Closing the STEM Gap
Why Sports & STEM
Inspire Play. Unlock Potential.
At Play Like a Girl, we know that the lessons learned on the field—teamwork, discipline, problem-solving—are the same ones needed to thrive in STEM. That’s why we’re champions of integrating sports and STEM in everything we do. This page explores how sports and STEM education work together to empower girls with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead in every arena—whether it’s on the court, in the lab, or in the boardroom.
Why It Matters
STEM is everywhere—including in sports. From wearable tech and game-day data analytics to injury prevention and equipment design, STEM in sports technology is shaping how athletes train, perform, and stay safe. For girls who love both science and sports, exploring the intersection of athletics and STEM can spark interest in future careers they may not have considered before.
By connecting sports and STEM education, we give girls a dynamic, hands-on way to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. Girls see how STEM is not just about coding or lab work—it’s also about motion, performance, competition, and strategy. These connections fuel curiosity and boost engagement, especially among students who may not see themselves in traditional STEM spaces.
Research
Girls often start out equally interested in STEM, but participation declines in middle school. Similarly, girls are less likely than boys to stay in sports through adolescence. When we combine these two powerful arenas—sports and STEM—we can reverse that trend.
Research shows:
Students engaged in both athletics and academics tend to perform better in school.
Participation in sports science increases interest in health sciences, biomechanics, and technology-related careers.
Girls who engage in both sports and STEM are more likely to persist in challenging subjects, take on leadership roles, and pursue higher education.
By integrating sports with STEM learning, we can keep girls motivated, connected, and inspired—both in the classroom and on the field.
Resources
- Wearable tech: Trackers that monitor heart rate, movement, and performance data
- Sports analytics: Using data science to improve game strategies
- Biomechanics: Understanding body movement to improve athletic performance and reduce injuries
- Material science: Designing advanced athletic gear and uniforms
- Engineering in sports venues: Designing stadiums, fields, and smart sports facilities
- Hands-on STEM activities inspired by sports
- Girls-only clinics that combine fitness, leadership, and STEM
- Mentorship from women in sports tech, health sciences, and engineering
- Corporate field trips focused on careers in sports science STEM fields
These jobs require different levels of education and training—but all start with a foundation in STEM.
Whether it’s coding a wearable fitness tracker or studying the physics of a perfect pass, girls discover that STEM can be just as active, exciting, and empowering as the sports they love.
Take Action
Girls
Do you love playing sports? Solving problems? Creating new things? You don’t have to choose. Explore programs that combine sports and STEM—you’ll grow your skills, build confidence, and find new career paths to explore.
Parents & Caregivers
Encourage your daughter to pursue her passions in both STEM and sports. Help her see how the two are connected. Look for STEM in sports technology programs and community resources that offer hands-on experiences.
Educators & Coaches
Integrate STEM into athletic settings. From measuring sprint times to engineering safer gear, the opportunities are endless. Partner with organizations like Play Like a Girl to bring this learning to life for your students.
Supporters & Donors
Your investment helps us create innovative, interdisciplinary programs that bring STEM into sports—and sports into STEM. Support Play Like a Girl’s mission to keep girls in both the game and the lab.
Sports and STEM education belong together. By combining movement and mind, we prepare girls not just to compete—but to lead—in every field.