Softball is often described as ‘girls' baseball’ — but that’s inaccurate. Softball is a female-dominated sport separate from baseball with different rules and equipment, but is no less complex or exciting. Kaitlyn Kim, a fourth-year infielder on UBC’s softball team, is giving the sport the spotlight it deserves for National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
Kim’s journey to softball began in Mississauga, Ontario, where she started playing T-ball at age four. She progressed to co-ed baseball and then switched to softball at eight years old, after her dad found an ad for it. Kim’s dad has been the biggest inspiration for her throughout her life in sports and she even chose her uniform number to be the same as his.
“We used to practice extra all the time together, and I think it was just a way for the two of us to bond,” said Kim. “He's always been my biggest supporter and my biggest cheerleader on the field.”
Kim excelled in softball, eventually playing for Team Ontario in the summer of 2022 and accepted a spot on UBC’s team that same year.
“I wanted to play softball at university, but I also wanted to get a really good education,” said Kim. “[The coach] offered me a spot to come play here, and I took it. And I'm really happy that I did.”
For many girls, it’s difficult to stay in sports when they feel unwelcome, which can happen on co-ed teams. But before Kim shifted to all-female softball, her passion for the game overruled any uncomfortable gender dynamics.
“It didn't matter to me because I really liked playing the sport, and I wasn't gonna let the fact that there wasn't other girls playing stop me from playing,” she said.
Unfortunately, many girls don’t stick with it like Kim did. Dropout rates are high in Canada, as 5 in 10 girls miss out on sports by age 16.
“If you really love something, then you should keep doing it, even if people tell you you're not good enough or you can't do it,” said Kim. “Softball is a really hard sport, and you do fail more often than you succeed … but, I think you have to remember within yourself why you want to play.”
Although softball is difficult, it has given Kim plenty to be thankful for, such as the friendships she has made and life skills, like time management, she has learned.
“I think softball will forever be a part of my life, and I am grateful for that,” said Kim.
Kim is a strong contributor to her team. Last season, she made an impact with a 0.943 fielding percentage and a 0.371 batting average. As a senior, Kim has the unique opportunity to support others on her team.
“I think it's really special that two of the freshmen are middle infielders, and that I can help guide them if they have questions,” she said.
For Kim, NWGSD is particularly meaningful. The softball team has one of the two UBC female head coaches. Kim also sees sports as one way that women can be empowered and show traits such as ambition and being driven without shame or guilt.
“They're all traits in sport that are celebrated. And I think sometimes when women are like that in other settings, they're told that they're too pushy or they're too bossy,” said Kim. “Being able to express those traits in sport, and it being celebrated is really important, especially for women.”
February 5 was National Girls and Women in Sport Day.
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