Girls Can Play Too!

 I played one of the most expensive sports - and I'm forever grateful!

The cost of ice hockey is right up there with skiing and figure skating. Why? Because you’re paying to rent the space to play the sport plus the pricey equipment.

I started playing roller hockey when I was 8 years old, then ice hockey started at 12 years old. I also got the opportunity to play for a local D3 NCAA college team during my undergraduate studies. 

I miss it, but my hips and knees do not!

All of this was from the unconditional love and contribution of my godparents, Janet and Ted. 

They spent hours upon hours at hockey rinks, camps, games, tournaments, driving in the car, and going to team meetings.

Because of their vision to give to me opportunities they didn’t have, I learned invaluable skills that go beyond hockey.

Mostly, I learned the value of planning for your ideal lifestyle while in retirement. For Ted and Janet, that lifestyle included hockey and supporting their godchildren.

Ted ran the numbers regularly, keeping a tight hockey budget. He was very vocal about what we could or could not afford. If the market was down, we knew to avoid eye contact with Ted that day.

He also supported my undergraduate studies financially and directionally, helping me understand and navigate the college process.

In planning their retirement funds, Ted knew how much they needed for their own well being, house expenses, college and hockey expenses.

Now, imagine this hockey scenario- every game there’s a chance to break one of those sticks, which cost $100-300 per stick. And every new season required new skates, an easy $4-600. 

The numbers quickly add up and that’s not even counting the cost to join the local AAA ice hockey team (Philadelphia Little Flyers Girls), which he helped create from the ground up alongside other badass parents. 

With Ted’s financial know-how and support, he factored in paying for college, which allowed me to travel, study and teach abroad in my 20s versus being bogged down by student loans. 

His vision for my education set me on a path of immense growth, shaping my personal and professional life.

Ted taught me the value of financial planning, character development and the power of community. 

More than anything, he was an advocate for women being in spaces normally dominated by men. 

He was my biggest fan! 

He used to tell me, “just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean you can't do it. Girls can play too.”

His words remind me of what I'm capable of, beyond my own perceptions and society’s perceptions of me. 

Looking back at my athletic achievements, I realize the true cost of unwavering support, love and admiration.

Through Ted's legacy, I am determined to have women be decision makers in finances, communities, and spaces that once belonged to men only.

Through hockey, I saw the need for women to empower each other and be empowered by our biggest fans. 

As women, we have the power to transform the arena of our dreams and aspirations. 

An arena where we power our children, families, and communities, by lifting them up through unwavering support, love and admiration.

It’s our turn for a seat at the table and we have many of our own supporting us, cheering us on!!

Let’s play!