GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth
Your go-to space for leadership, confidence, identity, team culture, and the everyday challenges young women and student-athletes navigate.
GRL Pep Talks is where honest conversations meet practical support. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a young woman finding your voice, or someone building confidence and belonging, these Pep Talks are designed to help you grow in ways that actually fit your life.
You’ll find stories, worksheets, research-backed tools, and quiet reminders that you’re not alone in what you’re navigating. This is your space for clarity, connection, and the kind of leadership that starts from within — on and off the field.
Learning to Belong in All Three Spaces
Some days it feels like I’m living three different lives—State Executive Director Lauren, Midwestern Mom Lauren, and Just-Me Lauren, who’s always last on the calendar. Between leadership meetings and loading the dishwasher, I’m learning that belonging isn’t about balance—it’s about being honest with yourself in all three spaces. Here’s what it looks like to show up as all of you, even when it’s messy.
Finding Belonging in a Third Space
Not home. Not school. But that third space.
Where do you go to feel seen, valued, and appreciated? For Vermont’s student-athletes, having a coach or advisor who cares about them as people (not just athletes) can change everything. A third space is where you can truly be yourself, and if it doesn’t exist yet… here’s your sign to create it.
Start the club. Build the team. Find your people. Your vibe will attract your tribe.
✨ Need inspo? We’re talking all about third spaces and how to create your own over on the blog (link in bio). Let’s build communities where we all belong.