The Why Behind HER STRENGTH: Empowering Young Female Athletes

Girls are Leaving Sport

Every year, countless young girls step away from sports, often during a critical period in their development. Research shows that nearly 50-60% of girls drop out of sport throughout adolescence^1,2, with puberty being a significant challenge. The physical changes during this time, including shifts in body composition and the onset of menstruation, can often impact a female athlete’s ability to train and perform. While some girls navigate these changes smoothly, others face performance plateaus, compounded by pressures from school, social media, and peer approval. These factors often lead young female athletes to withdraw from sports entirely.

The impact of this dropout rate is profound. Sports participation boosts confidence, academic performance, and overall well-being. Yet, as girls navigate puberty, they often encounter a lack of understanding from coaches and parents about the unique challenges they face. Without tailored support, many girls lose motivation, experience injury or burnout, and eventually leave a sport they once loved.

Introducing HER STRENGTH

Her Strength was founded to address these issues and create a supportive environment where young female athletes can thrive. Dr Julia Casadio, a sports performance physiologist, applied researcher, and the visionary behind Her Strength, knows these challenges first-hand. Inspired by the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, in her hometown, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian in cross-country skiing. However, like many young female athletes, she faced difficulties during puberty, including a performance plateau and an eating disorder that eventually forced her to stop competing. This experience shaped her understanding of the unique challenges faced by young female athletes and has fuelled her passion for creating change.

Dr Julia Casadio's Vision for Change

While Julia’s main roles are supporting elite athletes as a physiologist and balancing life as a busy mom of two young children, she identified a significant gap in knowledge and support for aspiring young female athletes. She believes that real change in female sport must begin when girls are young, ensuring they are educated and empowered from the start of their sports journey. With over 15 years of experience in professional and Olympic sport, Julia has always been driven by a holistic approach to athlete support. This philosophy is central to Her Strength, which is why she has assembled a team of experts in sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, and athlete development to support the platform’s mission.

Empowering Coaches, Parents, and Athletes

Her Strength aims to combat the high dropout rate among girls in sports by educating, equipping, and empowering coaches, parents, and athletes on the physical and psychological aspects of puberty. The platform offers strategies for managing training loads, effective fuelling, identifying health concerns, and fostering a supportive sport environment. The ultimate goal is to enhance the sports experience for young female athletes, keeping them engaged during these pivotal years while helping them develop resilience, confidence, and a lifelong passion for sport.

In a world where many girls are leaving sports behind, Her Strength stands as a beacon of hope. Through education, support, and a holistic approach to athlete development, the platform is committed to helping young female athletes stay in the game and reach their full potential.

Join the Movement 

 The Her Strength Coach Course: Coaching Adolescent Female Athletes is now live! With limited spots available in this first intake, don’t miss your chance to join this transformative program. Check out the course here and secure your spot today.

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References: 

1. MSLGROUP Research. (2016). The Always Confidence & Puberty Wave IV Study. 

2. Maher, C., Olds, T., & Dollman, J. (2009). Adolescent sport in Australia: Who, when, where and what? ACHPER Australia Healthy Lifestyles Journal, 56:11, 11-16.