Redefining Femininity: Sophie Lauder’s Journey in the World of Masculine Sports
Interviewed by Ana Sunjka
Ana: Please introduce yourself.
Sophie: I’m Sophie Lauder, a fourth-year student at the University of St Andrews. I had never played shinty before university. I started on a whim—I was initially playing football, but a friend convinced me to try shinty. Shinty isn't played in the lowlands of Scotland, only in the Highlands, so I had only heard about it after coming to university. It's funny because I played football all my life, so joining the shinty team was a complete 180 for me.
Ana: Shinty isn’t as widely known as some other sports—how would you describe it to someone who’s never heard of it before?
Sophie: Shinty is like a mix between field hockey and golf. The main difference is that you play on grass and can move the stick higher than your hip, unlike in hockey. That makes it a bit more dangerous, which is why we wear helmets—you can swing the stick all the way back. So, it’s basically a combination of golf and hockey.
Ana: Were you the captain of the team?
Sophie: I was the president of the women’s club last year, which involved managing a lot of the administrative work. I was a very active president, playing in most of the games and tournaments. I think being involved in the sport is the best way to lead a club
Ana: What was it like getting involved in a sport that’s often seen as more masculine?
Sophie: It was a bit daunting at first. I grew up with brothers who played rugby, so the idea of things being more masculine never really scared me. The main thing that surprised me was people’s reactions when I told them I played shinty. They’d say, “Oh, that’s rough, it takes a different kind of girl to do that.” I was always confused—do they know something I don’t? To me, it’s just a sport.
Ana: Women in traditionally masculine sports like shinty, rugby, and football often face unique challenges. Have you encountered any stereotypes or misconceptions about being a woman in this space?
Sophie: Yes and no. Shinty is such a niche sport that I’ve actually played for the men’s club quite often, which wouldn’t be possible in bigger sports like football or rugby. When the men’s team is short on players, they sometimes ask women to step in, and I’ve done that multiple times. There are differences—the men’s game is more aggressive—but I’ve never felt marginalized. The guys treat me like one of their own because I’ve earned their respect. The only negativity I’ve experienced is from other teams, like the Highlanders. I’ve had coaches make comments like, “How did she get past you? She’s a girl!” It’s unnecessary. I’m a good player because I’m a good player, not because of my gender.
Ana: There’s often a perception that women’s sports don’t attract the same following as men’s. Why do you think this disparity exists, and how do you think we can change it?
Sophie: That’s a tough question. Personally, I’ll admit I’m part of the problem—I love playing sports, but I don’t really watch them. I think a big part of the disparity comes from the culture around men’s sports—going to the pub, having pints, that whole atmosphere. Women’s rugby is starting to grow in that way, but you still see women’s football getting far fewer viewers compared to men’s football. It really depends on the sport and the culture around it.
Ana: What advice would you give to women interested in joining sports that are often considered ‘masculine’ but might feel hesitant?
Sophie: Just because a sport is considered masculine doesn’t mean you won’t be good at it. If it interests you, give it a go. Try it for yourself, and don’t let anyone else’s perception stop you.
“'Just because a sport is considered masculine doesn’t mean you won’t be good at it.”
Ana: Shinty has such a rich history in Scotland. What’s something you wish more people knew about the sport?
Sophie: Honestly, I just wish people knew it existed! I’m Scottish, and I had never heard of it before coming to university. It’s tough to gain a wider audience without it feeling like cultural appropriation—shinty, kilts, haggis, all those Scottish stereotypes. But at this point, we’ll take any publicity we can get.
Ana: There’s a physical intensity to shinty that can surprise people. What kind of strength and resilience does it take to play at the level you do?
Sophie: You have to be confident, outgoing, and a bit of a daredevil. You need to be willing to throw yourself into it and push past any anxieties. On the field, you have to forget about people watching you and just focus on playing as a team.
Ana: What has been one of your proudest moments as a member of the shinty team at St Andrews?
Sophie: This might sound a bit dark, but I’m proud that during my time as president, there were no cases of sexual assault in either the men’s or women’s teams. Mixed sports clubs at university often have bad reputations for that, and I made it clear from the start that it wouldn’t be tolerated. I even had to kick someone out of the club right at the beginning of my presidency. Creating a safe environment for everyone is what I’m most proud of.
Ana: Why do you think sports like shinty, which are deeply rooted in Scottish culture, don’t get much attention on a global scale—especially when it comes to women’s teams?
Sophie: It’s just too niche. I hope it can become popular across the UK—even though it’s a Scottish sport, it could definitely grow beyond Scotland.
“Creating a safe environment for everyone is what I’m most proud of.”
Ana: Women in sports like rugby, football, and shinty often face the stigma of not being ‘feminine’ enough. How have you responded to those kinds of stereotypes?
Sophie: I’m aware of that stereotype, but I’ve always made an effort to bring my own femininity to the sport. I always have my nails done, wear a bow in my hair, and add little touches that feel like me. It’s subtle, but it’s important to me. If people want to think I’m masculine because I play a “brutal” sport, that’s their problem. I know who I am, and I’m comfortable with it.
Ana: There’s often an assumption that women’s sports aren’t as exciting or competitive as men’s. What’s your take on this, and how do you challenge it through your play?
Sophie: I think that’s completely wrong. Women’s sports can be just as exciting, if not more. For example, in men’s football, you often see 0-0 draws in major tournaments. In women’s football, there are usually more goals, and the games are more dynamic. Our women’s shinty team consistently outperforms the men’s team—we’re always in the top three in the league.
Ana: Are there athletes you look up to who inspired you to push boundaries in a male-dominated field?
Sophie: I’d say Liona Mar, the rugby player. She’s incredibly strong and muscular, but also very feminine. She’s even on “Dancing with the Stars” right now, and it’s amazing to see her showing that women can be tough on the field and graceful in a ballroom. We can do it all.
Ana: How do you see the role of male allies in sports—whether as coaches, players, or fans—when it comes to supporting female athletes?
Sophie: From my experience, I’ve had mostly positive male influences. Growing up, my dad was my brothers’ rugby coach, and I had a male football coach. They always treated me the same as the boys, and that support was crucial. Of course, it can go wrong, but I’ve been lucky to have great male role models.
Ana: There’s a growing push for equality in sports, from equal pay in football to better visibility for women's leagues. What would equality look like for you in shinty?
Sophie: I think we already have a lot of equality in shinty—at least at the university level. I’ve had the opportunity to play on the men’s team, and shinty in Scotland has been progressive in allowing women to compete alongside men. There’s a real sense of pride when I’m out there with the boys, holding my own.
“'We’ve always been here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Ana: When people say that women shouldn’t be playing sports like shinty or rugby, what’s your response?
Sophie: I’d ask them why they think that. If you’re going to argue that someone shouldn’t play because of their gender, you’re wrong. Women can compete just as well as men. Look at the Olympics—historically, women have always been champions, even when they weren’t allowed to officially compete. We’ve always been here, and we’re not going anywhere.
Photography by Ana Sunjka.
All views expressed in this article are the author’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of N/A Magazine.
Posted Friday November 1st 2024.
Edited by Ana Sunjka.