Why More Girls Should Play Sports
Playing Sports Has Lifelong Benefits for Girls
In 2019 alone, about 25% fewer high school girls than boys played sports, according to the latest numbers from the National Federation of State High School Associations. Research by the Women’s Sports Foundation suggests that girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14, and by 17, half of girls quit sports altogether. Some may look at these numbers and shrug their shoulders. “Who cares? If girls don’t want to play sports, don’t make them.” But it’s actually a big problem with far-reaching consequences.
You see, this dropout rate is particularly alarming because studies have shown that girls who play sports do better in school, and that’s true for both grades and standardized test scores. Girls who play sports also report increased confidence, teamwork and leadership skills as the top benefits of staying in sports.
And there’s a clear connection between those perceived benefits and the outcomes women have once they’re off the playing field and working in a professional field. Studies show that girls who play sports are more likely to graduate from college, land competitive jobs and work in male-dominated industries. What’s more, a survey by Ernst & Young and espnW found that 94% of women executives participated in sports and more than half played at the collegiate level. Nearly three-fourths of these women said their time on the playing field helped develop their leadership “muscle.”
In short, to get girls to play sports is to give them an advantage when it comes to self-confidence, discipline, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience—critical skills that will serve them when they’re in middle school, high school, college and beyond.
The challenges to getting girls involved in sports
Here’s a pair of questions we hear a lot: “What are the most popular sports for girls?” and “What are the best sports for girls?” The answers couldn’t be simpler.
To the first question, our answer is, “It doesn’t matter.” (If you must know, the top 5 sports for girls are track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball based on the number of participants alone.) But do you know why it doesn’t matter? It’s because the best sports for girls aren’t the most popular ones—they’re the ones your daughter enjoys playing. They’re the ones she plays because she likes to play them—not because they’re popular or she feels pressured to play.
Another barrier to getting girls involved in sports has to do with exposure. Everywhere a boy turns, from the moment he’s born, his gender identity is linked to sports—baby blankets with balls on them, and baby’s first football, baseball and soccer ball. And that messaging only grows stronger as boys grow older. Meanwhile, girls are bombarded with images not of strong female athletes, but of external beauty. Not only do they lack positive role models in sports, they may face stereotypes and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Then, there’s the problem of opportunity. It’s a fact that girls have fewer opportunities to play sports than boys. The Women’s Sports Foundation reports that high school girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities, to be exact.
Finally, there’s the issue of funding. Who saw the side-by-side photos showing the weight room disparities for the NCAA women’s and men’s basketball tournaments? If women competing at the top levels of college athletics can’t get a decent workout room, what does that mean for their younger counterparts?
When girls’ sports programs go underfunded, that impacts playing venues, playing times, availability of quality coaches, equipment and even uniforms. And these obvious disparities can drive girls away from the game. In many cases, cuts to school funding force the issue, and girls either drop out of the sport or have to find their own opportunities to play. Then it becomes an issue of cost, safety and transportation—barriers that disproportionately face girls of color and those from economically disadvantaged families.
How to keep girls in the game
Now that we’ve established why it’s important for girls to be involved in sports and the many barriers standing in their way, let’s end on a positive note. We can address these barriers for girls in sports and we can help make sure girls can become women who harness the critical life skills learned on the playing field for success in a professional field. And we can do that by creating opportunities for girls to play sports and for them to engage with the strong role models who represent the best in women’s sports.
A major part of our commitment at Play Like a Girl is providing girls with positive experiences in sport and active play. We’ve been in the business of creating these opportunities for nearly two decades, with the help of major companies, collegiate and professional athletes, and sports teams and leagues at all levels. Together, we aim to inspire girls to reach their full potential—aspiring to be and do anything they can imagine.
In 2018, we started offering Hot Wheels® Speedometry™ at STEM+ Saturday to teach our girls about concepts such as energy, force, and motion. Students also learn scientific and engineering practices such as data analysis and interpretation. But the fun didn’t end there—we’ve since partnered with Bridgestone, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla to help girls engineer toy racetracks, design their own electric cars, engage with female role models in mechatronics, and attend STEM field trips designed to expand how they see their future.
Hundreds of girls also received a die-cast Matchbox replica of the Mercedes-Benz 220SE commemorating Ewy Rosqvist’s historic Argentinian Grand Prix victory in 1968. It was in this car that Rosqvist and co-pilot Ursula Wirth shattered world records and the notion that women could not compete in the sport.
Just before the COVID-19 shutdown, we had the chance to work with girls at the NFL FLAG National Championship in Orlando. Then later in the year, Sarah Fuller, the Vanderbilt University soccer goalie turned football kicker, joined our Meet + Mentor program as guest mentor. In January, we teamed up with the Nashville Predators to hold a free hockey clinic for Play Like a Girl participants.
After some time on the ice, the girls chatted with women leaders in the Predators’ front office—many of them former athletes. Some of our girls went on to participate in the Preds’ girls hockey program, which just wrapped last month. With a full set of free equipment, they’re now outfitted and ready to improve their hockey game this summer.
In just a few weeks, over 100 girls and women will take the driver’s seat with Play Like a Girl at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where we’ll go behind-the-scenes of the iconic racetrack and get an up-close and personal look at the first female owned, female driven, and female forward race team at this year's Indianapolis 500. Race car driver Simona de Silvestro and her No. 16 Chevy-powered INDYCAR will be the focus of this high-energy event which will follow a special mentoring series connecting middle school girls in our programs with female leaders in the fintech and motorsports industries.
We round out our summer schedule by introducing golf to a group of girls who have never stepped foot on a green. With help from several professional women golfers and Play Like Girl alumna Emma Clonan, we will kick off the Play Like a Girl On the Green charity golf scramble with a free Junior Girls Clinic powered by LPGA Girls Golf.
Proceeds from the tournament will provide even more exciting and unique opportunities to get girls involved in sports, connect them with powerful women role models and mentors, and, ultimately, keep them in the game.
Meet + Mentor Memphis
“Own the Arena” Book Signing w/Katrina M. Adams
Advanced registration is REQUIRED. Space is limited.
Tennis champion Katrina M. Adams is encouraging girls in Memphis to reach their full potential through sports. Recently featured on Good Morning America, Adams, the first black woman and youngest person ever to hold the position of President and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is partnering with USTA Southern Tennessee & Play Like a Girl to launch the “Meet + Mentor” program in Memphis.
Play Like a Girl’s Meet + Mentor program leverages the collective power of women athletes and leaders to inspire girls to use the skills they gain from sports to compete and lead in other areas off the playing field. The program takes many lessons from Adams’ best-selling book “Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference, and Succeeding as the Only One” which provides “a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership skills involved in hosting the U.S. Open, the largest and most lucrative sports event in the world—lessons that can be applied across business and to any life challenge” (harpercollins.com).
To kick off the Meet + Mentor program for girls in Memphis, which will launch this fall, USTA and Adams will host a book signing and networking event for girls ages 10-17 and their mothers .
Event Details
- Sunday, May 16th at 4:00 PM
- String ‘n Swing, 6100 Primacy Parkway Ste 115, Memphis TN
- FREE to attend. Advanced registration is required. Space is limited.
- Admission includes: FREE signed copy of “Own the Arena”, swag bag, and tennis equipment for girls ages 10-17 who register in advance, while supplies last. Parent or guardian must be present.
- Light refreshments provided — first come, first served.
Important Information
- Have your ticket QR code ready for scanning upon arrival.
- Masks are required. Guests are expected to follow all recommended social distancing and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
Thank You to Our Partners
- USTA Southern Tennessee
- Memphis Tennessee Association
- String ‘n Swing Tennis and Pickleball
For Additional Information
For more information, please call Kim Wilson at USTA Southern Tennessee at (615) 953-1694.
Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and activities. Visit iplaylikeagirl.org/events for regular updates.
Girl Power Summit
“Her Time to Shine” presented by The Power of Girls & the Jr. NBA is a four-day virtual Girl Power Summit for girls ages 11-16. The summit is designed to provide girls with tools and resources to help them become more self-aware, confident and well-rounded leaders through a series of panel discussions and interactive sessions. Girls will hear from and engage with an array of women executives, WNBA talent, influencers, professionals, and civic leaders.
This virtual summit tips off Thursday, February 18 and runs through Sunday, February 21.
RSVP HERE
Women’s Leadership Summit
CALLING ALL CAREER WOMEN
Join us for an inspiring (and super fun) afternoon of chats, workshops, mentoring, and more devoted to championing women professionals - at all ages and stages of your career. We will tackle the hard-hitting conversations about the future of work from pivoting to digital to remote leadership, reimagining life in our new reality and so much more! It’s time for some big-picture strategy, so let’s plan for what’s next, together. And, check out our fun workshops and the FREE mentorship opportunity for girls too.
Proceeds benefit Play Like a Girl’s Meet + Mentoring virtual mentoring program for middle school girls.
Secure your spot HERE
Office Hours with Stephanie Riggs
Stephanie Riggs
VP, Bulk Gases and Strategic Accounts
Airgas, an Air Liquide company
"Do or do not. There is no try" -- Yoda
Stephanie is a senior leader for industrial and medical bulk gas sales and operations. She also enjoys mentoring and coaching new team leaders and seasoned professionals.
5 Things She Can't Live Without
Google Calendar: My most valuable asset is my time. And, of course, everyone wants a piece of it. My message to my team, colleagues, customers and even my family..."if it's not on the calendar it doesn't happen!"
Notebook: I have 20 years worth of notes from my "every day". Meetings, people I talked to or met, places I traveled, decisions made and maybe just what I was thinking on that day. I still like the feel of pen and paper. Things stay in my head better that way and I truly feel lost without it.
Vacations: There are decisions made minute to minute about how you'll spend your time. There is no such thing as a work life balance. We are ON 24/7. So, disconnected family vacations are vital to renewing my mind and spirit to be a better leader, wife, mother, daughter, friend.
Celery Juice: Stay with me here. This magic elixir has physically changed me. I process food better, hurt less, make my doctor happy, stay hydrated and have my cholesterol in check! At least 16 oz every morning...it does a body good. God put everything we need to heal in the produce section!.
Staying Active: Moving my body has to happen and frankly, it's what God made it to do. Running, walking, body weight workouts, cycling, Hap Ki Do (I'm a black belt along with my eldest daughter), hiking. Benefits: Physical strength, mental clarity and emotional release. Keep moving!
Play Like a Girl LIVE - Impact
It’s more important than ever to be inspired, empowered and connected.
In our run up to International Day of the Girl (October 11), we introduce Play Like a Girl LIVE – a free, interactive virtual experience to inspire, empower and keep us connected during this unprecedented time of social distancing.
With the help of a few prominent women in diverse fields, Play Like a Girl LIVE addresses topics like confidence, leadership, social justice and more—all while networking, mentoring and having a little fun!
Thursday, September 24: Impact
Looking for ways you can show up for black and brown girls—in ways that matter now? Former athlete and youth basketball coach Portia Archer shares a range of lessons from playing on the basketball court to leading in the boardroom as Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.
Play Like a Girl LIVE - Connect
It’s more important than ever to be inspired, empowered and connected.
In our run up to International Day of the Girl (October 11), we introduce Play Like a Girl LIVE – a free, interactive virtual experience to inspire, empower and keep us connected during this unprecedented time of social distancing.
With the help of a few prominent women in diverse fields, Play Like a Girl LIVE addresses topics like confidence, leadership, social justice and more—all while networking, mentoring and having a little fun!
Thursday, September 17: Connect
Olympic soccer superstar and mom of two girls Christie Pearce Rampone shares practical, real world advice from her book Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life on how mothers can build relationships with their daughters that will set girls up for lifelong success.
Thursday, September 24: Impact
Looking for ways you can show up for black and brown girls—in ways that matter now? Former athlete and youth basketball coach Portia Archer shares a range of lessons from playing on the basketball court to leading in the boardroom as Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.
Play Like a Girl LIVE - Empower
It’s more important than ever to be inspired, empowered and connected.
In our run up to International Day of the Girl (October 11), we introduce Play Like a Girl LIVE – a free, interactive virtual experience to inspire, empower and keep us connected during this unprecedented time of social distancing.
With the help of a few prominent women in diverse fields, Play Like a Girl LIVE addresses topics like confidence, leadership, social justice and more—all while networking, mentoring and having a little fun!
Thursday, September 10: Empower
IF/THEN Ambassadors Dr. Kiki Jenkins, Dr. Monica Rho & Sarah Wilson show us how sport can help strengthen girls’ leadership skills and prepare them for a thriving career in male-dominated STEM fields.
Thursday, September 17: Connect
Olympic soccer superstar and mom of two girls Christie Pearce Rampone shares practical, real world advice from her book Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life on how mothers can build relationships with their daughters that will set girls up for lifelong success.
Thursday, September 24: Impact
Looking for ways you can show up for black and brown girls—in ways that matter now? Former athlete and youth basketball coach Portia Archer shares a range of lessons from playing on the basketball court to leading in the boardroom as Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.
Play Like a Girl LIVE: A Virtual Experience
A free, interactive, four-week virtual experience inspired by our times
Play Like a Girl will host a new interactive, weekly, 60-minute virtual event series on consecutive Thursdays from September 3 to September 24 starting at 6pm ET/5pm CT. The series will showcase prominent women in diverse fields addressing topics like confidence, leadership, social justice and more—all while networking, mentoring and having a little fun!
"We spent early 2020 telling the stories of confident girls and women who empower each other to realize their limitless potential. It was so inspiring. Then the pandemic hit and shook everything," said Play Like a Girl CEO Dr. Kim. "Now, it's more important than ever to be and stay inspired, empowered and connected—especially, while social distancing. Together, we will reset, refocus and resolve to stay the course in these challenging times."
As we gear up for International Day of the Girl on October 11, we’re inviting women across the country to share empowering stories with middle school girls about the importance of staying focused, no matter what. Throughout the four weeks, Dr. Kim will share lessons that have carried her through the pandemic and help the audience find ways to stay in the game through the last quarter of the year.
The weekly event will also feature group mentoring exercises, at-home self-care practices, and Play Like a Girl board members and special guests live in conversation with women thought leaders at the top of their game who are showing us what it means to live inspired, empowered, more connected lives.
The weekly series will explore the following themes:
Thursday, September 3: Inspire
Kate T. Parker, photographer and best-selling author of Play Like a Girl: Life Lessons from the Soccer Field, kicks off the series celebrating the power of team and what it means to play like a girl.
Thursday, September 10: Empower
IF/THEN Ambassadors Dr. Kiki Jenkins, Dr. Monica Rho & Sarah Wilson show us how sport can help strengthen girls’ leadership skills and prepare them for a thriving career in male-dominated STEM fields.
Thursday, September 17: Connect
Olympic soccer superstar and mom of two girls Christie Pearce Rampone shares practical, real world advice from her book Be All In: Raising Kids for Success in Sports and Life on how mothers can build relationships with their daughters that will set girls up for lifelong success.
Thursday, September 24: Impact
Looking for ways you can show up for black and brown girls—in ways that matter now? Former athlete and youth basketball coach Portia Archer shares a range of lessons from the basketball court to the boardroom as Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.
To join the free virtual experience, visit iplaylikeagirl.org/events to register. The series will be hosted as a Zoom Video Webinar and live streamed on Play Like a Girl’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The four sessions will remain available for on-demand viewing across all platforms.
GIVEAWAY ANYONE?! ???? Follow us on Instagram and tag your tribe of gals (and guys) who will be watching with you. We’ve got free copies of Kate’s new book for a few lucky pairs, so hop on it!
Media interested in additional information or with any press inquiries can call (615) 601-1864.
Play Like a Girl Announces New Board Chair
MARLA LAMONT JOINS PLAY LIKE A GIRL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Former President of Women in Technology Tennessee brings more than 20 years of recruitment experience and tech leadership to Play Like a Girl board
NASHVILLE, TN. -- Play Like a Girl announced today that Marla Lamont has joined the nonprofit’s board of directors as its new Chairwoman.
Lamont is a well-respected talent acquisition leader with extensive experience in corporate and third-party recruiting. She has exceptional ability to understand a company’s business strategy and develop a talent acquisition strategy that aligns to its goals and objectives. The talent veteran also has more than 20 years of experience in the tech industry, and served as president at Women in Technology Tennessee (WiTT). She is currently the Director of Business Development at Relode, a crowdsourced healthcare recruitment platform that matches professionals to leading jobs at top companies.
“Few nonprofits are pursuing as bold and ambitious of a vision as Play Like a Girl,” said Lamont. “Like WiTT, the team at Play Like a Girl is passionate about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) but they’re also doing some amazing things in sports. I’m thrilled to be part of an organization dedicated to harnessing the skills girls gain from early and ongoing sport participation to develop their potential for a future in STEM, and I look forward to helping them extend their impact even further.”
In addition to Lamont, newly-elected Play Like a Girl board members include:
- Channing Moreland, Co-CEO / Head of Partnerships for eva
- Deann Moore, Sr. Director, Change Management, Asurion
- Aqiyla Reed-Dowdell, Senior EDI Business Analyst, HCA Healthcare
- Lee Ann Shephard, Vice President, Human Resources, BFC Solutions
- Christina E. Stephens, Business Consultant, Teragram Visions
"Marla is a world-class corporate leader,” said Play Like a Girl CEO and Founder Dr. Kimberly Clay. “We are excited about the strategic guidance she will bring as we navigate this period of uncertainty and unprecedented change. In particular, we are eager to tap into her experience and insights in talent acquisition as we prepare to hire additional staff and begin succession planning for my eventual transition.”
To learn more about Marla and her team at Play Like a Girl, visit www.iplaylikeagirl.org/team.