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Breaking Barriers: Dr. Pam’s Journey in Women’s Football

Pamela Larde • March 19, 2025

For decades, women’s sports have been an uphill battle for visibility, recognition, and respect. Yet, every so often, a milestone reminds us that change is not only possible—it’s happening. One of those moments is on the horizon, and I am at the center of it.

At 48 years old, I am proving that passion, drive, and purpose have no expiration date. A former Olympic hopeful, I have spent my life advocating for women in sports—first as an athlete, then as a supporter, and now as a football player. This weekend, my team and I will be part of something unprecedented: our championship game will be broadcast on ESPN.

This is more than just a televised game; it’s a statement. It’s proof that women belong in every space, at every stage of life, and in every sport—including football. In a world that often tells women to sit on the sidelines, I am stepping onto the field with a powerful message: we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.

A Lifetime of Advocacy in Women’s Sports

My journey in sports began long before I put on a football jersey. As a young athlete, I trained at an elite level, even earning a shot at the Olympic trials. My passion extended beyond personal achievements—I became a fierce advocate for women’s sports, understanding that representation matters and opportunities must be created, not just awaited.

Women’s football, like many other underrepresented sports, has fought for legitimacy in the mainstream sports world. But with major networks like ESPN stepping in to broadcast games, the narrative is changing. Athletes like me aren’t just participating in a sport—we’re shaping its future

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More Than a Game: A Movement

Football is more than a personal challenge for me; it’s a movement. It’s about showing that women’s sports deserve the same respect, coverage, and celebration as men’s. It’s about proving that athleticism isn’t bound by age or gender.

My story reminds us that the best opportunities don’t always come when we expect them. They come when we decide to keep showing up, pushing forward, and rewriting the rules.


What’s Next?

As I gear up for the championship, I’m not just playing for a title—I’m playing for every young girl who has been told she doesn’t belong in sports. I’m playing for every woman who has felt it was too late to chase a dream. And I’m playing for the future of women’s football.

So, when the game airs on ESPN, it won’t just be a victory for one team. It’ll be a victory for every woman who has ever fought to be seen, heard, and respected in sports.

Let’s tune in, cheer loudly, and support the movement. Because when one woman breaks a barrier, she opens the door for countless others to follow.


#WomenInSports #FootballIsForWomen #BreakingBarriers #ESPN #RepresentationMatters

By Pamela Larde March 12, 2025
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