Column by Alyssa Radlinger. Email [email protected].

I am a woman, dreaming of working in the sports field. The excitement of a big game, the different opinions and thoughts people share and the big upsets are a natural high.

Yes, it is just as exciting to a girl as it is to a guy. Growing up, I was always talking and arguing with the guys about sports. Most were impressed that I actually knew what I was talking about and that I wasn’t just choosing a team because of its mascot or colors. Telling a guy that I hope to land a job on the sports field, I usually get the same reaction: “You’re joking, right?” or “What do you know about sports?!”

Really, though, if most guys opened up about sports to girls, I am sure it could be another thing they had in common.

Some guys get heated when it comes to their opinions about sports, which is completely fine. The passion and love/hate relationship they have with teams and players is exactly what I go through when I am watching sports.

While most girls are watching Oxygen or Bravo, I am sitting in my living room watching “Pardon The Interruption” or ESPNClassic. The fact that ESPN, FOX Sports and many other programs are introducing new woman announcers is giving me even more hope that I can make it.

When I began college three years ago, Erin Andrews was a big name at ESPN, and I couldn’t help but want to do exactly what she is doing. She knows what she is talking about, and has the perfect voice to make you want to listen.

Her looks may be a big part of her fame, but the mere fact that she knows just as much as — if not more than — many guys out there says a lot. She gives me hope that it is possible to pursue a career in sports and that it is OK to enjoy sports, just like the guys do. She has spunk, an appealing voice and knowledge about the subject.

She was one of the first women to get millions of guys’ attention by talking about sports, and that is something that amazes me. She has worked very hard to be where she is, and I hope to follow in her footsteps some day. Because of her popularity, I believe that many more girls are pursuing careers in sports, and the competition is bittersweet to me. I will finally have other girls to converse with.

The inspiration I live by is to never give up, do not listen to what other people say about your dreams and do not be afraid to go above and beyond. One of the best feelings is proving others wrong, and anything is possible.

Girls will continue to get involved in sports, whether men like it or not. Come on boys. Exactly what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?