Diary of a Striker with Bethany Balcer: You Deserve the Best

October 22, 2021
By Bethany Balcer

Diary of a Striker is a Girls Soccer Network exclusive series from Bethany Balcer of OL Reign. Balcer will be giving readers an inside look at her journey as a professional player all season long. New posts drop every two weeks!

As a professional women’s soccer player, there are many mountains to climb when it comes to equality. It’s a sad truth of the world we live in, and each day we are all fighting to get the rights we know we deserve. It has been a battle the last couple of weeks, but I’m confident of the future and that change will come, not only to this league but to all women in sport.

One thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for more. As someone who hates conflict and doesn’t want to upset anyone, it can be a challenge to advocate for myself. But the truth is, sometimes we just deserve better. It’s important to stick up for yourself and know your worth. That’s what I love about the league I play in. I am surrounded by people who know we all deserve the best.

My hope is that I leave this league better than it was when I came in. Women’s sports are on the rise all around the country and it’s exciting to be a part of, but there is still a lot of work to do. I want to encourage you today and say that you are invaluable and anyone who tells you different is wrong. You deserve the best of the best treatment. Don’t be afraid to push back if something isn’t to the standard it should be. We shouldn’t have to fear what the consequences could be if we speak up for basic things we know we need.

So, whether you are a young girl aspiring to make it big time, or a college player trying to get into a certain school, wherever you’re at in life, know that being a woman is a superpower we must use. We are at such an important time in history and I want to be known as someone who pushed women forward, and I hope you do too.

Thanks for giving me this space to share with you what’s been on my heart the last couple of weeks. The best is yet to come.