Lady Hornets. The name is interchangeable for all girls’ sports in Edina, a tradition that has persisted across generations. In it are both merits and drawbacks. For one, it gives athletes identity by defining them, but it also serves as a reminder of the difference in how women’s and men’s sports are treated.
Upon first glance, the name “Lady Hornets” solely gives into sexist terminology that sets back female athletes. In actuality, the name has helped the team find identity amidst a busy hockey program.
Junior Lillian Horton, who plays on the Varsity Girls’ Hockey Team, said the name helps unify her team and separate them from the boys’ team, something she personally doesn’t mind.
The title “Lady Hornets” inherently separates girls’ and boys’ hockey, so when fans see Instagram posts with the caption “Let’s pack the stands and support our Lady Hornets,” they know this refers to girls’ hockey. Which means the name is used for a positive purpose. Right?
Wrong. While yes, in theory the name is a great way to highlight girls’ teams, it also places them in between standing out and the harsh reality that applies to virtually all women’s sports. With this title, teams such as the girls’ hockey team are labeled as women athletes, as opposed to simply athletes. Placing them under limitations for women’s sports, in which female athletes are expected to perform at high levels, yet with additional outside pressures.
The use of terms like “Lady Hornets” alienates women, overlooking them in regard to the more popular male teams, who just have the “main” title of “Hornets.” Women haven’t historically been accepted in sports, and are still facing barriers as clearly proven by lower wages, attendance, and visibility. By placing them into a clearly defined and different field, they are seen as not the main sport; instead, a girls’ sport.
Edina is solely following in line with the larger trend of overlooking women athletes. On the national level, Caitlin Clark’s headband choice has spurred numerous articles, while Alex Morgan’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot led to fans sexualizing her online. These “controversies” ignore that both of these women are beyond proficient in the sports they play and should be treated as serious athletes without news outlet objectification.
Is this what is expected to be normal? Should the maximum salary in the National Basketball Association be 221 times as much as the maximum salary in the Women’s National Basketball Association? Should the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s highest attendance record still be under the National Hockey League average? In Edina, should our girls’ hockey teams struggle to sell tickets while boys’ hockey can effortlessly fill the stands? Ask yourself this. When was the last time you showed up for an Edina girls’ basketball game instead of boys’ basketball, or a girls’ soccer game instead of boys’ soccer?
The name “Lady Hornets” both defies and defines. While it gives the program identity, helping Edina girls’ teams stand out, it also defines them under the double standard that women athletes have long faced. So next time when you purchase a ticket for a game or turn on your TV to watch an anticipated match, reflect on the women who are not only extremely impressive, but worthwhile to watch.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Feb. 19, 2026
