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Excitement for women’s sports is soaring in the wake of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where women or women’s teams won two-thirds of U.S. gold medals. Those eager to learn more about what goes into being a championship athlete, particularly in lesser-known sports like flag football, as well as exploring issues in sports, such as body image, can delve into those subjects on season two of “Like a Girl,” available on Fuse and sponsored by Garnier Fructis and Pizza Hut.
Joy Taylor and MJ Acosta-Ruiz take over as executive producers and hosts this season. “Being two sportscasters who genuinely and organically talk about women’s sports already and are fans of sports—to be able to have a platform to tell even deeper stories and really dive into different lanes of the sports world is something that is very exciting,” said Acosta-Ruiz.
In the premiere episode, world flag football champion Diana Flores, who is an ambassador for the NFL, spoke about how supportive her parents were, even though there were few girls in her sport.
“It’s a theme throughout the show to emphasize the positive elements in these athletes’ lives,” said Taylor. “While, of course, we deal with a ton of misogyny, racism, sexism, and challenges, there are also people who are advocates. That can really…create an environment where we don’t have to have conversations about discrimination. That’s amazing as well.”
Early in their careers, Taylor and Acosta-Ruiz covered youth sports. “We know at a very visceral level what it means to have that genuine support,” said Acosta-Ruiz.
Upcoming episodes will feature MMA fighters from Combate Global; an inside look at Angel City FC, a women-run, professional soccer team; rapper and college basketball sensation Flau-jae Johnson; professional tennis player Taylor Townsend; and Olympic gymnast Emma Malabuyo, who represented the Philippines at the Paris Olympics and is a UCLA teammate of Jordan Chiles.
They are excited to showcase emerging sports for women along with traditional sports, like tennis and basketball. Bringing lesser-told stories to the forefront can open a world of possibilities for girls and women trying to find a sport that is a good fit. Taylor also noted that flag football is a great door-opener as women work their way into coaching men’s sports.
“We both understand the power of storytelling,” said Taylor.
“Our hope is that as viewers are watching these stories, they also become fans,” said Acosta-Ruiz.
Amsterdam News is renowned for its reporting of the news of the day from a Black perspective for 113 years. Donors who choose to give monthly or annually will receive Amsterdam News’ Weekly E-Edition and acclaimed free weekday newsletter Editorially Black delivered by email.
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