A Majority of Women Leaders Had This Hobby as Kids, Study Says
A new study highlights the lifelong benefits of this activitiy.
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Thinking about signing your daughter up for sports? There are so many great reasons to encourage her to give it a try — and tons of options to choose from, like soccer, lacrosse, dance, and cheer. Beyond staying active, sports help kids develop important life skills that stick with them for years. Whether she’s kicking a soccer ball or hitting the dance floor, the benefits go way beyond the game. A recent study by the Women’s Sports Foundation shows that playing sports can set girls up for success in all areas of their lives — including school, mental health, and even leadership roles when they become adults.
For the study, researchers surveyed close to three thousand women spanning in ages from their 20s to their 70s who played sports growing up. The results: sports didn’t just teach them how to score goals or earn them a few trophies — it gave them lifelong leadership skills. Plus, the longer girls play sports, the more likely they are to hold formal leadership roles throughout their adult lives.
Of the women surveyed, researchers found that 55% of participants credited playing sports as a child as having a major impact on their personal and social development saying that being part of a sports team helped them build confidence and form lasting friendships. Even more impressive, 67% of the women said they carried valuable life lessons from their time in sports into adulthood, like teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving.
Another interesting find from the study, 69% of the women surveyed held leadership roles in their careers which researchers say shows that the skills gained on the field translate into real-world success. Whether your daughter is scoring goals or perfecting a dance routine, the benefits of sports can continue long after they stop playing.
While previous studies have shown that sports help girls build leadership skills, many of these studies only focused on college athletes or women in high-powered positions. However, this study focused on youth sports and how they prepare girls for leadership in all kinds of roles in their life. “We were looking at youth sport participation in particular, and how that shows up across all sectors in a whole variety of different leadership roles,” explains Karen Issokson-Silver, MPH, Head of Research and Education at the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Danette Leighton, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation adds, “You don't necessarily have to be the top elite athlete or go be in the WNBA or be an Olympian to benefit from what sports allows girls to have throughout their lifetime.”
Sports are a game-changer when it comes to building leadership skills, and many women say what they learned on the field carries over into their lives and careers. Teamwork topped the list, with 73% crediting sports for teaching them how to collaborate. Learning from mistakes (53%) and handling pressure (51%) also ranked high — both key skills for tackling life’s challenges. Plus, 46% said sports helped them push their physical limits, building resilience and confidence that stick around long after the final whistle.
So, what can parents do to help support and encourage their girls? Stay involved and if opportunities are lacking, parents can advocate for more programs at schools and in the community, says Issokson-Silver. “When families speak up, schools listen,” she adds.
Parents can also support their kids by pointing out the life skills they’re gaining — like teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence — beyond just physical fitness. “When coaches and parents highlight these benefits, girls start to connect the dots,” Issokson-Silver adds.
The study encourages training for coaches that focuses on personal development and suggests advocating for more sports options, especially in middle school when many girls quit. If a sport isn’t clicking, parents can help by talking to their daughters about what motivates them and finding a better fit. Girls thrive in environments that foster confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. So, with their parents and coaches support—their time on and off the field, court, or dance floor can become the springboard for greatness.
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