Keeping Teen Girls in the Game – Why It Matters More Than Ever

Let’s talk about something that’s been flying under the radar for far too long—why teen girls are leaving sports in droves, and how we, as parents and coaches, can help flip the script.

Did you know that by age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys? By 17, over half have quit entirely—and most never return. That’s a massive loss, not just for athletics, but for their health, confidence, and overall well-being.

So, what’s going on?

The Big Drop-Off

A lot happens during puberty. Girls are navigating changing bodies, shifting identities, new responsibilities, and, let’s be honest—a pretty judgmental world. They start feeling like they need to be good at sport to keep doing it, and playing “just for fun” seems less acceptable. Competition heats up, friendships shift, and confidence takes a hit.

And then there's body image.

It’s no secret that teen girls are under huge pressure to look a certain way, especially in our social-media-fueled world. The focus on aesthetics, especially in weight-class or appearance-based sports, leads many girls to believe their bodies aren’t “right” for their sport. And unfortunately, coaches and even well-meaning adults can sometimes send the wrong message about weight and performance.

What Can We Do?

It starts with a mindset shift.

Let’s move the focus from “looking fit” to “feeling strong.” Let’s talk about training that supports their changing bodies and growing confidence, as well as instilling lifelong wellness habits that look outside of the “summer body” narrative. Let’s educate—not just on the sport, but on how to fuel, rest, and move in ways that make them feel empowered.

The Superpower We’re Ignoring

Here’s a game-changer: menstrual cycle tracking.

Most girls are never taught how their cycle affects energy, performance, and mood. But understanding this can be a superpower. When we help girls recognize the natural rhythms of their cycle, we give them a tool to train smarter—not harder.

Bottom Line?

Teen girls aren’t choosing to leave sports. They’re being pushed out—by outdated training models, harmful stereotypes, and a lack of support. We can change that. We just have to show up differently.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into how to train girls differently, how to support them through puberty, and the practical tools you can use to keep them moving, motivated, and thriving.

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Let’s keep our girls moving, nourished, and playing—guided by the Athletic Wellness Wheel to support their whole-athlete journey.

👉 Download the free Cultivating Athletic Wellness workbook to start today!