This year, women out number men on team USA in London. Viewership among teenage girls in the U.S. has skyrocketed, 55%, since the last summer games. Locally, young women are taking note, feeling excited and beautiful to be involved in team sports.
If you ask 17-year-old softball superstar Marisa Runyon what she considers beautiful, pretty is nowhere in her definition.
"I don't think it's all about going out and dressing up, I think it's about personality, what they're like on the inside, how they treat others, how they communicate," she says.
This summer, strong women are influencing girls in all kinds of sports and attention has been drawn to a variety of sports. From gymnastics to archery, thanks to a couple of popular movies this summer, team sports have seen an increased interest from young girls.
"Girls are taking notice, and you know they have some great alternate role models. Strength is a human quality strength doesn't belong to girls or boys," Clinical Psychologist Kristin Bohan, Ph.D. Says.
The Girl Scouts of America say 83 percent of very active girls say physical activity makes them feel good about themselves.
Runyon agrees and says team sports have helped her grow a strong character. She has already received a full scholarship to play at the University of Alabama. She still has one year left in high school.
"You can do anything if you put in the effort," she says.
