We all have a why we play. We all have a phrase that we think about when we are running lines… that gets us through. We all have an identity wrapped up in athletics.

Recently we asked some key Mpowher Influencers to share what inspiration they used that embodied what being an athlete means to them.

As you can see below, these inspirations are so moving and powerful that we set out to broadcast these inspirations to athletes everywhere. We created an athletic collection that conveys these messages…. The Signature Collection was born.  

Brittany Bowles, University of South Florida

Inspiration: I’m not strong for a girl, I am just STRONG

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

I chose this phrase because growing up, I would always be compared to "the boys." I would hear men, dads, boys comment on my weight lifting, my strong handshake, or how fast I could pitch a ball. They would always say, "wow, you are pretty strong for a girl." When I was younger, I held my head up with pride and said to myself "hell yeah I am!"

But I began getting sick and tired of being compared in every athletic sense to male counterparts. There was always some comment about how fast my average pitching speeds were compared to major league pitchers or how much I could bench press in college.

I never understood why people think ONLY of males as athletes and males being the set standard to compete with. I have always wanted to say to others: I am not strong for a girl...I am just strong!

Karyn Wright, Portland State University

Inspiration: She Did

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

While growing up, I was always “too short” or “too small” to be a pitcher. Then I was “too small” to be a D1 pitcher. I was told by coaches and recruiters that I could play D3 or maybe D2.

I beat the odds by not only getting a scholarship to a D1 program, but I started and made the record book in 12 different categories. I believed I could and I did. This phrase represents me and any athlete who grew up being told they couldn’t do something or couldn’t be the athlete they wanted to be.

On graduation day on my cap I had a softball with the quote “she believed she could, so she did” written around it. This saying got me to where I am today, and inspired an underdog into a 12 time record breaker.

Introducing the Signature Collection

The Signature Collection is a way to support each other as female athletes, not just those who are still competing but also all of us who continue to compete at life well after we’ve hung up our shoes.

The Signature Collection is a set of 7 designs from Mpowher’s very own influencer program. Each of these 7 athletes have influenced a kick ass design that embodies what being an athlete means to them, and how to put that into something that athletes all over can embody and convey the true meaning of athletics.

If you have an inspiration that you live by, we would love to hear it.

complete the form below

Erin Simmons, Florida State University

Inspiration: P(Her)form

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

Women are stronger than we think we are, but we sometimes hold ourselves back with self-doubt and insecurities. We hear that we are strong or fast or good...for a girl. Or that women's sports don't matter. Or that we should be seen, but not heard.

This word is to rep and remind all the strong women out there to stand up, stand out, and p(her)form!

Blake Bolden, Boston College

Inspiration: Mind Over Matter

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

I chose mind over matter because I truly believe in the power of the mind in all walks of life. Manifesting positive energy into material blessings, believing in yourself to have the will to do anything that needs to be done to accomplish your goals.

This has pushed me to become not only a professional athlete, but become the first black player to compete in the National Women’s Hockey League. This is something that I have learned and continue to learn.

Heidi Nocka, Harvard University

Inspiration: Forever Athlete

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

This shirt design was inspired by the women I’ve met through Mpowher. Females that are intense, dedicated, and continue to find motivation to be their best badass selves. As a high school and collegiate athlete, being an “Athlete” has been a major part of my identity.

Now that I’ve graduated it feels like I’ve lost that part of me, no longer being a part of a team. But we haven’t lost that, we are always athletes, and will always be athletes even though we might have stopped competing at a certain level, we are forever athletes.

Danylle Kurywchak, Baylor University

Inspiration: Unrelenting Passion

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

Unrelenting Passion represents all the great pursuits in life that are fueled by passion. I like to think that passion is what separates the good from the BEST. In athletics, my competition and I are working toward the same goals. We all train incredibly hard, are disciplined in our nutrition, pray to a higher power, but what separates the good from the best is that passion!

This passion can and will grow with confidence and work, but it is this UNRELENTING PASSION that does not seize, does not let up, propels you to the best of your ability, and captures your untapped potential.

Lauren Natale, Fresno State University

Inspiration: Athlete Strong

Why Did I choose this inspiration?

Being Athlete Strong is more than what meets the eye, being strong encompasses all seven dimensions of wellness while finding balance to ensure performance at the highest level in life and in sports.

As you know, the Mpowher Athlete community is based around supporting our teammates and friends, beyond the playing field. Every athlete has a unique story about how they got to where they are today.

Continue supporting women’s athletics and rep your athletic status, by wearing the design that resonates with you.

What kind of athlete are you?

If you have an inspiration that you live by, we would love to hear it.

Submit your inspiration in the form below!