National Girls & Women in Sports Day - Why Experience Matters

February 4 is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and it is more than a celebration. It is a moment to reflect on how sport is serving girls today and how we can continue to improve their experience.

We know that when girls stay in sports, the impact goes far beyond the field. Girls who continue playing experience stronger mental health, deeper friendships, higher academic achievement, and long-term confidence. Yet by age 14, girls leave sport at twice the rate of boys. This gap is not about talent or interest. It is about experience.

Girls are more likely to stay in sport when they feel a true sense of belonging. Feeling connected to teammates, supported by coaches, and valued within their environment plays a critical role in long-term participation. For many girls, friendships and team connections are what keep them playing.



One of the most influential factors in that experience is the coach. A positive coach relationship helps girls feel heard, confident, and motivated. When girls feel supported by their coach, they are far more likely to remain engaged and continue developing both as athletes and as individuals.

“Soccer is powerful because it builds confidence, resilience, and leadership in girls, shaping who they become on and off the field. As a female coach, the game gave me a voice and a sense of purpose, and now I get to give that back to other young females.” - Una Einarsdottir | Girls ECNL RL Director of Coaching | Colorado Rush

Organizations that invest in coach education create stronger environments and see higher retention among female athletes. When coaches understand how girls experience sport and how language, expectations, and relationships matter, everyone benefits.

“Engaging in sports serves as a driver for female empowerment, health, academic success, and future career achievement. Participation in sports helps build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, while also challenging gender stereotypes.” - Traci Sipniewski | Senior Girls Director | Lobos Rush

At Rush Soccer, investing in coaching girls means being intentional. That intention shows up through:



• Supporting coaches with education and resources specific to coaching girls
• Integrating learning into onboarding and ongoing development
• Creating space for conversations about belonging and connection
• Recognizing coaches who grow, adapt, and lead with purpose

The long-term impact of these efforts is reflected not only in the players who stay in the game, but also in the leaders the sport helps shape. Many of the women now guiding the future of the game were once young athletes themselves, shaped by the lessons learned through competition, teamwork, and resilience.

“Being an athlete growing up truly shaped who I am as a teammate and leader. Sports taught me how to set goals, overcome challenges, win humbly, and lose gracefully. Regardless of the outcome, tomorrow is always a new day - the score resets to 0–0 and we get another opportunity to try again. I feel so lucky to work in a sport I love, shaping the impact soccer has on kids today.” -  Erin Bice, VP Marketing, Rush Soccer

Her perspective reinforces what research and lived experience consistently show: sport teaches life skills that extend far beyond the field. When girls are supported through positive coaching, inclusive environments, and intentional leadership, they gain the confidence to take risks, the resilience to recover from setbacks, and the belief that their voices matter.



These are the same qualities that empower girls to become leaders in sport, in their careers, and in their communities.

This is why coaching girls well is not just about retention, it is about impact. When leaders consistently communicate that coaching girls matters, coaches gain confidence, team environments improve, and girls are more likely to stay in the game.

“We know that 94% of women in Executive Leadership roles played sports. Sport is one of the most powerful catalysts for developing leadership, confidence, and resilience in girls. I’m proud to do this work within Rush Soccer, helping create environments where girls can grow into leaders on and off the field.” - Jess Nash, Executive Director, Rush Wisconsin

Rush Soccer is built on opportunity, development, and community. When we invest in our coaches, we invest in our players. When girls feel supported, confident, and connected, they stay in sport and grow into strong, resilient young women.

Keeping girls in sport is not about doing more.

It is about doing better, together.

That is the Rush way.