Photographer Christin Rose had a goal in mind: to create something that mattered and something that she believed in. She started reflecting on her time as an athlete during her adolescent years and found that she had fond memories of her time playing sports.
So, she decided to make young female athletes feel like they mattered.
“If I could capture what it means to be innocent and brave—then I could encourage young women to hold onto that,” Rose says.
It all started with taking photos of young skater girls in Venice Skate Park, Rose explains near her home base in Los Angeles. As she continued capturing their youth and vibrancy in the moment, she felt inspired and began a photo series of these athletes. A few short months later in November 2015, #ShePlaysWeWin (SPWW) was born.
“It became very apparent that way we view young girls and the way they view themselves and the way they use social media is a very important topic. It suddenly dawned on me that I have to do this for me, all my women friends that I played sports with, and for these young girls. That’s when I came up with SPWW.”
Rose understands the importance of young girls staying involved in sports and the effect it can have on their self-esteem. In fact, studies have found that girls who play sports have higher self-esteem, perform better in school, and have lower rates of depression.
The lifelong effects of someone coming into their own through sports Rose says, “are unbelievable. But I wanted SPWW to give voice to the girls—not adults talking about kids.”
Rose’s Instagram account, @ShePlaysWeWin—which now boasts close to 40,000 followers—was established, and she began posting photos of young girls ranging from skaters, boxers, golfers, basketball players, softball players, and hockey players. The vibrancy of the photos captures the essence of their youth, grit, determination, and most of all, the love for the sport they play.
“I hoped to also start a larger conversation with coaches and teachers,” Rose said.
Soon, she began receiving feedback from them saying, “Hey, I really see myself in that photo. I remember when I was that age and remember feeling that way” while playing a sport.
SPWW quickly turned from a conversation into a movement, and Under Armour noticed the importance of Rose’s work. After finding her page on Instagram, they reached out to Rose and asked her to partner with them on a line specifically for young female athletes. The slogan, “She Plays We Win,” was emblazoned on the shirts, and all the photos taken were of young girls who play sports—not of professional models.
It sometimes takes a little time for the girls to get at ease in front of the camera, but during the shoots, Rose will show them the photos as they go along.
“As soon as they see what I’m seeing, they get more comfortable and they begin to open up,” she adds.
Every once in a while Rose will also receive a call from a parent saying, “You don’t even know what this did for my daughter this year and what she’s going through.”
Knowing that the photos give the girls a spark of confidence—for some who may never have seen themselves as strong and beautiful at the same time—reminds Rose why she started this movement.
“It’s making a star out of all these girls, which is exactly what they are. And it’s also giving them a platform to tell their story at a young age,” Rose explains.
To further Rose’s mission to keep girls in sports, she partnered with Movement Foundation, which provides nationwide financial grants to girls between the ages of 8 and 16, and is designed to support sports and other physical activity programs. The $1,000 grant can cover training, travel to compete in a sporting event, sports instruction, or anything that helps with the advancement of a young girl competing in her respective sport.
Rose is now in the process of taking photos of last year’s grant recipients, highlighting what the money is being used for and continuing to make the recipients feel special.
What started off as a passion project has turned into something much bigger than what Rose initially imagined. But while SPWW has impacted the young girls in a positive way, Rose has also gained something from spending time with them, “They teach me all the time. And I think we just need to remember to listen to young people and we need to remember how very, very smart that they are. And I’m so glad that I have (an) opportunity to do that.”
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.