Since its inauguration in 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) has largely redefined what it means to be a female athlete. This special day recognizes the roles and achievements of females in the sports industry and is celebrated annually on February 5th. In honor of the 39th anniversary of NGWSD, North Atlanta High School hosted Shanna Trone, former women’s head volleyball coach at both Talladega and Agnes Scott colleges, for a panel discussion.
While Trone has been involved in athletics since she was ten, her career did not begin until high school. Her narrowed interest in volleyball granted her a scholarship to play at the Division 1 level at Mississippi Valley State University. Two years later, Trone transferred to Martin Methodist College where she continued her volleyball path and received a bachelor’s degree in english. After graduating, her persistent passion for volleyball led Trone to pursue coaching. Yet, throughout her endeavors, Trone credits her sister as her motivation. ‘’Growing up, I deeply admired my sister,’’ said Trone. ‘’I’ve always wanted to be the inspiration for others that she was for me.’’
For Trone, her experiences in women’s sports through the lens of not only a player, but a coach, allowed her to speak towards the current female athletes at NAHS. A key point within her discussion was the importance of athletes being able to communicate inside and out of the sports environment, specifically, with their parents, teachers, and peers. This element is critical for Trone and other coaches to examine if a prospect can contribute collaboration and unity to the team. As a Dubs soccer player and recent signee to the College of Charleston, Lucia Touwsma took heart in Trone’s words. ‘’Her advice on communication was valuable and I hope it will be beneficial for my future soccer career,’’ said Touwsma.
Regardless of the sport in specifics, all female athletes face obstacles demanding expectations. While these adversaries are only temporary and ultimately serve to holistically strengthen athletes, they can appear as massive barriers to one’s success in the moment. Familiar with these struggles, Trone revealed a vulnerable moment in her career in which she faced derogatory treatment in a competitive setting. Though painful, this experience initiated the start of Trone’s application of positive self-talk, a practice she encourages all athletes to adopt to improve their mental clarity and confidence. ‘’Louder than your teammates, your audience, your coaches, and your peers will always be your thoughts,’’ said Trone. ‘’The first voice you will always hear is yours, so speak to yourself positively.’’
Through her lifelong history in sports, Trone has played an active role in impacting the progress of the growing female influence and acceptance in sports. Her time at NAHS on NGWSD truly embodied the meaning of February 5th for female athletes, leaving those at NAHS with a moving message bound to carry them through their sports journeys.
