It has taken this long (I’ll just say over 50 years) for me to know why I am drawn to certain female friends who are jocks, but today I finally had a flash of insight.

Perspective wise, you should know I am straight and a mom of a bunch of athletic kids. And, I have non-jock friends that I love dearly, too, but there’s just something really special about jock friends.

Here’s my list of reasons why girl jocks make for great friendships:

1. They understand and engage in healthy competition.
2. They do not gossip.
3. They are naturally beautiful as a result of living an active life. I don’t personally know any who are “enhanced” surgically or chemically. This is not to say they don’t know how to fix their hair and makeup – they just don’t make a big deal out of it and are definitely low-maintenance.
4. They are casual in appearance most of the time, even though they like to get all girlie on special occasions.
5. They don’t give you the once- or twice-over, appraising look when you greet them that some women use as a way of wielding power. That’s because they are so genuine and happy to see you that they don’t give a rip about your hair or makeup or clothes.
6. They are creative – several of my best jock girlfriends are knitters like me.
7. They don’t whine and take all day to make decisions.
8. They are loyal friends through thick and thin, whether or not you’ve actually played a sport along side of them.
9. They are remarkable role models for younger women and girls.

Here’s to some of my favorite girl jocks: Susy, Sue D., Casey G., Christy. You’re the best.