National Girls & Women in Sports Day | Empowering Future Leaders

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a celebration that honors the incredible achievements of girls and women in sports, as well as the opportunities available to female athletes of all ages. It’s essential to recognize the profound impact sports have on the lives of young athletes, shaping them into future leaders both on and off the field.

Growing up as an athlete, sports were not just a pastime but an influential experience that taught me skills I didn’t know I would need until I was an adult. They are more than just games.  Sports are a vehicle for personal growth and confidence building.

Now, as a coach, I am continually humbled by the determination and passion of the new generation of athletes. In a world that looks vastly different from the one I grew up in, I love watching them navigate challenges with grace and courage.

But there’s another part of sports that can be overlooked or undervalued.  And that’s the emotional side of it.

We don’t always want to show emotion, especially when stakes are high.  But how can you differentiate that to a young athlete learning the game?  One who cares.  One who loves the game so much it hurts.

My answer:  Respect.

For the game.

For the team.

For the officials.

Most importantly, for the athlete herself.

Image courtesy of Keri Fournier Photography (kerifournierphotos.com)

Understanding the role of emotion in the competitive athlete's journey is critical, and it's a lesson I've experienced firsthand playing myself, and coaching.  My daughter shedding tears on the bench (after I pulled her) was a harsh reminder of the intensity of emotions that sports can draw out.

In that moment, she was experiencing the rawness of disappointment, a feeling familiar to any athlete who has poured their heart into the game.  As coach, I never want to see ANY player feel that – my own kid and the ones I’m not tied to through blood.

So I had to step back and remind myself what sets competitive athletes apart...

It’s not the absence of emotion, but rather the ability to harness it productively. It's about understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey and that managing our emotions with respect for the game and ourselves is key.

While wins and losses are part of the game, the true measure of success lies in the lessons learned and the bonds established between teammates.

It’s no secret that through the challenges and triumphs experienced on the field, young athletes develop the confidence and determination to tackle obstacles individually and as a team.

Just as my daughter learned a little about resilience (without realizing it) by wiping away the tears to support her team for the rest of the game.  It’s the competitive spirit athletes carry with them long after their athletic careers end that’s a true testament to the enduring legacy of sports.

So on this day, whatever sport you or your daughter play, let's champion the next generation of athletes and ensure that every young player has the chance to thrive, succeed, and make their mark on and off the field – and on the world - together.