The connection between youth sports and professional success for women has been underscored by a recent study released by e.l.f. Beauty and Parity, a consultancy dedicated to advancing women's opportunities in sports. The findings, presented at the Power of Women’s Sports Summit in New York City on August 31, reveal that the skills developed through sports can significantly influence career trajectories for women.
The report, titled "Girls Who Play Change the Game," surveyed over 9,500 individuals across the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. It included responses from women who participated in sports during their youth, professional female athletes, and corporate board members. The results indicate a strong correlation between sports participation and leadership roles in the workplace.
According to the study, women who played sports for a minimum of three years before finishing high school are nearly 50% more likely to hold leadership positions compared to those who did not participate in sports. Additionally, these "Everyday Athletes" are 37% more likely to aspire to senior leadership roles and nearly 25% more likely to have negotiated their salaries. This data highlights how early experiences in sports can translate into professional advantages later in life.
Perhaps most compelling is the statistic that nearly 90% of women who have been promoted credit skills learned through sports as instrumental in their advancement. This sentiment is echoed by board members, with 85% acknowledging the importance of sports-related lessons for future leaders. Furthermore, 69% of Everyday Athletes with at least five years in the workforce believe that the skills acquired through sports are increasingly relevant in today’s job market.
Professional athletes also affirm the impact of sports on their careers beyond the field. A staggering 98% of surveyed professional female athletes stated that their sporting experiences equipped them for challenges in life after sports. Jaedyn Shaw, a player for the U.S. national soccer team and Gotham FC, shared her insights during a panel discussion at the summit, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work learned through sports.
Shaw reflected on her journey, noting, "I think there’s a long list of things that I’ve already learned through playing sport. For me, obviously there’s setbacks, there’s lows, there’s highs." She highlighted the value of continuous effort, stating, "You’re going at it every single day, getting 1% better every single day and continuing at it for years and years and years." This perspective illustrates how the lessons from sports can shape a person’s approach to both their career and personal life.
The summit featured discussions led by industry leaders, including Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Brands, who emphasized the company's commitment to addressing gender disparities in sports and leadership. He pointed out that while participation rates for young women in sports are improving, they still lag behind those of young men. O’Keefe stated, "We know that stat — young girls drop out of sports three times more than young boys. We want to change that conversation."
The report also highlights a positive trend among younger generations, with 70% of Gen Z women who began playing sports continuing through high school, compared to 62% of Baby Boomers. However, the overarching message remains that the benefits of sports participation extend beyond athletic achievement. Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, emphasized that the focus should not solely be on producing elite athletes but rather on the valuable life skills gained through participation.
In conclusion, the findings from the "Girls Who Play Change the Game" report reinforce the notion that sports can serve as a powerful tool for developing future female leaders. The skills of teamwork, resilience, and communication learned through sports are not just applicable on the field but are essential for success in the workplace as well.
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