progress in motion

Last week I shared a story. A story that was emotional for me and brought to life certain memories that were not-so-easy to re-live. Since sharing that story I’ve heard from and connected with people all over the world. Other moms who have experienced similar, tough experiences, men who have shared great compassion and support, along with a range of in-betweens. 

Today I’m here to share some positive news that’s arrived from Italy. News of progress towards supporting women through maternity in sport.

A movement in Italian government started recently, my case as one of the reference points. Until now volleyball athletes as well as a few other team sports at the professional level have been considered amateur sports, which allowed for clubs to have zero obligation to support a woman if a pregnancy were to occur during a contractural season. The year 2022 brings with it the possibility for this to change. It’s very clear that this is a top-down issue. These decisions being made are not at the coaching or club organization level to decide, this is higher up than that, it’s at the legislative level. Thankfully this newfound buzz on the topic advocating for women in sport says that in a year’s time there could be a whole new level of support for female athletes playing in Italy. Knowing that my case was among those in this discussion tells me that my story is important. All of our stories can make a difference. Whether or not I could speak up at the time, other female athletes did and have been since, and there is progress being made. YES. 

Although my experience may not have been ideal, considering the way the Italian law has been set up, the actual organization I was representing when I found out I was pregnant is currently doing what is considered legal and “right by the athlete”.  Since 2018, in Italy, a fund was established for high level athletes under contract and with child. This fund is limited and restricted only to top level female athletes, Italian or foreign, who are on an Italian sport team roster. For the athlete to get access to this support, the club has to request for it to be activated and is required to provide documents on behalf of the player. From what I understand this is not mandatory law for the club to go through this process, they have a choice. That said- I’m grateful this organization is currently helping me along the path of gaining what is legally considered mine now. 

Sharing this today is bringing me joy because I believe highlighting the good in the world and putting our energy into goodness helps it to grow. Like attracts like. I want to hear and see more good fights like this happening all over the world for our female population. I want to know that if this child inside of me is a baby girl she will be growing up with endless possibilities in front of her. I want our leaders to show us that being a woman and a mother and an athlete is something to recognize and to celebrate. 

As much as people wonder and say how are we still having these kinds of conversations in 2021? - better now than never…forever now.

Having these conversations and talking about what is fair and right is not always comfortable - but it is definitely needed.

Will I be signing another contract to play this upcoming season overseas?

-Hot topic at the moment. I’m currently weighing options and figuring out what I’d like to do!

But as I mentioned in an earlier blog, that vision of being back on the court with my child in the stands watching me play - that’s a vision that brings a great big smile to my face. I watch other women doing it and I see the fight, I see the strength it takes and the perseverance. I’m very aware that it will not be an easy road back to the court, that it may very well be filled with all kinds of bumps and obstacles…but what in life that’s worth pursuing doesn’t have along with it the need for some resilience and pushback? 

I’m about six weeks away from birthing this little being Earthside. I feel like I have an endless list of decisions to make and things to learn about and ways to prepare myself. The overwhelm is still a very real part of my everyday experience. 

All of the support I continue to feel build around me is incredibly helpful. 

I hope this can be a reminder to you today to lend a helping hand where you can and to know that you are valuable, even if the value seems minuscule or minor. 

We all carry potential for progress to be put into motion. 

The future feels brighter today. There’s hope. There’s light. 

I’m thankful to those individuals fighting the good fight and standing for us and advocating on behalf of those that are in need.

Here’s to more good news on the horizon.