What are your favorite sports to watch and play?

From the sidelines to the court, how sports became a source of empowerment, competition, and connection.

Not Just a Game: Why Sports Matter More Than Ever

Okay, let’s get one thing straight—when I say “sports,” I’m not just talking about dudes in tight pants tackling each other (though, let’s be real, that has its appeal). I’m talking about the energy, the strategy, the heart-racing tension, the community, and yes—the downright euphoria of a win. Sports aren’t just entertainment; they’re a movement. A culture. A lesson in resilience, power, and straight-up joy.

For too long, sports have been seen as a “man’s world,” but that narrative is getting rewritten—by us. Black women are showing up, showing out, and proving that the game wouldn’t be the same without us. Whether it’s in the stands, on the court, or behind the scenes, we are in the conversation. And it’s about time.

My Not-So-Graceful Introduction to Sports

I wasn’t always the type to break a sweat willingly. Growing up, I was more of a bookworm than an athlete. I preferred turning pages to running laps. But college changed everything. Maybe it was the influence of some fierce women I met, maybe it was the realization that my metabolism wasn’t going to carry me forever—but I found myself signing up for an intramural basketball team.

Was I good? Absolutely not. Did I trip over my own feet? More times than I’d like to admit. But something clicked. The adrenaline rush of competition, the sisterhood of teammates hyping each other up, the way my body felt strong even when I was out of breath—I was hooked.

Sports stopped being just a “thing people do” and became a way for me to push myself, build confidence, and connect with a larger community.

Why Sports Are More Than Just Games

For Black millennial and Gen X women, sports aren’t just about playing or watching; they’re about representation, wellness, and empowerment.

1. Representation Matters—On and Off the Court

It’s one thing to love a sport. It’s another to see yourself in it. Growing up, women’s sports weren’t given the same spotlight, and Black women in sports? Even less so.

But now? We’ve got Serena and Venus Williams dominating tennis, Simone Biles rewriting gymnastics history, and Angel Reese proving that confidence is a weapon in college basketball. These women are more than athletes; they’re icons, challenging the system and inspiring the next generation to step into their power.

And it’s not just the superstars. Black women are coaching, reporting, managing, and changing the game in ways we don’t always see. The WNBA, for example, is leading the way in activism, equal pay fights, and creating spaces where women’s sports are taken seriously.

2. Sports as Self-Care

Yes, sports are about competition, but they’re also about wellness—mental, physical, and emotional.

• Physical Strength: Forget fitting into a certain aesthetic. Playing sports is about what your body can do, not just how it looks.

• Mental Resilience: Losing a game, training hard, and coming back stronger? That mindset translates into every area of life.

• Community & Support: Whether it’s a yoga class, a pick-up game, or just a crew watching the game together, sports connect us.

When I’m having a stressful week, getting on the court or taking a long run does more for me than scrolling through self-care tips ever could. Movement is medicine.

3. Women Compete, Too—And That’s a Good Thing

There’s a myth that women aren’t competitive. That we don’t take the game seriously. That we’re just “there to have fun.”

Let me tell you—that’s a lie.

Black women are natural competitors. We strive for excellence in our careers, our businesses, our creativity—why should sports be any different? Whether it’s a WNBA finals game or a friendly tennis match, competition fuels greatness. It teaches us to fight for what we want. To push past our limits. To be unapologetic about winning.

So, What’s My Sport of Choice?

Honestly? It depends on my mood.

• Basketball? Always. There’s something about the fast pace, the quick thinking, the sheer skill of it all.

• Soccer? Love the strategy, the finesse, and the global energy.

• Tennis? If Serena and Coco Gauff are playing, I’m watching. Period.

• Yoga? It may not have a scoreboard, but mastering a challenging pose feels like a win to me.

But beyond playing or watching, my favorite part of sports is the culture, the stories, and the shared passion. The way a game can bring people together, spark debates, and even inspire change.

The Call to Action: Get in the Game

If you’ve never been into sports, let me challenge you to give it a shot. Not just as a spectator, but as a participant.

• Try a new sport—basketball, tennis, running, even martial arts.

• Support women’s sports—watch WNBA games, buy merch, show up.

• Use sports as self-care—move your body, clear your mind, find your strength.

The world of sports is changing, and Black women are a part of that shift. We’re not just watching from the sidelines. We’re in the game. And we’re winning.