CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Fresh off a victory in the booth, Chicago mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot threw out the first pitch before the White Sox's home opener Friday against the Seattle Mariners. It was a moment she was thrilled to experience, she said.
Lightfoot was the point guard for her high school basketball team and the quarterback in her intramural college football league. She credits sports for teaching her about teamwork, healthy competition and working toward a common goal. These skills also helped her establish strong leadership qualities, which have guided her in past careers and will certainly be put to the test in her new job.
"The athleticism, working as a team, competing hard are really good, important lessons for young girls to learn and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in sports," she said.
Access to sports at a young age, particularly for young girls, is instrumental to developing strong relationships and lifelong skills, she said — just as she has learned.
Suiting up for a mission is what you see on the field, on the court, on the track, and Lightfoot will bring it to the mayoral office. Her focus and team leadership suits her personality, she said; her mother noticed it right away, the mayor-elect said.
"I am not a shrinking violet," she said with a laugh. "I like taking charge and making sure people are suited in a mission."
