For the 40th anniversary of Title IX current and former college and professional female athletes have shared the significance of sports in their lives. Our “In Her Own Words” series continues with Chambray Johnson.

Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

When I was a toddler, I would throw balls around and run all over the place. Over the years, I added structure to my life in regards to knowing the rules and proper ways of playing the sport I loved.

My favorite sport is basketball. I remember watching the game wanting to mimic every move that I saw. Once I reached middle school, I would finally have my chance.

My first year playing structured basketball was in middle school. I had no problems grasping the concepts and easily became one of the best players on the team. What I realized at this early age was that basketball was never just about basketball. The practices that we endured helped to build endurance within me. My teammates became my closest friends and we developed a lifelong bond throughout the years. Also, both my coaches and parents stressed that there would be no basketball if my grades were not satisfactory.

Playing in middle school and high school provided the opportunity to know what it felt like to be Most Valuable Player, Best Defensive Player, and Coaches Choice. Also I received numerous other awards. The awards were a tangible symbol of my hard work both on and off the court. Although I worked hard during middle school and high school, I did not have many adverse situations.

Upon entering my freshman year at Albany State University, I realized that I would have to prove myself in order to play the game that I loved. So each day I pushed myself to limits that I was unaware existed. I ran faster, jumped higher, shot the ball with more accuracy, played harder defense, and ultimately became a better leader. In doing so for a four-year period, I was awarded Most Valuable Player and named Female Athlete of the Year, graduating with honors. Additionally, I ran track and field for four years and held my school’s record for most points in the heptathlon for over 10 years.

Participating in sports developed me into the person that I am today. When I am faced with adversity, I welcome the challenge. I look for ways to overcome it and learn a lesson in the end. Being afforded the opportunity to play sports is the reason I’m able to live a certain life today. My hope is that we continue to allow women’s sports to grow. In an effort to continue this growth I am a mentor for young girls who play sports. I have a Sports Management company, Inbound Sports Management, which focuses on women’s sports and brings different leagues and sporting events into the community for women of all ages.

Thank you Title IX! In 1972, eight years before I was born, this amendment passed. It gave women a voice and an outlet to live life as men have always done. We are equal and we prove it daily with our brilliant efforts playing, coaching, and mentoring in the sports we love.

Chambray Johnson #31