This site is the creation of an Elmira College women's studies class and was partly created in six weeks in the spring of 2006 and finished in 5 weeks in the spring of 2009. Thirty-nine students set out to profile female athletes, to present their stories and some related issues to the world via the web, and to partake in some recreational activities ourselves. We've tried to give many of these athletes an opportunity to share their stories with you so that you can learn more about them, about what it's like to be a female athlete, and about what you can do to inspire girls to follow their dreams. Work Hard Play Hard is part of the First Shift Project, a larger collection of websites about women and work, all created by women's studies students.

Building this site...

Students worked in groups and first learned the skills necessary to conduct field interviews. They made contact with various athletes and arranged interviews, using digital photography and sound technology to record interviews that took place in upstate New York, Boston, and Rhode Island. Interviews were in person, via email, via iChat, and there were more than a few follow-up sessions in AIM. Then came the fun part. Students learned how to create websites on Apple computers using Dreamweaver, Photoshop, iView, MS Word, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, Quicktime, Firefox, and whatever else they could get their hands on. Fun was had by all. Well, maybe not all and maybe not exactly everyone would say "fun."

Take a look at what students had to say about the class.

Getting Outside...

Students were asked to explore various forms of recreation in both leisure and sports. These opportunities allowed us to gain a sense of wonder from the natural world, as well as enhance relationships with classmates. Each class member participated in at least three activities of their choosing, some familiar, some not; and most students were able to stretch their comfort by trying the unfamiliar. These activities included hiking, white water rafting, bowling, tennis, geocaching, fly casting and tying, racquetball, softball, and more.

Take a look at what students had to say about getting active.