HomeEvents Empowering Young Athletes: ‘Big Shot’ Season 2 Cast & Crew Discuss Inclusion and Representation in Sports

Empowering Young Athletes: ‘Big Shot’ Season 2 Cast & Crew Discuss Inclusion and Representation in Sports

Geena Davis Institute event highlighted 'Big Shot' Season 2's role in empowering women and promoting diversity in sports, sparking important discussions on representation and inclusion.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Speakers and Panelists:

Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
Yvette Nicole Brown as Sherilyn Thomas
Sophia Mitri Schloss as Emma Korn
Nell Verlaque as Louise Gruzinsky
Tiana Le as Destiny Winters
Tisha Custodio as Carolyn ‘Mouse’ Smith
Cricket Wampler as Samantha Fischer
Sara Echegaray as Ava

Event Highlights:

The event kicked off with an introduction from Madeline Di Nonno, acknowledging the traditional lands of the NJ Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape People. The cast shared their experiences and the impact of the show, particularly on young girls and sports participation. Discussion topics included the show’s new season, its themes around mental health, gender inequality in sports, and LGBTQIA+ representation. The event concluded with a Q&A session, addressing the show’s influence on viewers and expectations for the upcoming season.

Key Takeaways:

Big Shot serves as a significant influence in promoting sports among young girls, offering a rare portrayal of female athletes on TV.
The new season will introduce major changes at Westbrook, transitioning to a co-ed school and exploring complex themes like mental health and inclusivity in sports.
Cast members shared personal reflections on their roles and the show’s impact on both their professional lives and the audience's perception of women in sports.

Actionable Insights:

Media creators and industry stakeholders are encouraged to produce content that challenges traditional gender roles and promotes diversity in sports.
The importance of creating inclusive and representative media that motivates and reflects the aspirations of young viewers, particularly girls in sports.
The discussion emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and action towards equality and representation in entertainment, encouraging audiences to support shows that align with these values.