Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like?

by Jane Gottesman

On playing fields and street corners, in backyards and gyms, the people in this arresting array of pictures are unselfconsciously exploring the physical and emotional pleasures of competition and play. Each image offers an affirming and satisfying answer to the question at the heart of Game Face : What do girls and women look like when freed from traditional feminine constraints, using their bodies in joyful and empowering ways?

To show America what women’s sports looks like, Jane Gottesman searched through the work of our country’s best photographers, from the newest photojournalists to artists such as Annie Leibovitz and Ansel Adams. The result is a unique and inspiring document of the tremendous impact that the growth of female sports at all levels is having on society—and on women themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Photography

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2001

Reviews

[Wendi Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author showed real women in the heat of sport with the same determination and drive as their male counterparts; and that they were just as serious about their sport as men. The collection declares we can be our own role models and success is defined on our own terms. The look on their faces reflects inner strength and fight. Upon hearing, “You can’t do it,” those ladies just balled up their fists, resolving, “I’ll show you!” But they didn’t do it alone; several athletes said they had friends, brothers, and fathers who played with them or created opportunities for them to pursue sport.

This is a pictorial collection with few essays. My only criticisms: athletes are rarely identified in the pictures and pictures are often unrelated to the essays on the same page.

This book inspires me to think about my own goals and expectations. How bad do I want it? What am I willing to do to get it? It might inspire a girl to become active, but more likely she must already have that fire and curiosity inside her to think, “That looks fun! I wonder if I can do that.”

My teen and I are both athletes and appreciated Game Face. She also identified with the athlete who talked about pushing to her limits and then discovering she could go further.

Favorite story: Andra Douglas’ (“What Can Be the Harm?”, Douglas, 36) about her father standing up to his buddies for her.

2nd Favorite story: 13-year-old Renee Cox used the power of the press to get on the high school boys’ basketball team.

Favorite quote: “I am going to smash through this girl to win this head ball.” – Michelle Akers, p. 104

Favorite pictures: woman pole-vaulting in a long dress (p. 106) and a scared little girl trying to hold on to her sheep mount in a rodeo (p. 117). Fear is part of bravery and guts too.

[Carrie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic compilation of pictures throughout the years and thoughtful essays. My favorite part is the timeline at the end. I was both in awe of the women and shocked by the sexism. Would love to see a companion/Game Face 2, to cover the massive growth in women's sports since this booked was published.

[Claude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good pictures
Fun
Pictures of women athletes

[Elizabeth Lund]

Definitely worth perusing. A unique and interesting book.