April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — a time to educate, advocate, and amplify the voices of survivors. But for girls and women in sport, these conversations take on an even deeper meaning. Because being a female athlete doesn’t shield us from harm — and it doesn’t mean we’re always safe in the spaces that are supposed to empower us.
It means we’ve learned how to be strong, but also how to be on guard. It means we’ve worked hard for a spot on the roster, and sometimes harder to feel respected in it. It means we’ve pushed through pain, but too many of us have also pushed through silence.
The Reality for Women in Sport
Sexual harassment and assault in sport is not rare. It spans all levels — from grassroots to elite — and it doesn’t always look how people expect. It’s inappropriate comments in locker rooms. It’s invasive “coaching.” It’s pressure, manipulation, and abuse of power.
And it’s the fear of speaking up — of losing opportunities, being labeled as “difficult,” or being disbelieved entirely.
Even off the track and field, our bodies are policed, judged, and objectified — as if our value depends on how we perform and how we look doing it.
But Being a Girl in Sport is Also Powerful
Despite all this, sport teaches us how to rise. It gives us a community. It gives us discipline. It gives us identity. And when women in sport use their voices — whether it’s to speak out, lift each other up, or create change — that power multiplies.
We’ve seen brave athletes break their silence. We’ve seen organizations held accountable. We’ve seen policies shift. And at TrackGirlz, we’re committed to continuing that work — through empowerment, education, and real access to safe and supportive spaces.
Because empowerment isn’t just speed, strength, or medals. It’s having the freedom to feel safe, the space to speak up, and the support to heal.
How You Can Take Action — This Month and Beyond:
- Believe survivors. Whether it’s a teammate, a peer, or someone online — your belief matters.
- Educate yourself. Learn about consent, boundaries, and trauma-informed responses.
- Challenge locker room culture. Don’t let inappropriate comments slide. Call it out or call it in.
- Demand accountability. Coaches, schools, and organizations should have clear safeguarding and reporting systems.
- Know your rights. You have the right to compete, train, and exist in sport without harassment or fear.
Resources and Support:
If you or someone you know needs support, here are some organizations doing vital work:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org
24/7 confidential support and resources (U.S.) - SafeSport: www.uscenterforsafesport.org
For athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement - Athlete Ally: www.athleteally.org
Advocacy group focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and athlete rights - Women’s Sport Foundation: www.womenssportsfoundation.org
Empowering women through research, advocacy, and community
We say it often, but we’ll say it again:
You are more than an athlete. You are more than your pain. You are more than what happened to you.
And you deserve to run free — not just on the track, but in every space you step into. Let’s continue building a culture where girls feel safe, supported, and seen. Because that’s the kind of legacy we want to leave behind.
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