Girls in Sports & Equity
For athletes, advocates, and leaders working to build better systems, stronger pathways, and real access for girls.
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Women make up nearly half of all athletes, yet remain significantly underrepresented in athletic leadership roles. National Girls & Women in Sports Day highlights the ongoing need for gender equity, inclusive leadership, and safe, affirming spaces for women and LGBTQ+ athletes—because the future of sports depends on who is invited to lead and who feels they belong.
Periods are not a personal problem—they’re a systems issue. For too many young athletes in Vermont, menstruation, undiagnosed menstrual challenges, lack of access to products, and uniform design quietly create barriers to participation. This post explores how we can remove those barriers—together—and why showing up for girls in sports starts earlier than we think.
Girls hockey participation numbers are declining, but the issue isn’t motivation — it’s economics and access. From equipment costs to travel demands, many girls are priced out before they ever step on the ice. This post explores what the data is really telling us — and what needs to change.
December isn’t a break for working moms—it’s a logistical marathon built on emotional labor, travel schedules, school events, and making holiday magic. Here’s your permission to slow down, recalibrate, and keep your sh*t together in the most honest way possible.
Belonging—not talent—is the real engine of youth sports. Research from Project Play, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and the CDC shows that girls stay in sports when they feel connected, supported, and socially safe. Skill matters, but belonging matters more. This GRL Initiative guide explains why, and how parents and coaches can build teams where girls thrive.
Kids don’t quit sports because they’re soft — they quit because the environment stops serving them. Research from Project Play, JAMA Pediatrics, and the Women’s Sports Foundation shows the top reasons kids, especially girls, walk away from sports: loss of belonging, stress, harsh coaching, burnout, comparison, and decreased confidence. This guide breaks down the seven biggest reasons and offers solutions to help kids stay confident, connected, and excited to play.
If your child was moved up to an older team and is struggling with confidence, belonging, or playing time, you’re not alone. Many girls experience stress, identity shifts, and a loss of joy when playing up. This research-backed guide helps parents support their child emotionally, socially, and developmentally—while protecting long-term confidence and love for the game.
Choosing a sport with your daughter shouldn’t be stressful. This GRL Initiative guide helps families explore interests, match personality types, and find activities that build confidence and joy.
Parents have choices when it comes to youth sports, but how do you know if a program is truly right for your child? This guide offers a clear, research-informed checklist to assess belonging, coaching, playing time, communication, and overall culture—so you can choose a space where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to grow.
Some days you wake up ready to dominate. Other days? You're lucky if you can find your water bottle. Being your own hype-up girl isn’t about fake confidence—it’s about creating momentum when you don’t feel motivated. Here’s how to get psyched for your next game, practice, or big moment, even on your lowest-energy days.
We carry so much — work, family, invisible labor — and then feel guilty when we say no, rest, or ask for help. This is your reminder that protecting your peace isn’t selfish. It’s leadership. And… you’re not going to feel guilty.
Team drama is like a small fire everyone's trying to ignore. Here's how to protect your team's energy without picking sides
Think you’re “not athletic”? Think again. From fencing to rowing to ultimate frisbee, this guide helps middle and high schoolers (and their grown-ups) rethink what it means to find the right sport—not just the popular ones. Learn how to explore, sample, and discover the activity that makes you feel like a total athletic rockstar.
High school sports aren't just about wins and losses—they're a powerful support system that can help teens make better choices, resist peer pressure, and build confidence. Discover how being part of a team empowers students to prioritize their health, develop leadership skills, and stay focused on their future.
Women are consistently told to downplay achievements while men are encouraged to showcase theirs. This blog explores the research behind this double standard, its professional consequences, and how to break free from false modesty. It's time to own your excellence without apology.
Youth sports are supposed to be about growth, teamwork, and passion—but somewhere along the way, they became about year-round competition, high-pressure travel teams, and the fear of falling behind.
At The GRL Initiative, we’re asking the tough questions:
✔ Are kids playing too much, too soon?
✔ Is the goal of youth sports about scholarships or joy?
✔ How do we protect kids from burnout while keeping them engaged?
This space is for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to rethink the way we approach sports—with a focus on balance, mental health, and long-term love for the game.
Because at the end of the day, sports should add to a child’s life, not consume it.
Struggling to stay consistent with self-care? Your body’s needs change throughout your cycle, and your self-care should, too! Learn how to create a flexible, phase-based self-care routine that supports your energy and mood—from high-energy follicular days to cozy menstrual rest. Discover simple self-care hacks, how to listen to your body, and easy ways to nurture yourself through every phase.
Discover how visualization—mentally rehearsing success before it happens—can help student-athletes sharpen their game and moms conquer daily chaos. From nailing the perfect play to mastering your morning routine, this simple yet powerful technique builds confidence and focus in every aspect of life. Ready to visualize your way to success? Dive in to learn how!
If there were a medal for overthinking, I would have won gold a long time ago. And when it came to test-taking, my overthinking brain turned even the simplest multiple-choice questions into mental gymnastics. High school, college, and beyond—they all came with the same story: me, sitting in a classroom, heart racing, and my mind running a thousand different scenarios for every answer. If someone was to look at me, I would have looked like I had it all together, but on the inside, I as falling apart.
Big wins and tough losses are defining moments, but what really sets leaders apart is how they handle the “dash”—the time between events. The dash is where growth happens, where momentum shifts, and where you set the tone for the future. Whether you’re coming off a stinging defeat or riding the high of a historic win, here’s how you can change momentum, get back to work, and support your teammates like the leader you’re meant to be.
Finals season is here, and while it can feel overwhelming, it’s totally possible to conquer your exams and projects without sacrificing your sanity. With the right strategies, mindset, and a little bit of self-care, you’ll come out on the other side stronger (and maybe even proud of yourself!). Here’s your go-to guide for absolutely crushing finals.
Discover how to transform your Sundays into a powerful foundation for a successful week! This guide for female student-athletes shares practical tips for planning your schedule, prepping meals, and organizing gear. Learn how to partner with your parents and find moments of joy to recharge before the busy week ahead. Whether it’s reflecting on your goals, filling your joy bucket, or setting yourself up for success, these strategies will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to tackle anything Monday brings.
We’ve all been there—stepping into a new group, team, or situation and feeling like the odd one out. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a normal part of growth. Even as a 40-something woman working in sports, I find myself feeling unsure in new spaces all the time.
The key? Learning how to ground yourself and embrace the discomfort. Here are some of the strategies I use
Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. 💛 Some quick tips: rest isn’t lazy, set boundaries that protect your energy, practice gratitude, move your body, and surround yourself with uplifting people. It’s okay to not be okay. Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out for help—you’re never alone. 🫶 Let’s normalize prioritizing mental health, one step at a time. #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #GenZ"
As a parent, it’s natural to feel proud of your student-athlete’s accomplishments. But what happens when her wins (or losses) start to feel like a reflection of your worth? This heartfelt blog explores the "Parent Trap"—when your identity becomes tied to your child’s success—and offers actionable tips to refocus on what truly matters: her growth, happiness, and love for the game.
➡️ Read more to learn how to support your daughter while letting her lead her own journey. 💕
Feeling overwhelmed as a student-athlete? Mindfulness might just be your secret weapon! From quick breathing exercises to visualization techniques, this blog shares easy practices to help you stay calm under pressure, improve focus, and boost your mental well-being.
Discover how just a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference in your game—and your life. 💕
➡️ Read more and start building your mental superpower today! ✨
Your brain is trying to protect you, but sometimes protection looks like mental quicksand. Here's how to spot when your thoughts are working against you.