I had the pleasure of playing high school basketball with Megan. We were both members of the Haddon Heights High School girls basketball program, where we achieved a lot of success from our play on the court. I walked away from my high school basketball career with many honors, awards, and records. However, I believe one of the most important things I gained was my friendship with Megan. I am proud of her and the things that she has done with her life, she is fighting for women’s sports, and I want to show my appreciation for her dedication, through this interview. So, here is a little Q&A with Hueter herself.

Megan is the founder and editor-in- chief, of (www.becauseiplayedsports.com)…….check it out !

What exactly made you have such a passion for women’s sports?

Playing them. From a young age, I’ve enjoyed playing sports, basketball in particular. I have a competitive edge, and sports were always my outlet. On the basketball court is where I learned about diversity, leadership and goal setting. It’s where I saw hard work pay off. Essentially, it’s how I got my work ethic.

If you did not play a sport would you care this much about equality for women?

That’s a tough question. If I didn’t play sports, I think I would be a completely different person, not just in the respect of equality for women. I have no idea where I’d be. However, I will say that my passion for gender equality was born at The College of New Jersey in the Women’s and Gender Studies program (my minor). When I learned about cultural difference, I started to apply it to my personal life, and that’s where my passion for equality in sports was born.

What made you chose the name for your blog?

It’s funny – I’ve gotten that question about five times now. I chose the name because it’s clear to me that I am who I am because I played sports. As I said earlier, my work ethic was born on the basketball court. Some of my best friendships (including the one with you) were born there, as well. I have so much in my life to credit toward having the opportunity to play.

What is your blog about, what is the mission?

The goal of …Because I Played Sports is to bring a voice to women’s sports online. As a former athlete, I promise to do what I can to bring as much as I can to achieve gender equality in editorial coverage of contemporary female athletics. I’m here to vocalize what many sports editors are ignorantly missing… females.

What do you measure the success of your blog on? For example, the number of stories you write, or maybe money if any?

To date, I have not made one cent of profit on my blog, and I’m proud of that. I’m a believer that credibility is born online from those who are out there NOT to make money. The value of my blog comes from those who comment and those who link to it. I look at who is linking and what people are saying.

Feminist online leaders such as Feminist and Our Bodies Our Blog (two of the most popular feminist blogs around) have linked to my little blog. Also, I’ve had the parents of a female football field goal kicker come on my blog and thank me for posting about how their daughter was not allowed to play, but now can due to action that readers took.

Even my adversaries, those who are against Title IX, have congratulated me for allowing them to comment and for having an open, editorial conversation about a subject we disagree upon.

These are the things, in my opinion, that measure success. I take great pride in what my blog has come to be -it means more than money ever will.

What plans do you have for the future of your blog?

I have no plans. The only plan I am considering is possibly partnering with other female sports bloggers to build a network, so our voices can be a bit louder. I am all for it.

Do you feel you have made a difference in the reporting of women’s sports thus far?

I hope so. I mean, there’s not that much information out there about women’s sports to begin with, so I think any effort is a step in the right direction. We have a long way to go, but with the right partnerships and the right people sitting at the table, I think a large movement forward for women’s sports and women’s sports advocacy is foreseeable in the future. I hope to be a part of it, and I hope every woman who has played sports in their lives takes an interest in not only promoting women’s sports, but protecting the opportunities for girls of the future.

Thank you so much Megan for your time  and goodluck with the rest of your career.

Today in women’s sports news there is a lack of coverage. The motivation and idea for my personal blog Her Sideline came from a good friend of mine, Megan Hueter. She recently started her own blog, which covers women’s sports news and updates from around the globe. Hueter’s blog has taken off and has become very successful, no she is not making tons of money; in fact I’m not sure if she makes any money at all. But the motif to act as a voice and advocate for women’s sports is being accomplished.

Next week I will publish a profile piece on Hueter and her blog. I chose to keep the name of her blog secret until next week’s article, therefore come back and visit and get to know Megan Hueter.

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Jessica Nimbley, junior, forwad for the Rowan University’s women’s basketball team was named NJAC player of the week. Nimbley netted in 27- points and grabbed 13 rebounds, in the Prof’s 69-68 victory over Wesley College. She helped her team rally back from a 10- point deficit in the seven minutes of the game. Nimbley is currently tied for third in the NJAC scoring leaders bracket, averaging 18.8 points per game.

The Rowan Univeristy’s women’s basketball team, gets blown out in season opener.

The Prof’s lose to York College 99-66, complete embarassment. Four York players scored in double figures to lead the way for the Spartans. Senior, forward Ashley Cieplicki led the way for the Prof’s with 17 points, forward Jessica Nimbley chipped in with 12.

Rowan falls to 0-1 on the season, and York improves to 1-1.

The Prof’s will be back in action this weekend for Washington & Jefferson Meadowlands Tournament.

Althena Gaines is a junior transfer player from the University of New Hampshire. Gaines is a life long resident of Glassboro, N.J., lets meet Althena.

Q: What is your full name?

A: Althena Taniel Gaines

Q: What is your jersey number?

A: I am #25, I have worn it my whole life.

Q: Why did you transfer to Rowan University?

A: I wanted to be closer to home, and to comeback to my hometown and play basketball for a program I have followed and respected since I was a child.

Q: What is your major?

A: Criminal Justice

Q: What is your favorite thing to do before a game?

A: Blast my stereo with some of my favorite songs, and eat a coffee cake.

Q: What cd is currently in your radio?

A: T.I.

Ok, Althena let’s focus on the women’s basketball team and this current season.

Q: What are your expectations for the season?

A: I plan for us to win the New Jersey Athletic Conference, get a bid to the NCAA, and more importantly win our first game of the season this weekend.

Q: Are you happy with your transition from a Division I program to Division III?

A: There are pluses and minuses about the situation, but overall I am very happy. I love my teammates a lot, they are a great bunch of girls, I like my coach, and I love being close to my family.

Ok, thank you Althena for your time.

No problem Jean Jones.

The Rowan University women’s basketball team will open their season this Saturday Nov.15^th at 2p.m.

The Prof’s will be host to visiting Lebanon Valley College. The two teams faced off last season, the game ending 62-68 Lebanon Valley College.

With a team full of new faces, the Prof’s are planning to seek redemption. Come out and support the ladies as they seek out to start their season with a victory.

“We believe we are prepared and ready to get the season started. We have been working very hard. I am excited about playing in my hometown for the first time since high school,” said Junior, transfer, Althena Gaines.

The university’s website, provides an extensive 2008-2009 expectation article.

Goodluck ladies.

The Rowan University women’s soccer team captured their first New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship, with a 2-0 win over Richard Stockton College this past Saturday.

This is the first conference championship for the women’s soccer program since it began in 1995. The win gives the ladies an automatic bid the NCAA Division III Tournament. The ladies have compiled to this point a 15-0-2 record, and are ranked 14^th in the nation.

The Prof’s will be the host of the first and second rounds of the tournament. In the first round on Saturday, Rowan ( 15-0-2) plays Oneonta State (14-5-2) at 1:30 p.m. and Eastern University ( 14-5) will take on Wheaton College ( MA) (16-5-2) at 11 a.m. The winners will advance to the second round on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Congratulations ladies.

The women’s soccer team earned second seed in the New Jersey Athletic Conference championship tournament. According to the university’s athletics website, the Profs will host a semifinal game on Wednesday, November 5 at 7 p.m. The ladies will play the winner of the first round game between number three The College of New Jersey (11-5-1) and the sixth seed William Paterson University (10-5-1).

For ticket information, visit the athletics website. Goodluck ladies.

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The women’s basketball program has their schehdule for the 2008-2009 season finalized. The ladies will open their season on November 15th at home against Lebanon Valley College at 2 p.m.