SheSports: Empowering Young Girls Through Athletic Connections
In a groundbreaking move towards fostering confidence and community among girls aged 8 to 18, SheSports has launched an innovative platform that connects them with female collegiate athletes. This initiative, co-founded by the accomplished Nebraska volleyball player Lexi Rodriguez, aims to provide a safe haven for young girls to gain insights and support throughout their developmental years. The free and moderated app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
SheSports was developed with the intention of creating a supportive space that revolves around real questions and genuine conversations, as opposed to the often superficial nature of social media. Rodriguez relies on her personal experiences of growing up with dedicated female role models, which shaped her own confidence and desire to instill that in others. According to her, “A lot of my confidence came from watching my older sister and learning from her. Now, I want to give back.”
This platform is thoughtfully designed to address various aspects of young girls' lives, allowing users to engage in dialogues about confidence, performance pressure, training, academic challenges, and personal growth. In turn, collegiate athletes provide sincere responses through video snippets and written posts, giving users access to authentic experiences from those they aspire to emulate.
Additionally, the app features a complements section that encourages positivity among users, alongside expert guidance from mental health and sports-psychology professionals affiliated with Embark Counseling and Focus Therapy Sports Performance Coaching. This initiative directly responds to the rising mental health concerns among teenagers, which have been highlighted in studies by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showing that 53% of high school students report facing mental health impacts.
Melanie Krings, a co-founder and mother of four, emphasized the need for a non-social-media environment where girls can feel supported and seen, free from judgment and unnecessary comparisons. The app aims to counteract the pressures commonly faced by young females in today’s digital age.
High school athletes have already reported significant benefits from the SheSports platform. For instance, Addilynn Cooper, a senior soccer player at Elkhorn North High School, stated, “On SheSports, you realize you’re not alone. Hearing answers from college athletes makes me feel supported and has helped build my confidence.” This essence of togetherness is the core mission of SheSports.
Initially, SheSports will feature athletes from multiple sports, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, swimming, and bowling, representing universities such as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Creighton University. The roster of participating athletes boasts prominent figures like Rodriguez herself, along with Maisie Boesiger, Gena Jorgenson, Britt Prince, among others. Looking ahead, additional sports such as softball, golf, track, tennis, and gymnastics will be incorporated into the platform by 2026.
By creating a community that prioritizes mental wellness and growth for young athletes, SheSports not only empowers girls to chase their dreams but also opens up opportunities for female athletes regarding Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) prospects, ensuring that the support extends beyond emotional encouragement.
In conclusion, with SheSports, young girls now have a distinct platform where they can interact with established athletes, share their struggles, seek advice, and feel an undeniable sense of belonging. This initiative represents a significant stride toward reshaping the way young females engage with sports and confidence building, creating pathways for future leaders in athletics.
For more information, to download the app, or to follow their journey, visit
www.shesports.com or connect on social media @she.sports.inc.
Together, let’s champion the young female athletes of tomorrow!