In middle school, my cousin, Erica, introduced me to playing sports. She was a year older than me, so when I entered middle school, she was already on sport teams like: basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and soccer. Erica was athletic, even until this day she’s still athletic…me, not-so-much. I didn’t even know what lacrosse was until she introduced me to it.

Although I didn’t play as many sports as she played, I am grateful that she introduced me to the ones I did play. I continued to play sports throughout high school, and although I wasn’t the best on my team or MVP, what it led to was having an interest in fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I always liked being on a team because there’s a certain bond that you create between you and your teammates, even if you don’t like someone, you all have the same goal in common — to win, to achieve, to succeed, to be better. And I think that is something that I find women athletes take to heart most. As women, we are the underdog in a lot of ways, and there’s a level of determination and commitment in female athletes that isn’t just about winning, but about proving to themselves and to others that no one can hold “us” (being female) down.

When you think about what a female athlete does day-in and day-out to train upon their level of skill and talent, it’s truly amazing. Female athletes have inspired and influenced me not just in sports, but in daily life — to keep going, don’t give up, work harder, become stronger. But I can’t say I would feel this way if I wasn’t introduced to sports. So with that, I thank my cousin Erica for her will to motivate and influence others, including me, and for being the team leader she was and still is today.

June 23, 2012 marks the day that represents 40 years of access to sports for female athletes throughout the country.

Nike will honor that day.

Many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by Title IX.   Our approach in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Title IX is to inspire forward; based on the legislation that broke down barriers, created opportunities and changed the rules.  Athletes who have and continue to “play by their own rules” help to pave the way for future generations.  Our campaign will continue to inspire and encourage today’s athlete to “Make the Rules” and set the stage for generations behind them.

We will set out to inspire the future generation of athletes to “Make the Rules”.

Show your support for women athletes by clicking “like” on Nike Women’s Facebook page.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike.