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Topic: Advocacy - September 17 2025
The Role of Role Models

Young girls’ participation in sport correlates with higher self-esteem, more leadership skills, greater career ambitions, and improved academic performance. So how do we get more girls involved in sports? VIS Expert Ashley Zapata, PsyD, explains how crucial role models are in inspiring the next generation of women athletes.

By Kate Hindman

VIS Creator

& Hannah Ballowe

VIS Creator

& Ashley Zapata, PSYD

VIS Expert

Topic: Advocacy

September 17 2025

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There’s more benefit to youth soccer than we might think.  Playing sports at a young age can help girls develop important understandings of team work, physical activity, and hard work.  That means increasing the number of young girls in sport is crucial. So how do we make sure that happens?  VIS Expert Ashley Zapata, PsyD, explains that positive role models are a key reason why young girls want to join sports.  How Positive Role Models Influence Participation...
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