Botez said she experienced sexism in chess communities growing up.
"Sometimes it's the people who are your closest friends that think females are genetically worse at chess," she told Insider.
Botez said she's often heard comments like, "you're playing the girl, it's an easy win."
All she can do about this, she says, is focus on the game and play her best.
"It gets in the back of your head when you've heard it for so long, and it messes with your sense of confidence," she said. "Maybe you start doubting yourself a little bit more, but you just try to keep fighting those thoughts."