The choice between sports and sex appeal

The other day I was going through pictures trying to decide which ones to use for my website. I came across a picture of me in a bathing suit from a photo shoot I did not too long ago. It was a good picture and I wanted to use it, but I was hesitant. Was it too revealing? Was it unprofessional? Could I post that picture and still be considered a role model? My uncertainty about a simple picture got me thinking about a much bigger issue: Can a woman realistically expect be seen as a great athlete AND a sex symbol?

To begin researching my question, I Googled "female athletes posing nude." The results included a variety of articles debating whether or not female athletes posing for sexy photo shoots marginalized everything else she did on her respective playing field. Some called it insulting, saying that these women are discounting the other qualities that make them great athletes. Others argue that women are posing in overly sexual ways to compensate for homophobia and the masculine aspects of playing sports. While still others point out that these women have worked hard for their bodies, so why not show them off and gain recognition for their hard work.

So what's my take on it? Well, as usual, I have a few things to say, so here goes...

First, I don't understand why posing for sexy pictures automatically means we are denying the toughness and strength it takes to be an elite athlete. To me it means that we want people to see us in totality, as multi-dimensional women who are not afraid to embrace all sides of ourselves. The coolest thing about the evolution of the modern day woman is that we have the ability to be so many things at once: career women, wives, mothers, etc. So it seems unfair to limit a female athlete by putting her in a box pre-determined by her sport. If it would be wrong for people to see us as just a sex symbol, is it any less wrong for them to see us as just an athlete? Either way, it's only a portion of who we are as women.

Second, some say we want to be photographed in sexy and ultra-feminine ways so people won't think we're gay just because we play sports. But what if it's instead to show people how we look the other 80% of the time when we're not playing? I wear short dresses out to the club and bikinis on the beach; it's not out of the norm for me, or many other female athletes. So I look at such photo shoots as a way to represent something we are, rather than to "prove" something we're not. Plus, these days there are lots of beautiful femme chicks that like women, so it really doesn't prove anything anyway.

Another argument is that using sexual images to get publicity sets women's causes back hundreds of years by cheapening everything else we do in sports. I understand that women have had to struggle (and still struggle) to earn respect for women's athletics. And true, taking your clothes off is the easiest and quickest way to get some cheap attention. But this very blog is evidence that there are other ways to draw attention to women's sports and issues. Kara Lawson is another player representing women's athletics through a different medium: broadcasting. Yes, stripping down to a bathing suit is easier, but it is far from the only way. Why can't we be athletic enough to play at the highest level, smart enough to write about important issues, articulate enough to be a sports broadcaster, AND hot enough to pose for a men's magazine? Call me ambitious, but I think we can do it all.

As females we are judged by our looks anyway. We are commented about and ridiculed if we don't meet other people's standards of physical attractiveness. So if our looks can work against us, we should have the option of allowing them to work for us too - without being looked at as a traitor to our gender or our sport. Also, societies' definition of beauty is dangerously narrow, often convincing young women that they must be stick skinny and always "put together" to be attractive. In my opinion, it's a great thing that men's magazines are stepping away from the stick skinny models and not only featuring curvier women like Beyonce and Kim Kardashian, but also tall, lean, muscular women like the Team USA Olympians that did the cover shoot for FHM in 2004. As long as the pictures are classy and not raunchy, I don't have a problem with it at all.

Thoughts anyone? For the women, how do you feel about female athletes posing for sexy pictures? And men, while you may not mind it, would you look at her as less of a "serious athlete" for doing so?

Add Comment

• æBLAKEæ said April 08, 2009

  I agree. You can't criticize it if its classy.
  
  As far as being a "serious athlete" goes, the coaches and gm's aren't going to waste a roster spot for someone because of their looks. It would take a huge revenue boost for the owners to do it and I don't see anyone pulling that off on looks alone.

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  • TinajoOrban replied April 09, 2009

    Excellent presentation of your viewpoint Chantelle. I agree with you 100% I actually think it is even more power that women are be able to show of their physical prowess via images/print. Eat your hear out (Michael Angelo's) David.
• TheOneNOnly said April 08, 2009

  I wouldn't look at them as less of an athlete whatsoever. How is it a bad thing that people who are blessed with both raw athletic talent and good looks (like me), like to show off what they got in both departments.

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• shrrew said April 08, 2009

  I think your thought process is ahead of its time. The rest of the world is not there yet. There is a huge double-standard. Sexy pics of famous male players of all sports never detract from the perception of their athletic prowness, integrity or intelligence. However, when a woman does it, all of a sudden she isn't much of an athlete, she has no integrity and she must be stupid according to the press and ordinary conventions. It would be nice to erase that double-standard.
  
  Women should not have to choose between being strong and being sexy. It is a falso OR!

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  • six8pwrhouse replied April 08, 2009

    I also agree with shrrew because nothing is said when david beckham who is a great soccer player is considered one or if not the "sexiest dude in all of sports" plus beckham modeled for some briefs for armani..i don't have an opinion nor should I really do but dude is not a beasting dude..."for pete's sake" hahaha....he had a movie named after him....LOL...also nothing is said when other basketball players like d wade or rick fox getting voted as one of people sexiest people....it just goes back to the double standard that's out there....women just get looked at different because of the past...but the decision is totally yours on what you want to do...but society and different people of the media may not feel the same way....so if there is backlash from a pic of you...u would know why...not saying that it is right but that's the country we living in...cause i don't think you'd get the same treatment in europe...because I think you'd be praised...but don't quote that....HA
• UNC23Tarheels said April 08, 2009

  Hey if you got it then By All Means Flaunt it,Besides having a God giving talent,if you got the looks then it's a "win-win"..Great Article..Chantelle Keep Em Coming..

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  • Shark151 replied April 08, 2009

    As in the Miami Heat chearleaders? I swear I couldn't stop looking every time their commercial came on the NBA channel .
• CoachScott said April 08, 2009

  Except for maybe offensive linemen, athletes usually have the kind of bodies that people admire. Posting a picture in a bikini just shows people another side of you. I don't see that it should cause a problem with your image. Those who claim that are probably the ones who should never post a picture of themselves in a bikini or probably even a parka :) I say you just send that picture to me and I will judge whether or not you should post it ;) OK... Just kidding.

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  • AlanaG replied April 08, 2009

    Chantelle, your next post better have that bikini picture in it, or you're going to have a lot of disappointed Yardbarker fans!
    
    Great post and I agree with shrrew... your thought process is ahead of its time. Thanks for trying to bring the rest of the world up to your speed tho!
    • 1way2play replied April 08, 2009

      I seen this bikini picture somewhere I don't know when but it was like in a gold swimsuit or something I think...it wasn't bad at all
    • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

      LOL. well i was picking out pictures for my personal website (www.chantelleanderson.com coming soon) and that's when i came up with this dilemma. still haven't decided exactly which direction i'm going yet. not one to let what people think determine what i do...but at the same time in my position i have to at least consider image. so we shall see!
• 1way2play said April 08, 2009

  For me this is a lil tricky because I appreciate u ladies for ur basketball talent. as a man naturally i might be like she kinda cute while ur on the court but I am there 2 see yall hoop. With the picture thing if its ur personal website thats ur choice as long as they are not too raunchy like u said because u are a regular human being at the end of the day, and who doesnt swim? A couple of cute ones would'nt hurt and it might be good to see some of yall in the sports illustrated swimsuit edition since some ignorant people still think all of yall are boyish because if u think about it I have seen Serena, Danica Patrick, Leila Ali etc all in bikinis before. As for a league wide campaign... nah it would take my head away from what u really do and make me start using the other head (if u feel me) and I would rather not. I would rather the casual fans to know about ur true talent first because I wouldnt want them to see yall as regular girls. I think that some advertising should be about yall beauty though like some loreal (however u spell it) or them oil of olay commercials or something because that will show feminine beauty and u can wear nice clothes in the photo shoot. Of course the natural dogg in me wants to see yall in very little or no clothing but I enjoy a nice dress or a flyy pants suit just as well. Those are two different type of sexy, one is I would love to screw her because shes hott and one is mann she is so beautiful,fine and classy. all in all a couple of pics would not hurt when put in the right place with a purpose or a mixture of other images like im sure u have.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

    i'm hearing you. thanks for your honesty. ya, i totally think we should be seen in all different ways. not just in bball clothes and not just in bathing suits, but in those and everything in between, including dress clothes. i just wonder even if we have all different kind of pictures, will people focus on the bikini shots in a negative way.
    • 1way2play replied April 08, 2009

      you know somebody will ignore the other pics and write a whole article about the bikini. thats their jobs and the way of the world the controversy gets publicized. Just don't do one washing a lambo with your butt sticking up in the air and I think you will be just fine.
      • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

        lmao. hahahahaha. ok deal.
• hoopfeed said April 08, 2009

  What are your thoughts on Lauren Jackson's famous photo shoot in that Australian magazine that many thought was sexy yet tasteful? It didn't seem to hurt her credibility as a "serious" athlete (I'm guessing any negative backlash was kept to a minimum because it was in a highly respected magazine). http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001959032_storm18.html

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

    i loved Lauren's photo shoot. I have always thought she was really pretty and she definitely represented in those pics. i think it didn't get as much publicity over here bc it was an australian magazine. and strangely, overseas they are a lot less judgmental about women showing their bodies. she is seen more as confident and comfortable with herself, and there are less negative connotations to go along with it.
• Somemo32 said April 08, 2009

  I think the thoughts of women in general is the root cause of the problem here. You have the stereotypical dumb blonde bombshell, so people think you can't be smart and pretty. Stereotypes say that uber athletic women are gay. I think all of it stems from ignorance and insecurities. Until women like yourself that are out there mainstream breaking down these stereotypes, they're just going to continue on. And I agree there is a difference between a classy sexy photo and a raunchy one, so you shouldn't be able to discount anything about the woman because of a photo, but unfortunately that is the sad reality that we live in. Time to usher in a new era.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

    i agree with you. i hate the stereotype that women can't be pretty and smart too. it's just a different box to put us in. the thing i worry about the most is people taking it the wrong way and not seeing me (or any other female athlete) as a suitable role model bc of a stupid picture. it wouldn't be worth it to me to sacrifice that. we shouldn't have to make that sacrifice but sometimes, perception is reality.
• Windy12 said April 08, 2009

  You are tall Chantelle, well spoken and will always be called classy, in fact if you went out and did a load of bad stuff I do not imagine that you could shake the classy image. Everyone expects an athlete to be light on the clothes, they spend their lives with us watching them in shorts etc jumping around in their sports so unless you are visiting the president or similar, why cover up an athletic body, there surely has to be some reward for all of that hard training? You are like our (England's) Sharon Davies, nice to look at, nice to listen to, everyone smiles when she is around.
  
  Most tall women are called classy, slutty unfortunatley belongs to shorter women, deserved or not.

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• HarryPotter said April 08, 2009

  i play basketball and am sexy at the same time
  

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• stillatin said April 08, 2009

  sex sells yeah, but youre a naturally beautiful women, "eff" what people think. maybe photoshop a basketball into the picture so they dont think youre an upcoming miss world contestant

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  • STLnTDOT replied April 08, 2009

    LOL but why couldnt she be a Miss World contestant? She is still a beautiful woman who is also a gifted athlete. :shrug: Im just saying.....
• pilight said April 08, 2009

  "Can a woman realistically expect be seen as a great athlete AND a sex symbol?" ----- The first question that pops into my mind is "Why do you want to be seen as a sex symbol?" I don't see the benefit unless you're trying to attract more, um, admirers. Your previous commentary suggests that's not a priority for you. ----- More to the point, a big part of the reason people say female athletes will lose credibility for posing is that the vast majority of female athletes who have done so are either trying to compensate for a lack of on field success (e.g. Anna Kournikova) or are at the end of their athletic shelf life (e.g. Amanda Beard). There haven't been many highly successful female athletes who have gotten their public sexy on in the prime of their careers. Serena Williams has done some hot shoots, she's about the only one who's done so without people suspecting an ulterior motive. That's really the crux of the issue. If a female athlete has Serena's credibility before she starts showing off her assets, people will continue to consider her seriously. If not, if her career has been a disappointment or she's near athletic retirement age, then posing will be seen as an act of desperation and she'll never attain the gravitas that's automatically ascribed to male athletes.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

    well, its not that my main goal in life is to be seen as a sex symbol. but i don't like the idea of being seen as just an athlete when i am so much more. there are many female athletes that can be the total package. i just meant, why do we have to be limited. but great point about losing credibility. i think you're right. as long as you continue to represent yourself well in other areas(i.e. serena williams), they might not judge you so hard. but what about the olympians that posed nude? they are at the highest level of their sports and still got criticized for exploiting women's athletics.
    • pilight replied April 08, 2009

      Because the sports the Olympians participate in have limited visibility, many people thought they were posing more to gain exposure (as it were) for their sport rather than out of any personal empowerment desires. If people think you're prostituting yourself to get more attention paid to your league, they won't respect you. It's a fine line. ----- Q over at Rethinking Basketball blogged on a related topic the other day. He thinks the problem is that the sports media doesn't know the proper language to use when talking about female athletes. Check it out here: http://rethinkbball.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-difference-year-makes-why.html
      • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

        that was a GREAT article and right on point. i loved your comment too. "screw you, lets play ball." genius. thats essentially what the very first add campaign of the WNBA was getting at when they said, "we got next." that was the best campaign they've had. wouldn't it be great to re-create that message in a different phrase?
• Windy12 said April 08, 2009

  Here is our Sharon Davies now 47!!!
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharron_Davies and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q08VcisbxBg
  
  Even after wearing that dress and I think she is on her third husband, she is associated with a quality sportswoman, classy but attractive and in fantastic shape. You could do the American equivalent no problem, she will chat to a teenage girl as effortlessly and as in tune as she can with a 70 year old man or anyone else, she cares and she listens.
  She probably is a sex symbol but a respected one!!

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• ibleedgreen81 said April 08, 2009

  The whole dam world is a bunch of critic's, who cares? if it's what makes you happy screw everyone else

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• steiny31 said April 08, 2009

  I don't mind it and nor do i think of her as a less serious athlete - Steiny

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• demetairsbell said April 08, 2009

  First of, great post Chantelle, you did it again. Where to begin.....The only advice I can offer to a woman is to not pre-occupy yourself with what someone else thinks. What's important is what YOU think. Throughout the history of time women have been told to behave this way, or don't do this while they see the total opposite being asked of men and now women are crying out because some are becoming confussed about what's being asked of them in a historically male dominated society. I don't have a daughter, but I do have a younger sister that I consider to be my daughter and I taught her that her body is a temple and it's something that you don't just share with anyone. Everybody's not worthy of that privilage. I also teach that to my sons. The only request I have of female athletes is to not allow your sex appeal to be used a token to sell a product. In the case of the WNBA let the fact that there are some good basketball players that just happen to be women be the selling point of the league. Folk need to get with it, women aren't just housewives and trophies. They're doing it all and we men have to accept that fact.

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• STLnTDOT said April 08, 2009

  The whole double standard of "Sexy Photos" bothers me. It is ok for Reggie Bush to pose shirtless and in his sexy boy pose and still be considered a great athlete but not ok for women?
  
  I have the pic you are referring to and I think the pic looks great and is very tasteful (and will look amazing on your website ;) ) and for anyone that would actually think that you arent an amazing athlete or that you lack passion for the game based on a "sexy photo" needs to be kicked in the butt!
  
  This is 2009 and we need to start erasing those double standards.

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• DaBirds717 said April 08, 2009

  I think its all about the frequency of those sexy photo shoots compared to how you are doing in your sport. Serena Williams doesn't receive backlash for her frequent photo shoots because she is dominating her sport. Anna Kournakova on the other hand might get some backlash because people feel she should spend less time posing for magazines and more time working on her game because she didn't win anything.

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  • ginaonline replied April 08, 2009

    Serena does receive backlash, I think Serena's body is amazing. There was a recent photo of herf at the beach in a 2 piece and the comments were very offensive. Some may not understand that curvy woman are considered beautiful. I think there is nothing wrong with posing for sexy pics as long as they are tasteful. But like Chantelle said you have to consider certain things when your considered a role model look what happened to Miley Cyrus when she showed some back in that mag.
    http://thesuperficial.com/2009/04/serena_williams_in_a_bikini_1.php?bfm_index=5&bfm_page=0
    
    • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

      great example. that's exactly what i'm talking about. there was nothing wrong with miley cyrus' pictures. but bc girls look up to her everyone freaked out. i'd rather be a role model than a sex symbol. and thats where the question comes up.
• Wheelman said April 08, 2009

  Be true to yourself. Litmus test: Can I show the photos to my parents?

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• psheehy said April 08, 2009

  Physical beauty and athletic ability are two entirely distinct attributes. There is nothing wrong with feeling beautiful and being proud of your beauty. It in no way detracts from your job performance. We as humans are often too hung up on what other people may think. You teach a young girl as much about having confidence and pride in yourself by displaying your skills on the basketball court as you do wearing your bikini on the beach. I wish every young girl believed they could be smart, beautiful and great at their job, the world we be a better place for it.

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• soozeblb said April 08, 2009

  GREAT informative post! I hope your views (which I share) seriously open the eyes of fans -- male and female -- everywhere.

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• RobertLittal said April 08, 2009

  I am going to need visual evidence of the picture in question before I can make a proper assessment.

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• mkrobcom said April 08, 2009

  Great post, I believe it depends on the person. I believe people should be looked at as people not just sex symbols or athletes. Fans or not, no one should assume someone's sexuality just because they play ball. I happened to prefer the athletic woman I guess because I'm an athlete myself, but I know I have a different mind frame. Would I look at you different? No way, no how. You are just a female athlete with sex appeal, you should not be looked at differently just because you take pictures showing off your body. I agree with you about the pictures being tasteful and classy. Raunchy and sleezy is not very good.

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• AshHansen said April 08, 2009

  Insightful Chantelle.. I agree some women and men can "have it all". I like your ambition and I feel if you are an athelete or even CREDIBLE athelete (sorry Anna Kournikova) as well as "ridiculously good looking" at the same time then POWER TO YOU.
  There's nothing wrong with David Beckham posing in Emporio Armani underwear so I don't see anything holding you back (modelling whatever clothes you endorse that is) hehe..
  I think society is rather superficial these days anyway, so beauty is glorified whether your an athelete or a cashier at Foodmart. However, I do feel that people's taste have broadened beyond the catwalk stick figures. In addition to all that I think younger aspiring female atheletes will still look up to you as well (How many Beckham singlets sell. It's one of the major draw cards of signing him!!)
  
  In closing, if you feel beautiful and confident I think there's nothing wrong with showing the world, especially if you're as confident and as intelligent as you are. People will listen to you, shut up and change their opinion. If not they're not worth the effort anyway. If your comfotable in the skin your in and you obviously work hard for it.. As Arnie says in PUMPING IRON when helping out one of the "little guys" with his posing. "Don't hide away.... SHOW THEM".

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• Jamestime1 said April 08, 2009

  I sure would have like to see the pic,so I could tell you if it was unprofessional or not I am thinking the latter.

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• Smooth said April 08, 2009

  Chantelle,
  I know that you are a great athelte. I also know that you are a girlie girl and can look as good as you want too. I know that women can have it both ways and do well. SO, keep on looking beautifull. But if you pose nude, I will tell your daddy.
  Love ,Peace, and Hope.

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• scottkitchens said April 08, 2009

  I enjoy seeing the human side of a person. I think your second statement fits my opinion. If you normally wear what you are posing for and feel comfortable, there is nothing wrong with that. I want my wife to dress sexy when we go out. If we go to the beach, she would wear a bikini. There is nothing wrong with being sexy and I still would respect the game!
  
  The flip side is when you over do it and pose if things you normally wouldn't wear or do. Posing nude is not something we would normally do so it's best to keep that private. Not that I would have some male urges that may try to look. I'm just keeping it real but seriously, have respect for who you are and be yourself. Sexy, geeky, or whatever just be who you are!
  
  Wouldn't mind seeing the photo though, lol.

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• BaldEagle14 said April 08, 2009

  Great stuff as usual Chantelle. Thank You.

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• GardenOfOden said April 08, 2009

  would never look at a hot girl being less of an athlete, actually i would respect her MORE cuz she went thru all her life bein hit on by every guy out there and STLL stayed focused enough to succeed in athletics.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 08, 2009

    LOL. never thought of it that way. but now that you mention it, thats really sayin something! lol
• giantsrepeat said April 08, 2009

  You got it going on girl, as long as you are not doing anything considered sleezy, why not flaunt what you have. You seem like a classy lady, not some slut who is basically a dime a dozen.

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• speedwell said April 08, 2009

  No one is ever going to accuse you of being some dumb jock.
  I think that we've witnessed Lisa Leslie and Gabby Reece in nude, but obscured, photos. Neither suffered from any sort of credibility or PR backlash. Of course it all depends on the avenue that you use to take and distribute those photos.
  The real sex appeal here is that you are not only attractive, but you've managed to string two or more cogent thoughts together and have developed insightful opinions that you've shared with us. Kudos.

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• lewii5 said April 09, 2009

  i've always been partial to a girl just wearing sweatpants and a hoody. it's not about the clothes, but the person wearing them. do what you want and let others perceive you however they want to.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 11, 2009

    ya, when i'm at home my fav outfit is sweats and a wife beater. gotta love it. it is about the person and not the clothes. unfortunately people judge a lot be clothes.
    • Windy12 replied April 13, 2009

      what is a wife beater?
• Windy12 said April 09, 2009

  As far as a career goes to be an attractive athlete, then not to use physical shape and looks is a bit crazy to me, also it will probably be an impossible task unless one moves from image to coaching or something similar, one of my favourite actresses and models is Grace Jones, she strips she is sometimes naked but to me (as a man) and I am sure to thousands of women she is a symbol of strength not weakness. She is almost an image rather than an individual. I say as long as a woman is tall strong and athletic and doesnt deviate from that strength they cannot go wrong, however compassion in their conversations and actions is important especially in this day and age. The idea of sex symbols is a bit out of date today, probably belongs in the 60s.
  
  If no-one looks no-one will notice and their a lot of people trying to get noticed.

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• cantseeme said April 09, 2009

  I think it's a hypocritical thing people go on. You see male athletes posing on these magazines, obviously as a sex symbol in a way, but they never get critcized. I have a Men's Fitness with Mike Modano shirtless on the cover. Although it's supposed to be a men's magazine, obviously it wasn't marketed that way. But they never get criticized. Women athletes are not going to have that tom boy image that everybody expect them to have. Women are beautiful creatures and them being athletes isn't going to change the fact that they are gorgeous. I say, more power to the woman who is an athlete and is so self-confident that she is able to show her body. It does not take away from the fact that you can actually play. And you could probably kick a lot of the guys arse's out there. I know a few gorgeous, female hockey players who could outskate and outscore me any day of the week.

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• beagamer said April 09, 2009

  It doesn't matter if you do it or not and it doesn't matter if you're built incredibly or not, but don't do it because others want you to do it. This is something that should only be done if you want to do it and you alone.

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• Windy12 said April 09, 2009

  True beagamer, good point.
  A future career that is going to last cannot just happen either though, it has to be worked upon and calculated.
  I keep going on about our English swimmer who carved a career after sport, but she is the perfect role model for others to follow, which is still going strong and she is 47 nearly 48, but she kept to her fitness regime to give her the edge, she used her sporting focus when delivering speeches, awards etc at business functions and her physical prescence to take control of the stage, but she could swiich quickly from determined and imposing to nice personality if someone made a humurous comment or the occassion was right. So head of a charity, business spokewoman and award presenter, woman of the people, sporting star, sporting presenter, tv personality, model poses some lingere and risque poses, a mans hands as her bra on one, very large chains as clothes on another, but more sporting and athletic poses rather than sleazy, so it is possible, but it all has to be approcahed the same way as the game, no the part you are supposed to play and do not deviate and it will work.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 11, 2009

    good point. its like branding yourself. figure out what your "brand" is and don't deviate from what that includes.
    • Windy12 replied April 12, 2009

      Yes, I noticed that she doesnt always smile the same smile as she does at social occassions at business awards, if she is doing something serious she has a different smile, unless someone cracks a joke then she does but instantly reverts back to her other persona for that event. Those different types of manner need training and an ability to look deeply at yourself, something sports people do anyhow.
      
      In her what some may think are s'exual poses' ie low clothing modelling etc, she has the look as if she is about to swim in a race, she is looking out more than others are looking in, I think that edge and her physical strength, as she has very strong shoulders, give her edge that normal models do not have.
• soccerchica said April 09, 2009

  I don't see the need to pose nude or in provocative poses/clothing to show you are beautiful. You can look beautiful in an evening gown. And people will say how beautiful you are, not how sexy you are. AND people will be OK with you being a role model for children, which I'm glad you think is important. So if you want to have it ALL, which you CAN--show off your beauty in a tasteful way that is appealing to all, not just men.

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  • Jamestime1 replied April 11, 2009

    Good point,keep em coming.
• orangenex said April 09, 2009

  Great article and perspective. I do a ton of photography of female athletes and some people take things the wrong way and think it's trying to sexualize everything but you can be a powerful athlete and a woman at the same time - they definitely are not mutually exclusive!

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• Miracle_Baller said April 09, 2009

  I think its a good thing. Female athletes actually have a different personality from their athletic side most of the time. So why not strut your stuff. Its good to maintain sexy but not sluty and some people cant find the difference. But your a beautiful athlete so a tip for your website, is to do both. It shows who you are fully =)

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• petrel said April 10, 2009

  I have conflicting opinions. I think there's always a danger in posing, because it puts a female athlete's validation back in the hands of the gender that would be most interested in female posing, namely men. It makes men the gatekeepers - "Okay, you over there are pretty and therefore, you're acceptable; you over there are not pretty and therefore you have no worth. And I, the guy, get to determine who has the value and who doesn't and you have to fight for my approval." One of the common putdowns of women in sports is "women ballplayers are ugly" - and how do you fight someone's loaded personal opinion? Trying to prove that you're pretty is just playing the same game - "I'll show you!" To some men out there, "female" and "athlete" are contradictory terms.
  
  On the other hand, I'm reminded of what Belinda Carlyle of the Go-Gos said when she posed for Playboy - "I wanted to pose while there was still something worth seeing." Posing has the power to break the All Female Athletes are Ugly stereotype - if you look at Lauren Jackson's photos and still think she's ugly, there's no help for you but opthamology. Anything that expands the boundaries of what a woman can be - athletic, attractive, intelligent - is a good thing. Posing not only highlights the "attractive" side, but throws positive light on the "athletic" and "intelligent" sides as well.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 11, 2009

    good point about the validation. i'll have to think about that one...
• jayanderson06 said April 11, 2009

  I don't mind women posing in magazines to show off their sexuality. I hate the fact that people tend to think that WNBA players are hard unattractive manly like women. And thats not coming from some men, alot of women be saying that. I remember when that lady from the LA Sparks franchise posed topless for more ppl to watch the WNBA. that was dumb. I'ma man and I love watching WNBA. I see sexiness from Chantelle Anderson, Swin Cash, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Shyra Ely, Camille Little, upcoming rookie Briann January, Candace Parker, Milton, Alena Beard, Cappie Ponderdexter, Tina Thompson, Lisa Leslie, and more Nikki McCray. I just wish that people would stop judging.

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  • Chantelle7 replied April 11, 2009

    me toooo! lol. thank you. hopefully one day the general perception of women will change and strong will be another attribute of sexy.
• eharper said April 14, 2009

  hiya doll! from an old friend... you're a hottie. you're intelligent. you have interesting and provoking opinions. and most importantly, you're a damn good athlete. From a branding standpoint, you have to think about how you want to be perceived. it's all about the image you're building and maintaining. And those things should help to inform your decision whether or not to post them. Lastly, keep in mind that swimsuits truly come in a range of slut-ness. Dana Torres doesn't looks quite classy (rather she looks like an amazing athlete) and she is in bikinis in the press all the time. regardless, love you and see you soon:) xx

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• mfrancioso said April 16, 2009

  I think there are many beautiful and sexy WNBA ballers as well as other female athletes and you Chantelle are one of them.....there are not that many "manly" players most seem "girly"(feminine) to me...even in the heat of competition...manly compared to what...little girls? What is NOT sexy about watching Allyson Felix or Gail Devers sprint down the lane or Serena smashing a ball (complete with scream and holla...lol)...besides it's sports not a beauty contest...beauty is in the eye of the beholder...peace and God bless....

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• Yuri28 said April 15, 2009

  Well Chantelle, just in case you didn't know, i'm here to tell you. You're seen as so much more than a sex symbol. Granted you are sexy...lol. Seriously though, you represent so much more. You're intelligent, well spoken, well written, an outstanding athlete, and a great role model. I don't think there's anything wrong with you posing for sexy pictures as long as they're tastefully done. In fact, I think its important that you show young women who look up to you (especially female ballers) that you can be a serious athlete and also embrace your femininity.

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• jjisthetruth said April 18, 2009

  You are a gorgeous woman that has game and people will always try to lock you in one box or another depending on their own issues. Please be a role model and prove to fans and spectators that you can do it all while still maintaining class and poise expected of a woman, professional athlete or better yet a human being. Reach for the stars always and real women will always show support.

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• Latinferno said April 18, 2009

  Whether we like it or not, our society is going to JUDGE you no matter what you do. The publics perception is so random and selective it's ridiculous. Look at some of the celebrities who are basically "nobodys" before they gained popularity by a dirty nookie tape (Kim K and Paris Hilton). They became more popular than ever amidst this sort of behavior. I'm not saying taking a "sexy photo" is in the same realm, but it will change peoples perception about who you are. If you are comfortable in your own skin, and are able to pull it off, I say GO FOR IT. I too would pose shirtless in a banana hammock with BLACK socks if I thought I looked great!! Whaha! Sure, you are going to have ppl who scrutinize you for WHATEVER you do, just be sure you are comfortable with who you are, ask your friends and familys opinion on the matter, and do what YOU feel is right. I personally could use more spank material, so I say GO FOR IT! lol :)

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• keatir said April 21, 2009

  Being an Aussie living in Canberra I got to enjoy seeing Lauren Jackson play quite often with the Caps. When she did her photo shoot for Black and White mag it did not change my opinion that she is a great ball player.
  I think you can be a sex symbol and great athlete. Why not show what you've got if you feel comfortable doing it. You work hard for a hot looking body so don't go hiding it. Swimsuit shots are fine by me.
  Rob

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• monarch1 said April 21, 2009

  Atheletes have the best bodies in the world. I'd rather see an athelete flaunting it than a model! Go for it Chantell - take it to the next level!

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