Whatever It Takes

From Elizabeth Cady Stanton on bicycling to Anna Seaton Huntington on rowing, this is the first anthology of women's personal essays on sports. With edge, passion, and depth, Whatever It Takes demonstrates the enormous importance of sports for girls and women. These essays deal with everything from finding a mentor—whether it's an Olympic gold winner or a neighborhood coach—to reveling in female team spirit. There are historical selections, as well as discussions of such developments as Title IX. The contributors, including world-class athletes and celebrated writers from Mariah Burton Nelson and Grace Butcher to Diane Ackerman and Maxine Kumin, tackle traditional favorites such as basketball and softball as well as more exotic sports from boxing and motorcycle racing to rock climbing.

Praise

"Finally! A book by women sharing their personal experiences of self-discovery through sports! From boxing to rowing, baseball to swimming, each story is told with passion and flair."—Annie Nelson, member of the U.S. Women's World Sailing Team

"Deserves an honored place on the bookshelves of any woman who has ever won, lost, or simply learned something about herself by competing in sports."—Susan Cahn, author of Coming on Strong: Gender and Sexuality in Twentieth Century Women's Sport

"Of real value to female athletes and the people who encourage and support them."—Ruth Wysocki, member of the U.S. Track and Filed Team (1984 Olympic Games)

"For anyone who has dreams and aspirations to be the best at whatever they do."—Kristine Lilly, gold medalist and member U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (1996 Olympic Games)

About the Author(s)

By Joli Sandoz and Joby Winans

Joli Sandoz edited A Whole Other Ball Game and teaches at Evergreen State College. She has played, coached, and written about sports since her first plunge off the starting blocks in 1961.

Joby Winans was a varsity collegiate athlete who now competes in road races and masters track and field. She works as a training and organizational development professional in Tacoma, Washington.