Betsy M. Ross

I grew up a sports fan--thanks to my mother. Playing basketball with her in the backyard, I guarded her a little too aggressively and bloodied her nose. My friends were shocked until I explained, 'Hey, she was driving the lane.' Then they understood. Basketball in Indiana runs deeper, sometimes, than blood.

My playing days were before Title IX opportunities, so I did the next best thing--I watched sports, and reported on sports during my college years in journalism. Covering the games was an absolute thrill for me. I was fortunate that I had editors who supported my passion for sports.

Not every female who wanted to take part in sports, either on the court, on the field, or in the front office, has had the support I had in following my passion. I have been fortunate to interview a handful of women who broke ground and knocked down barriers so I, and many others, could be involved in sports. "Playing Ball With the Boys" puts together conversations I've had with nearly two dozen women who talk about their experiences, and offer advice for other young women, and men, who want to follow in their footsteps.