A game-changing play, a penalty called, a timeout that shifts momentum. In the world of sports, barriers are meant to be broken, whether it’s pushing past a defender or challenging a system that wasn’t built for you. For girls in sports, breaking through those barriers is a powerful act of redefining the rules. Too often, their path to play is blocked by outdated stereotypes, limited opportunities and a lack of resources.
Feb. 5 marks Women in Sports Day, and March brings International Women’s History Month. These celebrations can be powerful reminders of how sports influence girls’ lives. Beyond the physical benefits, sports serve as a stage where growth and development take center field.
I know the difference sports can make, because I’ve lived it. Sports taught me not only the value of healthy competition but also how to lead, rise after a fall and believe in myself when the odds weren’t in my favor. For a long time, I thought I had to be perfect before pursuing something — a mindset shared by many women who feel the need to excel before taking risks. Conversely, men embrace opportunities without the same fear of ridicule, showing confidence that women are sometimes conditioned to question themselves. But sports showed me that success isn’t about perfection, but persistence. It’s about showing up, taking the shot and learning from the missed ones.
For years no one seemed to be watching as women in sports fought to carve out their place. Trailblazers like Lisa Leslie, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Mia Hamm paved the way, breaking barriers and setting the momentum for future generations. The narrative, once overlooked, has gradually come into the spotlight, with athletes like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson inspiring millions. In 2024, U.S. women’s Olympic teams dominated center stage, capturing the world’s attention. These women redefined what it means to lead and reminded us that boundaries are meant to be pushed and ceilings are meant to be shattered. Their victories belong to all of us, inspiring girls who dream of doing more and being more.
However, for many girls, the road to sports is filled with hurdles. Research from the Women’s Sports Foundation shows that while boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 9 are equally interested in sports, by the age of 14, girls drop out of sports at a rate six times greater than boys. A big part of this disparity is that girls don’t receive the same positive reinforcement about their sports participation. They often face limited opportunities and a lack of encouragement, leading many to step away when their confidence and skills could be at their peak.
These challenges are real, but so are the rewards. For the girls who stayed in sports, the Women’s Sports Foundation reported higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, higher states of psychological well-being, higher academic achievements, and lower levels of depression than their non-athletic peers. But perhaps the most profound impact is the life skills girls gain — skills like teamwork, perseverance and leadership. They may not always remember the perfect angle for a kick, but these non-tangible lessons will stay with them for a lifetime.
I’ve felt this power firsthand. Coming from someone who works in a male-dominated industry, imposter syndrome creeps in from time to time. I question: Did I really get here on my own? Was it luck, or other people helping me? This feeling of inadequacy was mitigated by adopting a sports mindset, which taught me the importance of accountability. In sports, success isn’t random. It’s the result of effort and dedication; the reason I can kick the ball into the net is because I put in the extra hours after practice, pushing myself to improve. I began to apply these lessons to the rest of my life — facing fears head-on, uplifting others and being confident that my success was my own. Those moments of doubt shaped me both as a professional and as a person.
If you’ve ever looked up to anyone, you know the power of role models. For girls to fully realize their potential, they need to see it in others. Take Ilona Maher — a rugby star who has leveraged her success to become a powerful voice on social media for women in sports. Through inspiring and relatable content, she celebrates sports and womanhood simultaneously, showing that it’s OK to be an athlete who also likes to wear makeup. When girls see women thriving, they begin to see themselves in the stories, chipping away at stereotypes, proving that the only limits are the ones we choose to break.
Creating opportunities for girls in sports is a responsibility we can all play a part in. Accessible community programs, youth leagues and environments that nurture girls’ ambitions are critical. Parents, coaches and mentors play a crucial role by encouraging girls and providing the resources to grow. Businesses must step up, too, investing in programs and partnerships that ensure girls have the support they need to succeed. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and advocating for girls in sports is no exception.
Let’s always keep this mission top of mind. Let’s connect girls with opportunities to play and give them the tools to thrive in the long run of life. We believe sports are not all about winning; they’re a gateway to confidence, leadership and lifelong lessons — all while having fun along the way. This movement is more than sports; it’s about girls feeling powerful. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of women not only play the game but learn how to change it.
The power of play isn’t confined to a field or a court. It’s a ripple effect that turns girls into leaders, dreamers into achievers and players into iconic role models. Sometimes, breaking the rules is the key to shaping a future that’s limitless. That’s what happens when we invest in girls through sports: We unlock the potential of the next generation.
Siera Love is COO of US Sports Camps.
