Maties Sport Women’s Month Articles
“I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m stepping forward with grit; anchored in grace.”
During the month of August – celebrated as Women’s Month in South Africa – we at Maties Sport will take the opportunity to celebrate some of the extraordinary women who – with grit and grace – makes a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and the university sport environment.
Sasha-Lee Petersen – Maties Netball Junior Coach
There is little doubt that Sasha-Lee Petersen was borne to take on challenges and turn them into opportunities for greatness.
After playing seven seasons for Maties Netball First Team, Sasha-Lee is now the Maties Netball Junior Development Coach. In her first year as a coach she is responsible for the Maties u19 team. She is also part of the community coaching team and the various coaching clinics. Her actual fulltime job is as Head Coach of the Bloemhof Girls High School’s Netball team.
“My goal at Maties Sport is to make sure that throughout the season my players grow, not only as players but also as persons. I hope to make a difference in the community and to teach young girls all the skills that they need in order for them to reach their goals.”
Inspiring young women is at the core what Sasha-Lee is all about…initially as a player and now not only as a coach but a woman in a coaching position.
No wonder then that Women’s Month is a special time for her. “For me, this month is a time to remember all the women who have fought for our rights and who have made so many things possible for the women of today. Women who have sacrificed and who have opened up doors for young girls to have a voice and to reach their dreams.”
Sasha-Lee wants women in sport to not only get recognition, but also be rewarded for what they are doing. “I think the biggest challenge in women’s sport today, is the fact that they don’t get enough recognition and they also don’t get enough compensation in their various sports.”
She is a firm believer in the mantra of “keep chasing the 1%”. It is not about all or nothing in one shot. Small extras like one repetition more in the gymnasium. In the end all the 1% efforts are contributing to the changes.
Her advice for young women dreaming of a life in sport is honest, real and from the heart. “The world of sport is never easy, but nobody is here to have it easy. You have to work hard for what you want, put in extras, be committed, hold yourself accountable. You might face obstacles along your journey, but you have to keep going, no matter what. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t!”