Empowering Women,
Girls + Student-Athletes to
Lead On and Off the Field
Where young women and student-athletes get the mentorship, confidence tools, and real-world support they need to thrive.
Support That Goes Beyond the Game
Your athletic journey is only one part of who you are. The GRL Initiative helps student-athletes build resilience, strengthen leadership skills, improve confidence, and navigate the challenges that happen outside the game.
What You’ll Gain Here
Resilience Tools
Learn how to manage stress, adversity, and high-pressure moments.
Leadership Development
Build communication and decision-making skills.
Confidence Growth
Strengthen personal, academic, and professional identity.
Life Navigation Skills
Receive support for mental health, career readiness, and real-world challenges.
About The GRL Initiative
The GRL Initiative is a mentorship and empowerment platform designed for Millennial and GenZ women and student-athletes who want to grow as leaders. Founded by Dr. Lauren Young, our mission is to help young women develop the confidence, skills, and support they need to succeed in sports, school, and life.
GRL = GIRLS RISING & LEADING
Your Playbook for Success
You already know how to grind, how to lead, and how to show up on the field. But the hardest challenges? Those often happen off the scoreboard. That’s where we step in.
WHAT WE DO:
Through mentorship, guidance, and skill-building, we help student-athletes:
Build resilience to handle adversity and high-pressure situations
Strengthen leadership skills that translate beyond sports and into everyday life
Develop self-confidence across personal, academic, and professional areas
Navigate real-world challenges so you can succeed both on and off the field
WHY IT MATTERS:
We are committed to helping you stay in the game longer, grow stronger, and lead with purpose. Whether you are navigating mental health challenges, preparing for your future career, overcoming setbacks, or learning to use your voice, our mission is to support your development as a resilient, confident leader.
Your journey starts here. Are you ready to rise?
Explore IdeaFeed for articles, insights, and guidance created specifically for student-athletes:
Your success does not end when the final whistle blows—your next chapter is just beginning.
Your success does not end when the final whistle blows—your next chapter is just beginning.
Make sure to check out the GRL Pep Talks
Newsletter
Sign up for coaching tips, events, and more.
This birthday feels different. At 42, I’ve spent a year doing the hard internal work — exploring my identity, redefining connections, setting boundaries, and beginning the long journey toward true belonging. I’m not there yet, but I’m growing, stretching, and becoming in ways I’m finally proud of.