Why do some men and women enjoy participating in sporting events and some don't?

Is it some sort of instinct to prove “I’m better than you!”? It’s easier to understand the male attraction to it, because men are constantly trying to one-up each other, but why do some women, like me, also enjoy it?

I played foosball and pool, and excelled at both games. Since there was really nothing but speed (in foosball) and eye-hand coordination involved in either, I could hold my own against almost anyone, male or female. I loved it. I never went to bars to dance or meet guys, I went to shoot pool.

I also played volley ball. I played women’s leagues, church leagues (what a joke!), co-ed fun leagues, and competitive co-ed leagues. I played whenever and where ever I could.
My favorite, of course, was competitive co-ed. You’ll get yourself hurt if you aren’t damn good! Sometimes I’d be facing this semi-pro, 6’6” 260 pound Silverback male, getting ready to serve, knowing it was most likely coming to me at 30 mph, and I’d just gulp….and then take a deep breath and put myself in a different place, a place that knows no fear.

In my early 20’s I also attained a yellow belt in Ta Kwan Do after 3 months. I dropped out not long after that for a variety of stupid reasons.

If you love sports, why? If you hate them, I’d be even more interested in knowing why.