Women's Sports Foundation

#TakeActionTuesday: Coaches shape the way girls experience sports yet too often women are missing from the sidelines.     In 1971, 90% of collegiate women’s sports teams were coached by a woman. Today, that number has dropped to only 42% in NCAA women’s sports and in youth sports, only a quarter of coaches are women.    A great coach does more than teach the game. Research shows that girls with strong coach relationships experience better mental health outcomes, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. Women coaches also serve as powerful role models, helping girls break down barriers and see themselves as leaders. #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Sign up to be a coach through Positive Coaching Alliance and be part of the movement to grow the community of women coaches in youth sports.  2. Use ‘We Play Interactive,’ WSF’s free and easy-to-use digital resource designed to empower coaches and leaders who empower girls.  

Sports shape leaders, build confidence, and open doors to endless possibilities. 💪✨ We are continuing to highlight the powerful voices of girls and women this #WomensHistoryMonth who have personally experienced how sports fuel leadership and growth. No matter the sport, no matter the journey—when girls and women #PlayToLead, we all win. 🏆 Visit https://lnkd.in/dSucznYQ and tell us how sports have helped you thrive!

In an exclusive Women’s History Month op-ed, WSF President Scout Bassett and WSF Trustee Gabby Thomas share how investing in young athletes will change the course of history. Tap the link below to read it in full! #PlayToLead https://lnkd.in/gEQq9hwH

#TakeActionTuesday: Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet in sports, it is often overlooked or stigmatized.    Despite its effects on endurance, recovery, and injury risk, menstrual health is rarely included in training plans or research. Studies show that hormonal changes can increase ACL injuries, but most athletes lack the proper tools to track and manage these changes. Limited access to proper menstrual products also forces some to skip training or competitions.     Athletes often feel pressure to hide their periods or push through symptoms without support. Though, we are seeing some progress such as England’s women’s soccer team’s switch to darker shorts to address player concerns, and more researchers beginning to study how menstrual cycle tracking can improve performance. Fostering openness around menstruation empowers athletes, dismantles stigma, improves health management, and removes barriers. #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Visit Women Win to access free menstrual education resources that use sport to create safe spaces for discussing and destigmatizing periods.  2. Support policies in your community that ensure all girls and women have access to menstrual products and education.  3. Encourage the teams, coaches, and sports organizations that you support to integrate menstrual health into training plans and research.  

Every time a girl shows up on the field, court, mat, or beyond, she’s building more than just skills—she’s building confidence, resilience, and leadership. 💪 ✨   This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the voices of girls and women who have found strength through sport. Their stories prove that when we #PlayToLead, we gain the tools to thrive—both in the game and in life.   Swipe through to be inspired, and share how sports have shaped your journey at https://lnkd.in/dSucznYQ!

What a night! On Monday, we gathered at the The New York Historical for Game Changers: 50 Years of Leading Women in Sports, an inspiring evening celebrating the power of women in sports. Our dynamic panel—featuring WSF CEO Danette Leighton, WSF Trustees Ashlyn Harris and Nicole Jeter West, and moderator and Professor of History at The New School Natalia Mehlman Petrzela—shared powerful insights on leadership, progress, and the future of women’s sports. Thank you to all who joined us in honoring the past, present, and future of game-changing women! 💪 #PlayToLead #WomensHistoryMonth

Applications are OPEN for the 2025 Athlete Recovery and Care Commitment Grant! Together, WSF and TYLENOL are helping offset the financial barriers elite women athletes face when injury happens. The grant is dedicated to breaking down barriers to care that prevent injured athletes from reaching their full potential as part of TYLENOL’s larger commitment to Care Without Limits. Now is your chance to get the support you need to help get back into the game! Qualified applicants can apply now through Thursday, April 10. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjKhPfZR #PlayToLead #Greatness Hurts #CareWithoutLimits

#TakeActionTuesday: The Special Olympics World Winter Games are underway! From now until Saturday, March 15, 1,500 athletes from over 100 countries are competing in eight sports throughout the Piedmont Region of Italy. #Turin2025 is the first World Winter Games since 2017.     Over 700 women athletes are competing at these Games, and you can watch the action live on ESPN+ and ESPN3, which will feature short track speed skating and figure skating. Then, on April 6, ‘Best Of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025’ airs on ABC and ESPN+, celebrating the athletes and their incredible performances.    Every athlete deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Let’s show up! #SpecialOlympics #ChooseToInclude #TheEquityProject    Your Turn:  1. Follow @specialolympicsworldgames and @specialolympics on Instagram for real-time updates and tell the people in your life to join in and support these athletes as they compete on the world stage.  2. Watch the action on ESPN+ and ESPN3 and cheer on all these incredible athletes!  3. Volunteer with your local Special Olympics program and help create more inclusive sports environments. Find your state’s programs at https://lnkd.in/gkJ_yndM

Girls who play sports become women who lead. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re highlighting real stories from girls and women who know firsthand how sports build confidence, resilience, and leadership. 📢 Ella, Alyzé, and countless others prove that when we #PlayToLead, we grow far beyond the game. Get in on the action and share your story at https://lnkd.in/dSucznYQ and together let’s help every girl have the opportunity to play sports because when girls play, they lead, and we all win! 🏆

Join #TeamWSF for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! 🏃♀️🎉 WSF is proud to once again be an Official Charity Partner of the New York Road Runners for this iconic race. This is your chance to run through the streets of NYC while supporting our mission to empower girls and women in sports. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—apply today! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gXJs8KtD #TCSNYCMarathon #KeepRunning #NYRR #NYCMarathon