When I was a kid, I was absolutely convinced I would grow up to be a football player. I remember reading about Tonya Butler and feeling so inspired by her as the lone woman on her team. I thought, “If she can do it, so can I!” Unfortunately, due to the fact that I never really surpassed the upper body strength of my 10-year-old self, my dream of becoming a football player slowly waned. One thing that did not, however, is that I continue to be inspired by women who immerse themselves in the wide world of sports.
That’s why I’m excited to bring you a series of Q&As from the female contributors of The Tailgate Society on their hottest takes, favorite and least favorite sports moments, and what this all means to them.
First up is Lindsey:
Lindsey Schoon
“Fellow fans don’t care who you are or what you’ve done as long as you cheer for the same jersey.”
What teams/sports do you follow?
Iowa State Cyclones, New York Yankees, Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Sporting Kansas City, and by default because of my fiance, the Indiana Hoosiers.
How did you become a fan?
It’s an act of the sports gods that I’m not a Hawkeye. I grew up completely encircled by their fans, but I guess I just never saw the appeal. Then the Cyclones 2000 Elite 8 run happened and I said “This is my team!” Which probably says a lot about me, that I felt (and still feel) so connected and drawn to inevitable heart-break. The rest are all family/location centered.
What is your favorite sports moment?
2009 was a really tough year for me where I lost a lot of loved ones, and because of that I was not in a good place. The Yankees World Series run may have literally saved my life. It was perhaps the most expected championship any team will ever win — but it re-lit a fire in me for living and enjoying life.
What is your least favorite sports moment?
The UAB vs. ISU game on March 19, 2015. I am not exaggerating when I say I dropped to my knees and bawled like a baby as that clock wound down. It’s been 5 years, and I must be repressing the memories because I still don’t understand how it happened.
How have sports impacted you and your life?
I’ve met so many people that I never would have if it weren’t for sports — this includes both people who will now forever be in my life and others who I randomly tackle-hugged after a game winning goal but may never see again. Fellow fans don’t care who you are or what you’ve done as long as you cheer for the same jersey. It’s a family.
Is there a particular athlete who inspires you? Why?
Literally every female athlete on this planet. Sports have been drilled into our brains as belonging to guys to the point where if a woman has an opinion on sports, understands a sport, or heaven forbid plays a sport, they are seen as less feminine. It’s insanity, and to live that life everyday where your abilities and identity are questioned because of your genitalia, whether it’s as an athlete, coach, broadcaster or journalist, is one of the most inspiring things I can think of.
What is your hottest sports take?
Soccer is the most exciting sport.
(Editor’s note: Check out Lindsey’s article on this topic here.)
If you could say one thing and know the entire sports world would listen, what would it be?
Tom Brady fumbled.
Lindsey is a Pocahontas, Iowa native. After receiving her Kinesiology degree from Iowa State University she moved to San Diego, California to see if anyone there knew what kinesiology was and how it could make her money. No one there knew either so she now works at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City in Pulmonary & Critical Care Research and drawing mustaches on all the Jayhawk logos. Her New Years Resolution is to be able to touch her toes someday. She looks good in hats, likes the worst dog more than the best person, and doesn’t give a fuck what you think of her.