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Kim Hagner (Brown '05) |
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Bio
 What was your experience in youth athletics? Were there opportunities available to you?
My experience with youth athletics began when I was in first grade. I started playing for a recreational soccer team that was coached by a team parent. In seventh grade I was recruited to play for a Select Team and later moved on to play for a Premier Club Team, the highest level of club soccer, as a freshman in high school. At this point I began to train outside on my own because we were responsible for our own fitness. Also, it became clearer how the effort and time our team put into our sport usually illustrated how successful we would be.
How does an Ivy League experience affect your athletics pursuits?
I chose to come to Brown University for its inspirational learning environment, wide range of opportunities, and diverse student body. The Ivy League has allowed me to pursue other interests, such as studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, while still playing on a very competitive team. The Ivy League has not held our team back due to academic requirements but possibly due to newer rules such as a seven week rest period. At the same time, this has allowed me to do other activities and develop myself in different ways to make me a more well-rounded person.
How has the national climate concerning women’s athletics changed since you were in school?
I believe women’s athletics, especially women’s soccer, has grown in popularity and youth programs have greatly advanced in many areas. The skill level some kids have these days is amazing.
What obstacles still stand to young women who want to participate in athletics?
In my opinion young women are encouraged to play sports. I think the issue is that boys have been encouraged since a very young age to be physical and active while girls are encouraged to be docile and more passive. Therefore, young girls must sometimes adapt to the more physical behavior involved in sports because it is contrary to their “training” to be less aggressive.
What do you see in the future for women's athletics, will it continue to expand?
Women’s athletics is nowhere near its pinnacle. It is going to grow much more in these next years as new pro and semipro-leagues arise thus increasing opportunity and the number of women athletes. The Ivy League also ties into this growth as female Ivy League athletes have the ability to increase its prominence due their education and love of sports.
What has athletics done for young girls that choose to participate?
Athletics has made me a confident, discipline and motivated person. I see athletics as the best way for young women to gain self-esteem, learn more about themselves, how to work with others and gain special memories throughout the entire process.
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