The Transformative Power of Mentorship in Women in Sports

Mentorship has emerged as a transformative force in the world of women’s sports, creating pathways to success by fostering athletic growth and nurturing the holistic development of the individual—physically, mentally, and emotionally. For female athletes, mentorship isn't just about achieving excellence on the field, it's about becoming well-rounded, resilient leaders who carry the lessons of sports into their personal and professional lives.

Mentorship in sports provides critical support by offering guidance, resources, and role models who demonstrate what is possible for female athletes. Women like Julie Foudy, an analyst and primary commentator for women's soccer on ESPN, and Jennifer King, one of the 222 women now working in full-time coaching or football operations roles in the NFL, exemplify this leadership. These women serve as powerful inspirations, showing young female athletes that they too can break through traditional gender norms and succeed in male-dominated sports.

One of the most transformative aspects of mentorship is the ability to fosters a strong, supportive community among female athletes. This network is invaluable for sharing resources, opportunities, and encouragement. Female mentorship offers guidance in areas that many sports clubs at the moment do not, such as mental strength, emotional resilience, and personal development. These are in my opinion critical elements for young athletes, especially those facing the pressures of competition and expectations from coaches, peers, and society.
Mentorship also plays a key role in reducing the dropout rates of girls in sports by creating a sense of belonging and offering access to mentors who understand the unique challenges faced by female athletes. For instance, Megan Rapinoe and Knix's campaign to address the societal taboo of periods which causes 1 in 2 teens to drop out of sports. This community aspect of mentorship not only helps females to stay in the sports they love but also opens up leadership opportunities within the sports industry for women at all levels.
Mentorship programs fill in the gaps that traditional sports programs don't yet incorporate in their curriculum, particularly in areas related to the mental and emotional well-being of athletes. Sports clubs and teams tend to focus heavily on physical development and skill-building, while often overlooking the need for mental and emotional growth. Effective mentorship addresses these gaps by helping athletes build:

Mental Strength: Mentors help provide guidance on mental toughness, focus, and resilience, which are crucial in high-pressure sports environments. Athletes learn how to handle setbacks, stay motivated, and remain confident even in challenging situations.

Emotional Support: Mentors help young athletes navigate the emotional highs and lows of competitive sports. Whether it's dealing with performance anxiety, comparison to other athletes, or handling losses, the highs & lows of social media, and the recruitment process, female mentors provide a safe space for athletes to express their emotions and work through their challenges.
My own experience with mentorship has been pivotal in my development as an athlete. Early on, I struggled with comparing myself to other players during training & matches, which led to frustration and self-doubt. It wasn't until I opened up to a mentor, that I began to see a way out of this common player trap. My mentor had faced similar struggles during her career, and hearing her story brought me relief and a sense of camaraderie. This connection and being able to talk through this allowed me to release that emotional burden I was carrying and focus on finding solutions. As a result of this support, I have become a stronger and more confident athlete.

Mentorship has provided me with tools to handle adversity and stay committed to the sport I love. I have a better self-belief. Whether the mentorship came from a former coach (Coach Mata), a teammate in the WPSL, or programs like Female Footballers and Girls Soccer Network, this support played a crucial role in my journey. These connections fostered a greater sense of preparedness and boosted my confidence both on and off the field.

Mentorship doesn't just make us better athletes; it makes us better leaders, teammates, and advocates. Thanks to the support of my mentors, I've learned to advocate for myself and others. I now find myself encouraging fellow athletes to push through challenges, believe in their abilities, and embrace their full potential. Mentorship deepened my love for my sport and helped me release the pressures I was placing on myself.

By focusing on personal growth rather than external comparisons, I learned to enjoy the process of becoming a better athlete. The transformative power of mentorship lies in its ability to help athletes not just achieve success, but to grow into confident, resilient, and empowered individuals who can lead on and off the field.