As an athlete, I know the stereotypes and the body size expectations. I’ve witnessed the pressures of staying thin and mimicking the “ideal athlete” body image. The professional athletes in magazines look like super models, and society tells me I need to look like them to play sports.

The thing is, I don’t have to look like them. Even the best-looking athletes have Photoshop touchups after a shoot with professional photographers and perfect lighting that’s supposed to make them look flawless. Nobody is flawless. Especially as a softball player, I know that. I play a game where I can fail 7 out of 10 times at the plate and still be considered a good hitter. I may not look like a Victoria’s Secret angel, but I can sure hit a softball far.

To be an athlete, you have an ability that not everyone else has. You have a privilege to play a sport that shows your character and your worth day-in and day-out. Why put down your athleticism just because you don’t fit into a size small bathing suit? Your sport’s season is not swimsuit season. Your season is a time to focus on getting stronger and better, not skinner.

No matter what the media tell you, the number or letter of a size does not determine your worth. Just because you’re an athlete does not mean that you have to fit the mold of society’s standards. I have to remind myself that the number on the scale is nothing more than a number. It is not my value, and it certainly does not determine my athletic ability.

Athletes are all different sizes. There is no “one size fits all” athlete. Your goal as an athlete should be to stay fit, focused, and healthy. If you are working to better yourself every day in the skills that your sport requires, you shouldn’t care about your size, weight, or anything else for that matter. If you are feeding your body what it needs to perform well and stay healthy, there is nothing more that should be done. Sports don’t know who’s bigger and who’s smaller. They just know plays the game well enough to win.

So even on the days when I feel like I need to be smaller, I have to remind myself that I can make smarter choices for my health, but softball doesn’t care how much I weigh. For all of the athletes out there who are struggling to fight a negative body image, take the time to notice how capable and how strong you are. Not everyone has the privilege that you do to wear that uniform. Be proud of who you are and how you look because you are capable, strong, and worth every happiness.