In regard to female athletics, Howe Sound Secondary School could and should be much more. Taking into consideration our committed athletes and external support from community members, Howe Sound athletics could easily develop and improve into a well rounded, positive program.
So, what’s stopping us? Simply stated, it is the administration of Howe Sound Secondary School and athletic department staff who show no consistency, concern or care if there is or isn’t a program at all. Over the three years that my peers and I have been involved, there has been little to no communication from the administration, and even in simple situations explanations have not been provided adequately. In order to see improvement in the female athletic programs, dedication and communication from the administration needs to change.
Howe Sound female athletics is a clear product of the collapsed system. For three years, with no help from administration, my teammates and I have continued to represent Howe Sound female athletics. We have maintained a positive relationship with Sea to Sky and North Shore schools. From posters to season-end celebrations, we organized it all. Regardless of our losses, we showed a competitive, respectful, “no-quit” attitude.
Female athletes who desire to play and learn basketball or other sports should be shown respect and given the opportunity to do so, as male athletes are. In comparison with the male athletic programs who seem to be represented and acknowledged, female athletics do not get the same attention; therefore, if we don’t do it, nobody will.
In closing, I decided to bring this to the attention of young female athletes who are interested in pursuing extracurricular sports and possibly playing at an advanced level later in life, such as college or university.
From my experience, I don’t believe Howe Sound Secondary has the structure to offer female athletes a well rounded and supportive program at this time. If I had known this three years ago, I would have reconsidered attending Howe Sound.
I would hope for the upcoming female athletes that change is made and that Squamish can have a stronger female athlete presence within the school district. Sadly, that was not provided for me and my peers.
Emily Cadman
Squamish
