New Report Finds Women Who Played Sports as Girls Are More Likely to Become Workplace Leaders

**Female Athletes Paving the Way to Leadership: Findings from e.l.f. Beauty’s New Study**

A recent study conducted by e.l.f. Beauty and Parity has revealed a compelling link between participation in sports during youth and enhanced professional success later in life. The findings, which were announced at the Power of Women’s Sports Summit in New York City on August 31, 2026, suggest that the skills and lessons learned on the sports field can significantly influence women’s career trajectories, extending even to the highest echelons of corporate leadership.

The event, which showcased influential voices from the realms of sports, business, and entertainment, highlighted the importance of fostering female representation and leadership. Among the key speakers were trailblazing figures such as Billie Jean King, Katherine Legge, and Jaedyn Shaw. The summit served as a platform for discussing the transformative impact of women’s sports on the future pipeline of female leaders.

The report, titled “Girls Who Play Change the Game,” surveyed over 9,500 individuals in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and the UK. The findings revealed a striking connection between sporting involvement and professional advancement, particularly for women known as “Everyday Athletes.” This group comprises women who participated in sports for a minimum of three years during their secondary education. The results indicated that these women were nearly 50% more likely to occupy leadership roles in the workplace compared to their non-athletic peers.

In addition to leadership roles, the study highlighted that Everyday Athletes were 37% more inclined to aspire to senior management positions and 25% more likely to negotiate their salaries effectively. Notably, nearly 90% of Everyday Athletes who received promotions credited their sporting experiences with providing them valuable skills that aided their advancement.

Feedback from corporate board members further corroborated the findings, with 85% acknowledging the significance of skills cultivated through sporting activities as vital for potential board members. Among seasoned professionals, approximately 69% stated that the lessons learned in sports have become increasingly pertinent in today’s work environment. In contrast, 80% of women leaders who participated in sports during their youth described those experiences as integral to their formative years.

Jaedyn Shaw, a player for the U.S. national team and Gotham FC, shared her personal insights during a panel at the summit. Reflecting on her sporting journey, Shaw articulated that the challenges inherent in sports—setbacks, wins, and losses—have equipped her with crucial life skills. One of the most profound lessons she noted was the importance of perseverance, emphasising the value of consistent effort, even when immediate rewards are not visible.

Shaw, despite being early in her career, expressed confidence that the lessons she applied from sports would serve her well in her future endeavours beyond athletics. This sentiment echoed the central theme of the research, underscoring that the skills gained through sports can prepare girls for various challenges that await them in their professional lives.

Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f., also addressed attendees at the summit, linking the study’s outcomes to the company’s commitment to promoting female representation in leadership through initiatives like Change the Board Game, which targets boardroom equity. O’Keefe articulated e.l.f.’s mission to disrupt traditional norms and create positive cultural shifts, highlighting the imperative to keep young girls engaged in sports as a means to foster future leaders.

It is well-documented that young girls are significantly more likely to drop out of sports than their male counterparts. O’Keefe stressed the necessity of altering this trend, citing that while 95% of young girls participating in sports garner skills such as leadership and communication, nearly 40% of those who stay engaged end up becoming strong leaders.

Encouragingly, trends indicate an upward shift in sports participation among younger women. Research shows that 70% of Gen Z female athletes who began playing sports continued through secondary education, a notable increase from the 62% retention rate observed among Baby Boomers.

Despite this positive incline, there remains a disparity in participation rates, with girls still less likely to engage in sports compared to boys in the countries surveyed. Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, clarified that the goal of the research isn’t solely to produce elite female athletes. Instead, she emphasised that the benefits stem directly from participation in sports, irrespective of achieving professional status.

Ultimately, the report suggests that the rush to cultivate elite athletes may overlook a crucial aspect: meaningful experiences derived from simply participating in sports. The invaluable lessons of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth can greatly contribute to shaping confident, capable women who are ready to enter the workforce and pursue leadership roles, regardless of whether they ever don a competitive jersey again.