Why Being a Female Athlete Is More Than Just About Health and Wellness

When we think about the benefits of being a female athlete, health and wellness are often at the forefront. However, the impact of sports extends far beyond physical fitness. Research shows a strong connection between participation in sports and success in the corporate world, particularly in leadership roles.

From the Field to the Boardroom: The Stats Speak Volumes

A striking statistic from a 2022 survey by Ernst & Young (EY) and espnW reveals that 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports at some point in their lives, and over half competed at the collegiate level. Moreover, the EY study highlighted that women who played team sports were four times more likely to reach executive leadership roles than those who did not. This correlation underscores the vital role that sports play in building skills essential for leadership and career advancement.

For example:

Beth Brooke-Marciniak, former Global Vice Chair at EY and one of Forbes’ "World’s 100 Most Powerful Women," played collegiate basketball at Purdue University. She credits sports with teaching her resilience and strategic thinking.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, was an avid cricket and table tennis player during her time in India. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, a skill she attributes to her athletic background, helped her navigate complex corporate challenges.
Shelley Zalis, founder of The Female Quotient, was a competitive swimmer. She often speaks about the discipline and endurance she learned from swimming and how it shaped her entrepreneurial journey.

Why Women Athletes Excel in Leadership Roles

Teamwork and Collaboration Team sports foster a sense of collaboration that is critical in corporate environments. Athletes learn to work toward a shared goal, handle diverse personalities, and navigate interpersonal dynamics—skills essential for leading teams in the workplace.
Resilience and Grit The competitive nature of sports teaches women how to overcome challenges, persist through setbacks, and maintain focus under pressure—qualities that are invaluable in high-stress business scenarios.
Time Management and Discipline Balancing rigorous training schedules with academics develops time management skills and a strong work ethic, traits that are crucial for climbing the corporate ladder.
Confidence and Risk-Taking Sports often push women out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to take risks and assert themselves. These traits are vital for negotiating, decision-making, and leading organizations.

Do Certain Sports Prepare Women Better for Corporate Success?

While any athletic participation is beneficial, some sports may provide a stronger foundation for corporate success:

Team Sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball cultivate leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Endurance Sports: Running, cycling, and swimming build resilience, goal-setting, and mental toughness.
Strategy-Focused Sports: Tennis, golf, and rowing emphasize discipline, focus, and strategic thinking.

The Importance of Winning and Losing in Women’s Sports

Winning and losing in women’s sports are crucial learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Winning teaches athletes the value of preparation, goal-setting, and execution. It builds confidence and reinforces the importance of perseverance and hard work. On the other hand, losing teaches humility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to setbacks. These lessons translate directly to the business world, where success and failure are equally integral to innovation and growth. Women who experience the highs and lows of competition develop the emotional intelligence and mental fortitude needed to navigate the complexities of corporate environments.

In business, just like in sports, setbacks are inevitable. Female athletes who have learned to analyze their losses and pivot strategies are better equipped to tackle challenges in the boardroom. Similarly, the drive to win fosters a results-oriented mindset that aligns with corporate goals. These dual experiences of triumph and adversity give women athletes a unique edge, enabling them to lead with both empathy and determination. This balance often sets them apart as highly effective leaders who inspire and drive their teams toward success.

The Benefits of Team Sports in Corporate America

Team sports, in particular, mirror the collaborative nature of the modern workplace. They teach:

Conflict Resolution: Managing disagreements with teammates translates to resolving workplace conflicts.
Shared Accountability: Athletes understand the importance of accountability within a team, which aligns with corporate values.
Leadership Development: Leading on the field often serves as an early training ground for leadership roles in the boardroom.

More Examples of Successful Female Athletes

Sarah Robb O’Hagan: Former CEO of Flywheel Sports and author of Extreme You: Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat., was a competitive skier and field hockey player. She credits her athletic background for her bold and innovative leadership style.
Venus Williams: While still an active professional tennis player, Williams has also become a successful entrepreneur and advocate for equal pay. Her focus and discipline on the court have directly influenced her business ventures.
Mia Hamm: A former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team star, Hamm co-founded Team USA’s Women’s Professional Soccer League and has become a prominent leader in promoting gender equality and title IX in sports and beyond.
Jessica Mendoza: A two-time Olympic medalist in softball, Mendoza transitioned into a groundbreaking career as an ESPN broadcaster, becoming one of the first women to cover Major League Baseball games.
Laila Ali: A retired professional boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali, Laila built her own legacy by becoming an entrepreneur, health advocate, and motivational speaker.

Why Female Athletes Are More Successful

Female athletes consistently outperform their non-athlete peers in corporate environments because of their honed ability to:

Navigate high-pressure situations
Work effectively in teams
Lead with confidence and adaptability

Moreover, women who play sports often have access to strong networks of mentors and peers, opening doors to opportunities both on and off the field. According to the EY report, women with athletic backgrounds are also more likely to negotiate higher salaries and advocate for themselves in the workplace.

Beyond the Game: The Lasting Impact of Women in Sports on Leadership

Being a female athlete is about more than just physical fitness; it’s a foundation for success in life and work. The skills gained through sports—from resilience to collaboration—are invaluable in the boardroom. As more women leverage their athletic backgrounds, the corporate world will continue to benefit from their unique perspectives and strengths. Whether on the field, in the office, or in the boardroom, female athletes are proving that their training prepares them for victories far beyond the game.