Coaches Wouldn't Let Soccer Game Start Until Val, Age 10, Showed 'Proof' She Was a Girl

'I had to be loud, I had to use my voice, and I had to assert myself.'

How Desjardins Had the Confidence to Stand Up For Herself

"When it comes to sports, I've always spoken up against injustices because they light me on fire. It's so much bigger than me. If anything, I've had to work on channeling that inner fire and using it in a way that serves me, the greater good, and keeps me safe," Desjardins said. She's had to learn to choose her battles.

"I snapped and told her off on one occasion and got myself in trouble. At the time, nobody asked me how I felt about the situation. I was just scolded for swearing," Desjardins said. This happened 30 years ago, and Desjardins believes that the subject of gender is now less taboo than it used to be."If this were to happen today, I have to believe that things would be better handled," Desjardins said.

"Make sure your kids feel free to explore things they're curious about, and don't limit their interests based on gender."

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