The Atlantic Female Athletes Need to See Puberty as a Power, Not a Weakness I had the opportunity to safely and naturally grow a body durable enough to compete not only in college, but also beyond. January 10, 2021 When I was growing up, my natural ability was a big factor in my athletic prowess. With a wiry body and unusually long limbs, I managed to become one of the top young runners in California. I finished fourth in the state in my sophomore year of high school. At the same time, I was also developing an interest in other activities—student government, theater, competitive soccer, and a social life. But being a well-rounded teenager was not what my private high school’s athletic leadership wanted.