I’ve always been fascinated by the strength and resilience displayed by women who grew up playing sports.
There’s just something undeniably special about them. They carry a certain energy, a drive, a zest for life that’s simply inspiring.
But what makes these women stand apart?
Well, over the years, I’ve noticed some common traits they seem to share. Traits that are often directly linked to their sports background.
It’s not about stereotypes or generalizations, but rather the positive attributes ingrained in them through years of practice, discipline, and teamwork.
So, if you’re curious about the impact of sports on women’s character development, hang tight. I’m going to share with you seven traits often exhibited by women who have spent their formative years on the playing field.
So let’s dive in, shall we?
1) Resilience
There’s no denying it.
Sport is tough. It pushes your limits and tests your endurance like nothing else. And for women who have grown up playing sports, this challenge is something they’ve faced head-on from a young age.
They’ve dealt with grueling practices, intense competitions, and inevitable losses. They’ve learned to pick themselves up after a fall, dust themselves off, and get right back in the game.
This kind of resilience isn’t built overnight – it’s honed over years of sweat and determination.
And the best part?
This resilience isn’t limited to just the sports field. It carries over into their adult lives too.
Be it a challenging project at work or an unexpected life setback, these women are often the ones who bounce back stronger, undeterred by obstacles.
Because they’ve learned that failure isn’t the end – it’s just a stepping stone on the path to success.
2) Teamwork
Oh, the beauty of teamwork.
I vividly remember my high school basketball days. The adrenaline rush, the camaraderie, the thrill of victory – and yes, even the sting of defeat. But what stood out most to me was the importance of teamwork.
In basketball, you can’t win alone. You need to pass the ball, set screens, and trust your teammates. It’s a dance where each player has a crucial role to play.
And this lesson has stuck with me.
Fast forward to today, in my adult life, I apply this same principle.
Whether it’s at work collaborating with colleagues on a project or planning a family event – I understand the value of each individual’s contribution and the power of working together towards a common goal.
It’s no surprise then that many women who grew up playing sports often excel at teamwork in their adult lives.
They know that it’s not just about individual skills or achievements, but about how well you can collaborate and bring out the best in others.
3) Confidence
I’ve found that confidence isn’t about always being the best or never making mistakes. It’s about knowing your worth and not being afraid to take up space.
Let me tell you something.
Playing sports as a girl, I wasn’t the star athlete. I didn’t score the most goals or run the fastest. But you know what? It didn’t matter.
What mattered was that every time I stepped onto that field, I felt a sense of belonging. I felt valued for my effort, my dedication, and my spirit. And that gave me confidence.
Sports taught me to believe in myself, to trust my abilities, and to embrace my strengths – and even my weaknesses.
Now as an adult, this confidence shines through. It’s in the way I carry myself, in the decisions I make, and in how I navigate the world around me.
And it’s not just me. Many women who have grown up playing sports often exude this same confidence.
They stand tall, unashamed of their power, and unafraid to make their mark. They understand their worth, and they’re not afraid to show it.
4) Discipline
Discipline is a word that often gets a bad rap. It’s associated with strict rules, rigidity, and a lack of spontaneity. But I see it differently.
Having grown up playing sports, discipline for me is about commitment, consistency, and a dedication to self-improvement.
Take training for instance.
It requires waking up early, pushing through tough workouts, and maintaining a healthy diet. It’s not always fun, and it’s certainly not easy. But it’s necessary to improve and excel in the sport.
This discipline isn’t just about sports performance. It seeps into other areas of life too.
And this is a common thread among women who grew up playing sports.
They understand the value of discipline and are often better equipped to manage their time, set goals, and follow through on commitments.
They know that success isn’t just about talent or luck – it’s about showing up consistently and giving it your all.
5) Leadership
Leadership is an art. It’s about guiding, inspiring, and influencing others. And guess what? Playing sports is a fantastic way to develop these skills.
A study by EY Women Athletes Business Network and ESPNW found that 94% of women in executive positions had played sports. That’s a staggering number!
But why is this the case?
Well, sports often require players to take on leadership roles, whether it’s the captain of a team making strategic decisions or a player leading by example with their work ethic and attitude.
Growing up playing sports, you learn to communicate effectively, make quick decisions, and motivate your teammates – all essential skills for effective leadership.
In adulthood, these skills prove invaluable. Whether it’s leading a team at work, spearheading a project, or even guiding a family – strong leadership skills make a difference.
No wonder that many women who grew up playing sports often emerge as leaders in various spheres of life. They’ve been honing these skills since their early days on the playing field!
6) Empathy
Empathy, I believe, is one of the most beautiful traits a person can possess.
Growing up playing sports, I found myself in a unique environment where understanding and supporting my teammates was just as important as mastering the game itself.
I’ve seen teammates struggle with pressure, deal with injuries, and grapple with defeat. I’ve shared their highs and lows, their triumphs and tears.
This shared experience taught me to understand and empathize with their feelings – to feel their joy, their pain, their determination.
And this empathy didn’t end when the game did.
This ability to empathize has enriched my relationships greatly. It allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, to truly understand their perspectives and feelings.
Women who spent their formative years playing sports often display this same empathy in their adult lives.
They’re often the ones who lend a listening ear, provide support, and understand others’ emotions – because they’ve learned early on that everyone is fighting their own battles, whether on the field or off it.
7) Adaptability
If there’s one thing sports teaches you, it’s adaptability.
In the world of sports, things seldom go as planned. You have to deal with unexpected weather changes, injuries, tough opponents, and countless other variables. The key is to adapt quickly and effectively.
In adulthood, we face various challenges and uncertainties. Our ability to adapt determines how well we navigate these changes.
Many women who grew up playing sports often exhibit this adaptability in their adult lives.
They are capable of adjusting to new situations and embracing change – because they’ve learned that it’s not the strongest or the fastest who win, but those who can adapt.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
