Annie Barrett

Published on January 8th, 2020

When people ask me why I play sports, the answer is easy: for the love of the game and for the relationships I’ve built. Whether it was my first time playing organized basketball at the YMCA, or coaching at-risk kids through my high school’s “Books, Basketball & Neighbors” program, or serving as NYU’s point guard the past four years, being a scholar-athlete has taught me discipline, hard work, dedication, and willpower. The dozens of coaches and teammates I have worked with over the years have created a network of friends I will have for the rest of my life. As an Asian-American, I often found that no one else looked like me on the basketball court. But as I have learned, athletics has the power to transcend race and stereotypes. Sports has empowered me to become a confident woman, a fearless leader, and a selfless teammate. As I am finishing my competitive basketball career, I know that the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have developed both on and off the court will help me succeed in not only forging my own path, but in working to advocate for greater opportunities for all women and girls. The great work of the Women’s Sports Foundation has inspired me to pursue a career in this arena, and I look forward to making a difference in the years ahead.