Dragonwing Blog
What's So Great about the Women's World Cup?
But the most powerful aspect of the Women's World Cup -- the part that brings a lump to my throat -- is the inspiration, hope, and role models that the players provide to millions of girls worldwide. Their commitment, perseverance, and love of the game says it all: "DREAM BIG. WORK HARD. COMPETE FIERCELY. PLAY JOYFULLY. YOU CAN DO IT!"In addition to all the amazing soccer play (how about England's go-ahead goal versus Norway?!), there have been some perceptive and thought-provoking stories about the significance and value of the Women's World Cup. Here are a few that I've particularly enjoyed: "Why the Women's World Cup Needs You to Watch," by Peter Macia in Vogue magazine The numbers of viewers, on TV and online, are vitally important, Macia argues, to sponsors, to players, to women's sports in general, and to girls watching and playing around the world. (There's that inspiration again!) "What Women's Sports Can Learn from the Colombian Women's Team," by Kate Fagan on ESPNW Given the audiences in stadiums and watching the games on screens of all kinds, there are signs of legitimacy for international women's soccer, writes Fagan. But "the final mile marker will be when everyday fans…feel comfortable offering criticism, second-guessing the coach and the choices, and putting the play itself under a microscope…. These are the conversations that fuel men's sports.
Imagine being knowledgeable enough about women's sports and knowing enough about a women's team to think you know better than the coach or a player in the game's closing minutes. Imagine knowing who else could have been the coach and which players the team might have signed. Then imagine being confident enough to actually admit you're into women's sports.""8 Reasons We Love the Women's World Cup," by SoccerGrlProbs for ESPNW World-class talent, worldwide impact, super fans and more.
My Mother Never Ceases to Amaze Me
Body Shaming Female Athletes Makes My Blood Boil
To the Editor of The New York Times: In focusing on body size and muscularity of the women playing at Wimbledon, Dan Rotherberg perpetuates the standard that female athletes need not only excel at their sport but also meet a societal standard for beauty while doing so. (“Tennis’s Top Women Balance Body Image with Ambition,” July 10) Would the Times run a story about NFL linebackers balancing their body image with their athletic ambitions? By running the article, the Times gives credence to a double standard, one that female athletes of all ages battle regularly. Simply because some women athletes or coaches make training decisions based on body size does not make it newsworthy. The US Women’s National Team’s World Cup victory inspired millions of girls worldwide. Like the women playing at Wimbledon, these athletes are role models for young girls. We owe it to young fans of every sport to highlight the discipline, commitment, hard work, and athleticism of female athletes and not the size of their forearms or thighs.Regardless of whether my letter is published, I will continue to speak up for women and girl athletes, for their right to be taken seriously and to play fiercely. The focus on body image -- some call it "body shaming" -- is an unfair and unwanted burden on women and girls. To female athletes of all ages: When a reporter (from your school paper to the New York Times) asks a question about your appearance, change the conversation. Turn the questions around to what is important -- the high level of your play, the discipline and hard work you devote to your game, and the recognition you and your team have earned. Don't be limited by reporters who are perpetuating a limiting and oppressive paradigm for women. Join us and millions of others in a movement to empower girls and women by what they have accomplished and what they can achieve, not by how they look.
To sports girls everywhere: Be strong. Develop your body and mind to play your game to the best of your ability. Strive to be your best self. Have fun and be proud to PLAY LIKE A GIRL!
School or Team Logo? We've Got That!
"Since the leggings have our school logo on them, they're good to wear for school events, such as pep rallies or football games. They're a perfect mix between comfort, style, and school spirit."Alexa says her "favorite thing about these leggings is their comfort. They are so easy to move around in or even just for lounging around in. I wear my Dragonwing leggings from yoga and sports practices to just everyday wear." To learn more about our customization options for girls athletic wear, leave us a comment or send us an email.
Introducing Julia, Dragonwing Ambassador
Stock up on Summer Camp Essentials
Introducing Madi, Dragonwing Ambassador
Meet Celia, Dragonwing intern extraordinaire
We Love Girls on the Run!
Donate a Sports Bra to Goals for Girls
This Dragonwing girl is a Winner!
Dragonwing® girlgear Selected for Startup Mentoring Program
We're proud and excited to announce that Soar Triangle, a Google for Entrepreneurs-backed initiative to prepare female entrepreneurs in the Triangle region for success, has selected Dragonwing girlgear and MaryAnne Gucciardi, founder and CEO, for its active mentoring program.
Soar supports promising female entrepreneurs, providing the resources needed to reach their next milestone and secure investment funding. Launched early in 2014, Soar was awarded funds and program support from Google for Entrepreneur as a part of the #40Forward challenge to increase participation in startups by women by 25% this year.
Dragonwing girlgear, a manufacturer of sports undergarments and base-layer designed for pre-teen and teen girls, was one of four promising women-owned businesses selected for active mentoring via Soar’s highly competitive process.
Dragonwing makes high performance, superior fitting, age and sport-specific sports undergarments for girls ages 8-17. Our mission is to give girls an advantage on and off the playing field (or court or track) by providing clothing -- sports bras, compression shorts, sports camis, and base layers -- that gives them the freedom to move and play with confidence. Instead of worrying about their changing bodies or being distracted by poorly fitting clothes, they can enjoy playing and competing. Dragonwing girlgear is a member of the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network and was a finalist in the 2013 Urban Rebound Raleigh Durham small business pitch competition for women.