How do I regain respect on my rowing team with all boys. Only girl who wants to be treated with more respect?

Question

I'm the coxin on the all boys rowing team @ my college. I'm a freshmen girl and I adore my sport with a passion and I love the guys on my team like brothers.After I have been with them for such a long time they treat me like another boy, and they give me a harder time because i'm the only girl. In the past I have kissed 2 boys when I wasn't on the team.I hear about it about everyday and I havn't kissed anyone in about 4 months. they also runion any time a guy approches me and scare them off

They will lock me out fo the ergg room in the cold for about 10 mins cause they think it's funny I don'tknwo the code.They burst in my room at 3 in the morning drunk and wake me and my hallway up

If they don't treat me with more respect when we get back on the water in spring things won't go as smoothly

recently the onther coxin said they said they don't want to be in my boat as a joke but that comment hurts me

How do I get respect on my team back and treated like a sister over a brother

Answer 1

They are probably pushing their limits with you to try to "break" you.  Since you are a freshman, I'm guessing they are just putting you through a little extra h**l.  They are also probably a little protective of you from those other boys.

From what you have described, it sounds like you just go along with their antics.  You will gain more respect if you stand up to them and find ways to dish a little back to them.  Start standing up for yourself.  Is there someone else who will give you the code to that room?  Is there someone on the team who you trust that you can ask for advice in this situation?

I don't think they don't respect you, they just don't know how to treat you since you are not one of the boys.  Be yourself, remind them how valuable you are to the team and what you bring to the group.  Think of some one-liners that you can dish back at them if they make comments to you.  

If you can be strong and fight back a little, they will respect you more.  Say to them, "that might be cool for you guys but its not for me."

Hang in there!

Good luck!