Should people consider the term “Lady” Raiders offensive? Lady Raiders is the name that Moorpark College women sports teams refer to themselves as.

Some women and men may find it offensive that these women’s teams are being called ladies, while the men’s sports teams are known as the “Raiders.”

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the technical definition of a lady is “a woman who behaves in a polite way.” People may interpret that to mean that an athletic female is passive and will not fight, however, these sports teams and players do not think that way.

“I don’t know how long we have been using the term Lady Raiders here,” said Moorpark College’s Athletic Director Howard Davis. “The soccer team even has Lady Raiders on their practice shirts.”

If someone goes to a female sports event, a common phrase they will hear the team shouting is “let’s go ladies,” or “come on ladies let’s pick it up,” When they shout it they don’t yell it at their players to make them play harder because they don’t want them to play like a bunch of ‘ladies.’

“I personally don’t think that calling them Lady Raider’s makes them seem passive and dainty,” said Moorpark College student Emily Pinneri. “I think it’s a term that identifies the female teams.”

Many female athletes don’t even think twice about being called ladies. It’s customary for coaches, players, and the fans.

“No I don’t find being called the “Lady Raiders” offensive,” said Moorpark College volleyball player, Mariana Kedzia. “The thought never even crossed my mind.”

“I played basketball and softball all throughout high school, and just because I was playing the sport didn’t make me any less of a female then when I was off the court or field,” said Moorpark college student Olivia Williams.

Nothing is wrong with being called a lady while playing a sport. It does not mean that their kindness will hand the opposing team the game, it just identifies between the male and female teams, as well as honoring their opponents and teammates with respect.