Sports have long been a transformative force for women, offering more than physical fitness—they shape character, foster growth, and open doors to opportunities. Women who have played sports often describe a profound shift in how they view themselves and their potential. From building self-esteem to cultivating resilience and teamwork, sports equip women with skills that ripple through their personal and professional lives. Backed by compelling data, the collective experiences of women in sports highlight why access to athletics is essential for their development and ability to thrive.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Track and Field Athlete): "Girls playing sports is not about winning gold medals. It’s about self-esteem, learning to compete, and learning how hard you have to work in order to achieve your goals."

The Power of Sports: Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Women who participate in sports often recall the moment they realized their capabilities extended beyond what they thought possible—whether crossing a finish line, scoring a goal, or mastering a new skill. These moments foster a deep sense of confidence and self-worth. A 2018 study by the Women’s Sports Foundation found that girls who play sports report higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression compared to their non-athletic peers. Sports teach women to trust their bodies, push through challenges, and celebrate incremental victories, creating a foundation of confidence that carries into other areas of life.

This confidence has tangible impacts. A 2013 Ernst & Young study revealed that 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their formative years, crediting athletics for shaping their leadership abilities. These women, including leaders like Indra Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO, and Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, highlight how sports instill the courage to take risks and lead under pressure. For women in general, sports experiences translate into boldness—whether pursuing a challenging career, speaking up in meetings, or navigating competitive environments with assurance.

Wilma Rudolph (Track and Field Runner): "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."

Resilience: Learning to Bounce Back

Sports are a training ground for resilience, a quality women often cite as critical to their growth. The sting of a missed shot, a lost game, or a physical stumble teaches athletes to persevere through setbacks. The Women’s Sports Foundation notes that female athletes develop stronger coping skills, enabling them to handle adversity with greater ease. This resilience isn’t just about getting through a tough practice—it’s about facing life’s challenges with a mindset that sees failure as a step toward growth.

The data underscores these benefits. A 2015 Aspen Institute study found that girls who play sports are more likely to stay in school longer and less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or early pregnancy. These outcomes pave the way for stability and long-term success. Women who have played sports often describe how the grit learned on the field or court fueled their determination to overcome obstacles, whether earning a degree under financial strain or navigating setbacks in their careers.

Aly Raisman (Gymnast): "You have to remember that the hard days are what make you stronger. The bad days make you realize what a good day is. If you never had any bad days, you would never have that sense of accomplishment!"

Teamwork: The Art of Collaboration

For many women, the camaraderie of team sports stands out as a defining experience. The shared effort of passing a ball, strategizing with teammates, or cheering each other on fosters a sense of unity that counters societal pressures that can pit women against one another. A 2017 EY survey found that 94% of C-suite women who played sports attributed their ability to collaborate effectively to their athletic experiences. This skill is invaluable in workplaces and communities, where teamwork drives success.

Beyond personal growth, team sports build leadership and community. A 2020 UNICEF report noted that girls in team sports are more likely to develop leadership skills and form supportive networks, which are critical for both personal and professional development. Women often reflect on how sports taught them to compromise, communicate, and celebrate collective victories—skills that strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging throughout their lives.

Mia Hamm (Soccer Player): "I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion."

Body Image: Redefining Strength and Beauty

Body image is a significant aspect of women’s experiences in sports, often marked by a transformative shift in perspective. Many women recall how sports reframed their relationship with their bodies, moving the focus from appearance to performance. Instead of striving for societal ideals of thinness or perfection, they learned to value their strength, speed, and endurance. A 2021 University of Minnesota study found that sports generally improve body image among girls, though those in aesthetic-focused sports, like gymnastics or figure skating, may face heightened pressure to meet certain beauty standards.

Despite these challenges, sports empower women to redefine beauty on their terms. Athletes like Serena Williams have become global icons for embracing their power, challenging conventional norms, and inspiring women to see strength as beautiful. A 2024 Parity Now survey found that 92% of global audiences believe it’s important for girls to play sports, with 61% deeming it “very important,” largely because sports teach women to appreciate their bodies for what they can achieve. This shift fosters confidence that transcends the playing field, helping women combat self-doubt in a world obsessed with appearance.

Serena Williams (Tennis Player): "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

Long-Term Benefits: Better Jobs, Brighter Futures

The impact of sports extends far beyond youth, shaping women’s trajectories in profound ways. A 2010 University of Pennsylvania study found that women who played high school sports are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, often in male-dominated fields like finance or technology. The discipline, goal-setting, and adaptability honed through sports are qualities employers value, giving women an edge in competitive environments. Many women credit their athletic experiences with teaching them to approach challenges with focus and determination, whether launching a career or pursuing advanced education.

The leadership connection is particularly striking. The fact that 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports underscores how athletics cultivate women who break glass ceilings. These leaders learned to strategize, persevere, and lead with confidence—skills that translate to boardrooms and beyond. For countless women, sports provide a foundation for ambition, enabling them to pursue roles they might not have otherwise considered and to navigate professional challenges with resilience.

Ronda Rousey (MMA Fighter): "I go to bed every night thinking about all the ways that I can succeed."

A Collective Call: Investing in Women’s Potential

The collective experiences of women in sports paint a clear picture: athletics are a catalyst for empowerment. Yet, barriers like underfunded programs, gender stereotypes, and unequal access persist. The Parity Now survey’s finding—that 92% of respondents support girls’ participation in sports—signals a global consensus, but support must translate into action. Increased investment in coaches, facilities, and accessible programs is essential to ensure every girl has the opportunity to play.

Women who have benefited from sports often express a shared hope: that future generations of girls will discover the same sense of agency and strength they found. Sports teach women they can tackle hard things, recover from setbacks, and thrive in collaboration. By prioritizing girls’ access to sports, society invests in confident, resilient women who will lead, innovate, and redefine what’s possible.

Kerri Walsh Jennings (Volleyball Player): "That wall is your mind playing tricks on you. You just need to say, ‘One more step, I can do this. I have more in me.’ You’ll be so proud of yourself once you push yourself past your threshold.”

From the Field to the Top: Why Sports Matter for Women

Sports are more than a game for women—they are a cornerstone of personal and societal transformation. They build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, enabling women to stay in school, delay pregnancy, and secure better jobs. They challenge harmful body image norms, empowering women to value their strength. The data—80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs, 92% global support for girls’ sports—confirms what women have long felt: sports unlock potential. By ensuring every girl can play, we pave the way for a world where women lead with boldness, reshape industries, and inspire future generations to do the same.

Bethany Hamilton (Surfer): "Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you."