From the playing fields to conference rooms and brainstorm sessions, being an athlete has shaped who I am — not just as a professional, but as a woman. Competing taught me how to be tough, how to strategize and how to handle anything thrown my way. Sports aren’t just about wins and losses. They build resilience, sharpen strategy and teach us how to adapt — qualities that define strong athletes and unstoppable women. At VI, we don’t just believe in bold strategy — we live it. Many of us grew up as athletes, and the lessons we learned continue to shape how we think, collaborate and push boundaries every day.
That’s why we’re pumped to support the OKC Police Athletic League (OKC PAL) Girls’ Championship Gala Luncheon on February 13 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. Because here’s the truth: girls who play sports become women who lead. The longer a girl stays in the game, the more likely she is to step into leadership — on and off the field. Female high school athletes are more likely to graduate, go to college and earn their degrees. And when you look at the highest levels of business? A staggering 94% of women in executive roles — CEOs, CFOs and COOs played sports. The impact doesn’t stop there. Senior businesswomen are 75% more likely to hire candidates with athletic backgrounds, knowing firsthand the drive, discipline and teamwork sports instill. This is why investing in young female athletes matters. It’s not just about the game — it’s about building the next generation of confident, capable, unstoppable women.
Here's How Sports Shaped Us
"A few defining childhood experiences shaped my professional life, and playing sports is among the most impactful. Being part of a team instilled in me invaluable qualities —cooperation, leadership, trust, determination and resilience. These attributes have not only influenced my personal growth but have also made me a stronger leader in my career. While competition drives success, the true advantage lies in knowing you have a team by your side, working together toward a shared victory." – Greta Anglin, VP of Strategic Marketing
“Sports have been pivotal in my life. Through soccer, I learned the value of dedication — both in honing personal skills and fostering teamwork. From pick-up games to college soccer, the sport instilled in me a drive for excellence — not just on the field, but in academics, health and personal growth. It also shaped my leadership perspective, influencing how I contribute at work and envision my path off the field.” – Erin Robinson, Senior Creative Director
“Playing softball taught me so much about grit, trust in your teammates and how to work hard toward a shared goal, all of which I use daily in my career and life. You also can’t play sports without learning how to work through failure and build resilience, invaluable skills for anyone to have!” – Valerie Trammell, Group Account Director
“As a competitive cheerleader for 12 years, It built resilience and the ability to trust others. The sport constantly presents unknowns, and things don’t always go as planned on the mat no matter how many times you compete. In those moments, you have to adapt and trust that your team is working together to stick the routine. These qualities, resilience and trust have shaped who I am today.”– Deleanie Moriello, Account Lead
“Running has taught me that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line — it’s about the miles of effort, discipline and grit it takes to get there. Every early morning run, every tough mile pushes me beyond my limits and strengthens my ability to persevere. Marketing is no different. It’s about showing up, staying consistent and pushing forward even when the path gets tough. That mindset drives everything I do.” Karlie Stafford – Agency Brand Manager
The lessons we learned in sports aren’t just for game day. They’re for life. They help us build stronger teams, push creative boundaries and tackle every challenge with confidence.
We’re honored to support OKC PAL as they continue to champion young girls in sports. Let’s show up, cheer loud and invest in the future—because every girl deserves the chance to compete, lead and win. Grab your tickets here and support these incredible young athletes!
