I played lacrosse growing up and now, both my sons and my daughters play sports. I want my daughters to have the same opportunities as my sons -- including in athletics.

For that reason, I was honored to bring Kelley O’Hara as my guest to the State of the Union earlier this month.

Kelley is an inspiration to me and so many others. She’s a two-time FIFA Women’s Cup champion. An Olympic gold medalist. A world-class defender for NJ Gotham FC.

Even more impressive than all that, Kelley is a champion for women’s equality in sports. Kelley and her teammates bargained for and secured equal pay for the U.S. women’s national soccer team.

Women have fought so hard for every right in life, from the right to vote to the right to decide what’s best for our bodies and families. We’re still fighting for equality -- and equal pay -- in the workplace, including in sports.

We’re at an inflection point for women’s rights in our country, and we all need to get involved in this fight. Will you start by adding your name in support of women’s equality in sports?

I’m proud to work with Kelley to advance equality in women’s athletics and expand opportunities for women in sports at all levels.

I fought for the Equal Pay for Team USA Act and was thrilled to see it signed into law. Now, I’m leading efforts to ensure college athletics abide by Title IX, eliminate inequities between men’s and women’s programming, and to study gender equality across NCAA-sanctioned sports in all three divisions.

The age of women sitting silently on the bench is over. 

Earlier this month, we celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day, so now is a great time to commit to our fight for women’s equality in sports. Our team is working to gather 2,000 signatures, and I’m hoping yours will be one of them.

I will always stand up for equality for all Americans. I will always fight back when others stand in its way. As a dedicated member of our team, I know I can count on you to do the same.

Thank you for all you do,

Mikie