This article is about a female sophomore from Boise, Idaho, who plays on a boys’ lacrosse team. Sara Maras learned to play the boys’ rules of lacrosse at an early age, and found it much more appealing than the female version. She liked that the boys’ rules involved much more physical contact. Maras tried out for and made the boy’s lacrosse team at her high school, Borah High. The problem was not among her fellow male teammates, but from the adults who got involved. Maras coach, Erik Jones, petitioned the Treasure Valley Lacrosse League to allow her to play. They claimed that Maras was in danger of getting hurt and that the boys on the team would be afraid to play at full speed. Also, league commissioner, Stephen Smith, claimed that this raised all kinds of social and political red flags. Eventually, the outcome of this controversial case was in favor of Sara Maras and she currently is still playing on the boys’ lacrosse team. I was pleased to read that Maras was allowed to stay on the boy’s lacrosse team because it raises the bar for female athletes and their physical abilities. Throughout the semester, we have learned how female athletes are constantly being suppressed and degraded through the media, as well as other sources. In the case of Sara Maras, it seems to bring a new light to female athletes who are just as physically capable as their fellow male competitors. If more cases like Sara Maras were enforced, then maybe female athletes could step away from the stereotypical image and prove that they too have what it takes.
Chloe Neter
KIN 338I.S6
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I agree with Chloe, that by this female student joining a boys sports team will raise the bar for women in sports. This is such a great accomplishment for Sara Maras. There may not be an immediate change now but women are one step closer for equality in women's sports. I am pleased to know that Sara got to stay on the Lacrosse team and play with the boys team. She has broken a barrier for women's sports that is not often achieved, and earning the equality that women deserve. Just because she is a female doesn't mean she doesn't have the talent to play with the boys. This will open the door for women in the future and motivate them to compete with the boys. I think Sara's integrity is inspiring to many young female athletes.
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