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watching the little league softball world series and it makes me happy seeing these little women so hype and so confident and doing their little celebrations i love seeing young women thrive in their sport and seeing it on espn2 no less!!

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I used to pull this shirt out of my drawers and think about who I was going to see that day. Could I wear this and not be judged or questioned? Would people think I was gay, or see me as an ally? What silly dilemmas now, in a world of authenticity and love for who I am. I am so proud to wear this shirt these days. We’re all just human beings on a quest for joy and to find out who we are when we are alone, naked, stripped down to the core. Let’s love more-there’s so much in the world worth loving 🌞🌸🦋👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏽👨🏽‍🤝‍👨🏻👫🏻🧘🏻‍♀️🏔💛🌎

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Born out of a list of recommendations made by the racial equity working group within Athletes Unlimited, Friday Night Lights has evolved into a series of weekly meetings within the Athletes Unlimited shield where players can talk about issues they’re facing, such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial discrimination or battles with body image. Opening up about individual experiences helps them see how to tackle these causes together.

“Being able to get on the same page about everybody being educated on these topics is so important,” Jackson said.

It was that conviction that prompted Jackson, Ocasio and Piancastelli to jumpstart the initiative, even though neither of the athletes have jumped into that type of leadership role in the past.

“I didn’t know I liked talking in front of people,” Piancastelli said. “I thought I was very introverted. It’s probably one of the first times I’ve been hands on, but in the space we’ve created, I feel super comfortable. It’s been a blast to be myself and guide them through Friday Night Lights.”

Each meeting starts with an ice breaker they liken to speed dating, where they ask seven questions and have players talk to a new athlete for every question. Then, they’ll share some facts about the night’s issue before giving athletes in attendance the chance to tell their own stories from the mic.

“I think all the topics are absolutely necessary to talk about and be educated on as a group, given that we have so many different personalities and backgrounds here. It’s so important to get a sample of different women in the country and what page we’re all on,” Jackson said.

The meetings are meant to encourage community and learning, taking advantage of the diverse age range and personal experiences of Athletes Unlimited players. None of the leaders force a particular viewpoint but see themselves as merely facilitating discussion and trying to embrace everyone.

“It’s a great atmosphere to get to know the walks of life the person next to you came from,” Ocasio said.

Among the 57 players in the bubble, about 30 to 40 come to each meeting.

“We’re usually allowing others to take it in, learn, talk to one another and engage,” Ocasio said. “It’s gratifying for me to be able to give other people the opportunity to get to know one another in a safe environment. Every time we leave, my bucket is completely filled whether I tell my story or hear others, just knowing people are opening up their world and being vulnerable.”

That vulnerability is something athletes are grateful for. “After the LGBTQ+ session, I looked around and saw people having conversations and crying. People have come up and thanked me so much for the opportunities to get to know one another and open their eyes and learn,” Ocasio said.

There’s only one thing the women wish they could change about Friday Night Lights — being able to host more of them.

“We wish we could speak about so many other things because so many things are important to this world,” Jackson said.

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so thankful for this pure love 💛

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I love everything about this from the car wash photo shoot to the shout out from Officiant Syd. ❤️

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AMANDA CHIDESTER (Team USA) and ANISSA URTEZ (Team Mexico) get engaged at Horseshoe Bend, with the help of BFFs and fellow softball players Hannah Flippen and Sam Fischer!

chiddy3 The easiest question I have ever asked 💛 💍 #bettertogether #loveislove #lovewins #engaged ⠀

Shoutout to the content team! A perfect trip with the BEST people!! Thank you @samfischer52 and @hannahflippen for being everything I needed you to be to make this happen #bestfriendsforever

Thank you @thetruegemcompany for making the perfect ring 🥰

nniiiss My forever person. My favorite place. You light up my world. I can’t wait for this beautiful journey together 🥰💍💛 WHAT IS LIFE AHH #engaged #lovealwayswins

> bonus: the content team :)

samfischer52 lifetime of happiness coming right up ✅

so happy that you guys found each other & have decided to spend forever & ever & ever together 🥰❤️

big time shout out to my partner on the content team @hannahflippen for perfectly executing operation: chiddy proposal 2020 💍

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A SOFTBALL ENGAYGEMENT!!!

(will be posting soon)

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Aleshia supporting fellow softballer Paige Lowary's sticker business ❤️ asafeplacebypaigelowary.com

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Team USA member KELSEY STEWART is engaged!

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aleshiaocasio 🤓

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HAYLIE MCLENEY + KY HANSON’s puppies, RIVER and NOLE ❤️

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The TOYOTA RED TERRIERS (from the Japanese Softball League) try some marbling art 🧑‍🎨

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gsvekis21 #ivoted because Black Lives Matter. #ivoted because love is love. #ivoted because the melting pot of cultures, religions, and backgrounds is what makes our country beautiful. #ivoted because women’s rights are human rights. #ivoted because COVID is real. #ivoted because kindness, empathy, and how you make other people feel MATTERS. #ivoted because I am PROUD to be an American and I believe the best is yet to come. #vote #bidenharris2020 #blacklivesmatter #loveislove

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chiddy3 It’s not always easy living my truth but it’s worth it, especially with this one by my side💛 🏳️‍🌈 #betruetoyou

Wherever you are in your journey keep striving to live the life you want to live! For those of you who have someone close to you going through tough times make sure they know you support them and love them! #becourageous #youareloved #love #lgbtq #nationalcomingoutday #utahisrad #utahgram

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tayylayy12 Taylor 1 Gwen 0 🎣

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gsvekis21 Your beauty is unparalleled. Inside and out. An utter life enhancer. See you soon, sugar 🤍

tayylayy12 There are no words to describe the indescribable feeling of finding you. I’ll see you soon gorgeous 🤍🔥

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hayliemac8 Today marks year 7 and we’ll be better at 70 ❤️ I LOVE YOU @ky_hanson!

#PleaseQuitAskinWhensTheWedding #GettingThere #CondoStillBeingRenovated #COVID #etc #Fiance #Engaged #LGBTQ