Welcome!

I offer free weekly stories about stronger women. Who counts as a female athlete? How can older female athletes find new ways to win? And more.

Stronger Women is for female athletes of all ages. For older women. For women who love their bodies — or want to. And for men who are curious about women’s experiences, ideas, feelings.

I’ve been writing about women and sports since 1980. My most well known book is The Stronger Women Get, The More Men Love Football. I’ve broken big stories about homophobia in women’s sports; coach-athletes abuse; and sexual and domestic assault by football players, including OJ Simpson.

I still write about controversial topics. I’ve always had a thick skin. It’s okay if people disagree with me. It’s a superpower of sorts.

My choice of topics is very intuitive and immediate. I write about what draws my attention this week. What I need to say. This keeps me motivated to keep writing.

Your subscriptions, paid subscriptions, likes, and comments keep me going, too. I need to know someone’s out there, listening. Thank you for letting me know you are.

I played basketball 🏀 at Stanford and in two professional leagues.

Along with Martina Navratilova, Nancy Hogshead, Donna de Varona, and other champion athletes and coaches, I’m a member of the Women's Sports Policy Working Group.

If you’re not familiar with me or my writing, the best way to catch up is to read the first essay in this series, called Stronger Women: I’m Back. Or peruse essays by my two main topics, #AgingUp or #SaveWomensSports. Or go to my website: www.MariahBurtonNelson.com.

Everything is Free

Virtually everything is free. If you’d like to support my work financially, you’ll receive very-occasional gifts such as my graphic story, A Wild Swim — and full access publication archives, and my enduring gratitude. Plus, you’ll make my day.

But truly, any subscription is a vote of confidence and appreciation, and I welcome you, however you care to be here.

How subscription works

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Join Stronger Women

I’d love to have you join this community of women, men, athletes, fans, readers, and leaders. Participate in the comments section, and subscribe!