They’re making history, earning medals and conquering mountains.
When we assembled our first-ever Girls’ Power Panel earlier this year, it brought together an impressive group of teenage girls with inspiring stories.
It turns out that was only the beginning.
The Girls’ Power Panel is one of our female-focused initiatives that gives a younger generation of females a voice to provide insights on sports issues, provide input on product offerings and initiatives for the company and help overcome barriers for women in sports. The group includes Adi, Ainsley, Brianna C., Brianna S., Ella, Katie, Emily, Maura, Kaiea, Yasmin, Sophia, Alexandrea, Rylie, Gabi and Sera. They have met three times in the past year with a fourth session upcoming in November.
Each girl continues to do big things by making their marks on American history, overcoming adversity to score medals and scaling some of the highest peaks in the world, just to name a few.
Here's what some of those girls are up to now:
Adi Topolosky turned a negative story into an inspirational masterpiece when she penned an op-ed about her difficult experience shopping for WNBA star Elena Delle Donne's signature Nike shoe. Adi eventually got the kicks and they will be displayed at the world-renowned Smithsonian National Museum of American History for a future exhibit and both online and in-person educational purposes. Adi is thrilled that her story will continue to help others and will be used to further inspire and promote gender equality in sports.
"It was really special going to the museum and donating my sneakers knowing that my story and something of mine will be used to inspire and educate others on the power of speaking up to create change in the world of gender equality," said Adi. "When I wrote my article over a year ago, I wanted to stand up after a negative experience and send a larger message out to all girls that they are strong and that more has to be done to ensure that there is gender equality in sports."
Adi continues to hoop and cheer on the WNBA. Throughout the past whirlwind year, she has met incredible leaders and role models, spoke to many organizations, been featured in local and national radio and tv, continues to serve on the advisory board of the non-profit HERicanes, and formed a special connection with the DICK’S Sporting Goods team.
"Lauren Hobart, the DICK’S team and WNBA player Elena Delle Donne have really helped me turn a negative experience into a positive one,” said Adi. “I was so excited to learn that DICK’S is now an official sponsor of the WNBA. It's been an amazing journey so far and I hope that others are inspired to speak up for what they believe in no matter how young they are. I hope others realize that you can make a difference by using your voice in a positive way to bring change."
Ella Rodriguez brought home a pair of silver medals at the Paralympic Trials held in June. Ella competed in four events total: the 100- and 200-meters dashes as well as the long jump and discus.
It was quite the way to bust out of a slump. Ella, who uses a prosthetic on her right leg to compete, had been feeling the effects of the pandemic lockdown and just wanted to get back to sports. After beginning quarantine by running a mile each day for three months, Ella started training with an old coach to get back into competitive shape. After qualifying in her events, Ella was in Minneapolis, MN at the trials and competing once again.
"With no one in the stands to cheer us on - in the city where George Floyd died – the trials became not only a serious competition, but an opportunity for introspection and pushing myself to be flexible and accommodating," said Ella.
Ella even competed in the long jump at the last minute due to a scheduling error and took second. She then claimed a second silver in the discus. With that success, she found her calling in those events and plans to focus on them in the future.
"There’s something about the technicality and the meticulous nature of the field events that encourage me to see different possibilities, and I believe I carry this mindset in my everyday life as well," said Ella.
Not one to rest, Ella jumped right into her school's field hockey season, where she starts at midfield, and wheelchair basketball, which she captains.
Yasmin Pirbhai and her family summited Mt. Kilimanjaro for the third time, conquering the iconic peak located in Tanzania in about five days. Yasmin has ascended to the 18,885-feet Gilman's Point and now twice made it to the top of the 19,341-feet Uhuru Peak.
Yasmin's father was born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and climbing the country's highest peaks has become a family tradition.
"My all-time favorite memory on the mountain was by far the first time I summited," said Yasmin. "I remember being excited, but mostly relieved, that we were finally at the top. Then I turned around and saw my dad who was just crying because he was so proud of me. His embrace was one of the best feelings in the world."
Each climb is exhausting. There are blisters and altitude sickness to deal with. But it's mentally refreshing as well and Yasmin focuses on the positives. Seeing the starry sky from rarified air is one of the perks for Yasmin, along with the camp food that hits the spot after a long day.
The treks have taught Yasmin to slow down and enjoy life. Getting to the top is great, but so is the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other until you get where you want to go.
"My one piece of advice is simple: Go for the journey, not the summit," said Yasmin. "Some people are so focused on the summit, that they don't appreciate everything else. I have heard countless times ‘I cannot wait to get to the top so I can get off this mountain.’ Yes, the journey is tiring, and yes by the last day you want nothing more than to stop walking, take a shower, eat some delicious steak tacos, and sleep in a comfortable bed, but it ultimately is about the experience."
Congratulations to all the girls on these incredible accomplishments. We can’t wait to see what’s next on each of your inspiring journeys!