How My Varsity Jacket Inspired the Her Retirement Varsity Club
Perusing my closet today, I decided to pull out my high school varsity jacket — which is a few decades (or more) old now.
In 7th grade, I was one of just two junior high kids in my school’s history to earn a varsity letter. Back then, our junior high was part of the high school, so we were allowed to compete with the older athletes.
I ran the grueling two-mile event, meet after meet, pushing through every lap, every sprint to the finish. I went out for track just to stay in shape for field hockey and basketball. Little did I know that by the end of the season, my best friend and I had earned enough points from meets to be awarded our varsity letters. At just 13 years old, we weren’t just “junior high athletes” anymore — we were varsity athletes!
A few years later, after adding field hockey, basketball, and more track seasons to my name, I had enough varsity pins under my belt to finally earn a varsity jacket — stitched with hard work, perseverance, and a lot of heart. My jacket is more than just a memory. It’s a reminder that you can GET HER DONE.
Trying it on and having my son take a picture of me in it, inspired me to create a new jacket: The Her Retirement Varsity Club jacket.
Only for this jacket, the badges aren’t for field hockey, basketball, or track. They’re for:
Health — because longevity is the new goal.
Wealth — because freedom beats flash every time.
Happiness — because what’s the point if you’re not actually enjoying it?
Retirement isn’t a finish line however, it’s a new season. One you train for, plan for and earn. That’s what the Her Retirement Varsity Club stands for.
Maybe the best part of this story is that my jacket still fits. My son said I shouldn’t hide it away in the closet. I should wear it with pride. He even got out his leather cleaner and spiffed it up for me. The second best part of this story is that I can still run two miles. I still got game. Because showing up for your future never goes out of style.
My new motto: Strength. Freedom. Happiness. Always in Training. Still Getting Her Done After All These Years.
I’m ready to order my new Her Retirement Varsity Club jacket, and I’ll wear it with pride too. Who’s with me? ♀️