PHX Reporter

Confidence and character developed through sports participation are essential tools for girls and women to become strong leaders, according to Dr. Amy Overlin, a primary care sports medicine physician at Banner Sports Medicine in Scottsdale. Dr. Overlin emphasizes the positive impact of sports on young females, highlighting emotional, mental, and physical benefits.

"There's the whole emotional and mental aspect of participation: better self-esteem, lower levels of depression, and less use of social media because they have another natural social outlet," said Dr. Overlin. "Of course, there's the physical benefits – if you're exercising in high school, you're eight times more likely to still be physically active at the age of 24."

Dr. Overlin also notes that sports can positively influence academic performance and future careers for female athletes. "(Female athletes) have higher grades, they're more likely to graduate, they're more likely to attend college," she stated. "Ultimately, 94% of women that have C-suite jobs were athletes."

The trend extends into professional fields like sports medicine. Dr. Overlin herself was a Division I gymnast before pursuing a career in medicine and has observed an increase in female interest in this field over time.

"Almost 20 years ago now... about 10% of nonoperative sports medicine physicians were females," said Dr. Overlin. "Now, about 30%... And when these young girls come in... that's how you start to grow that whole network."

However, challenges remain as fewer girls continue playing sports through high school compared to boys.

"At the high school level... [girls] have about a 25% lower participation rate when compared to boys," explained Dr. Overlin.

To encourage continued participation among young girls, visibility of women's professional sports is crucial.

"Whether it's Athletes Unlimited for volleyball or the WNBA... these girls are growing up in a day and age where they can see that on TV," said Dr. Overlin.

Dr. Overlin advises introducing girls to various sports early on and supporting their interests regardless of skill level.

"Introduce your girls to sports early," she advised. "You don’t have to perform at collegiate or professional level to get those benefits – so if you love the sport, keep doing it."

She concludes by emphasizing the lessons learned from sports which contribute directly to success: consistency, hard work, and setting tangible goals.

"It's very exciting to be a female physician and be able to bring light to the issue of sports and the benefits of it in the female population," remarked Dr. Overlin during National Girls and Women in Sports Week observed every February's first week.