These students persisted, inspiring 13 other London, Ont., schools to start girls' softball teams

After seeing the large turnout of girls interested in playing on A.B. Lucas Secondary School's first-ever girls' softball team last year, Avery Inkster did not want to lose momentum. 

The 16-year-old, who spearheaded last year's team with her friend Amelia Baragar, continued to persevere — not only did she get a full 20-member girls' softball team for the Lucas Vikings, but their efforts motivated 13 other London high schools to form their own teams

"It was one of those fights where we were like 'We're not backing down,'" she said. "We want this sport in our high school and if other schools have it, why can't we? If the boys have a baseball team, we deserve a fastball team."

The only caveat is the Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) council doesn't formally recognize them as an official sport yet. That means the girls received no funding for equipment, tournament fees and team uniforms. 

They took matters into their own hands and hosted a fundraiser bake sale to help with costs. They raised more than $500, which covered all their expenses for the season. 

Not surprisingly for Inkster, about 40 young women showed up to the tryouts in March and they were able to secure two coaches who organized seven tournaments against different schools. 

Grade 9 student Lexi Webster is one of the youngest players on the team. She played the sport in elementary school, but when she heard she'd be able to continue playing in high school, Webster was over the moon.

"This has a huge impact," Webster said. "I know so many girls from my elementary school who are really excited to continue their ball journey and it's such an inspiration to be around girls older than me who are just so supportive."

When the students approached math