating a fierce presence that goes beyond performance. It allows for a competitive spirit to be built with a bold and unmistakable style,” Sullivan said.
Despite this, she also explained that sometimes, aspects of self-expression like hairstyles and jewelry are carefully considered by athletes from a practical standpoint rather than one of individualism. “I put my hair in two French braids before every meet because it’s a reliable hairstyle that won’t get in the way of my performance, ensuring focus and consistency,” Sullivan said. “This isn’t necessarily superstition; it’s about practicality and knowing what will withstand the demands of the sport.”
She mentioned that although she wears a lot of different jewelry in her everyday life, since throws are counted as fouls if anything, including rings or bracelets, falls off and out of the throwing circle, she typically opts to only wear a small silver necklace.
Sullivan said that along with her practical meet-day style, she is often grounded during competition by her sentimental tattoo that reminds her of her family. “I have a tattoo of a five-leaf clover on my inner left arm, which represents my Irish grandfather. It holds extra significance in my sport because it’s on my block arm for shot put, so I see it before every throw,” she said. “It’s a reminder of my heritage and family strength each time I compete.”
Both athletes mentioned that expressivity can be found at the team level, as well as within the individual women. In the past, captains have provided the team with matching Laser blue hair ribbons and face glitter, and coaches have handed out temporary tattoos branded with the Lasell torch at GNAC championships.
“I believe that these team traditions like picking out matching ribbons or helping each other with hair and accessories establish a unique bond that goes beyond just being teammates,” Sullivan said. “It creates a sense of sisterhood, especially within the women’s team, where these small rituals strengthen our support for each other. As a freshman, I already feel that this closeness brings everyone together and builds a strong, positive team culture that boosts morale.”
It is these bonds that help the team uplift one another in competition and practice. Taking the time to braid a teammate’s hair or providing them with anything they need to feel confident–even if it is something as seemingly silly as glitter–helps women to feel accepted and bonded in a place they once were refused access to.
“I think females deserve to express themselves, especially when it comes to athletics,” Bokis said. “Sports used to be for men only. Now that we have the chance, it is more important than ever that women stay true to themselves and express themselves while still playing a sport.”
Individuality helps athletes to separate themselves from a group, to prove that they are their own person as well as a member of a team. It gives people confidence and a sense of self. But it helps women to reclaim things they have been told can’t coexist at once; being tough and “girly,” muscular and swift, athletes and women.
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