GirlSpeak: Adolescent Females Talk about their Athletic Identities

Abstract

With these words, eight adolescent females speak to both positive and negative aspects of playing sport, learning physical skills, and demonstrating athletic competence. For some, perceived lack of physical ability can influence their decision to drop out of organized school sport; for others, the belief in their physical competence contributes to their identification as an athlete and the decision to stay involved in scholastic athletics.

Chuntal (age 13): “I’m good at playing basketball, that’s why I play this sport.”

Anna (age 14): “I would never quit a sport if it was too hard or too easy.”

Grace (age 14): “(I joined this team) to show my talent.”

Jennytte (age 15): “You are more disciplined and have strong feelings of accomplishment.”

Jasmine (age 13): “I like to work hard so I can play in the WNBA and (I) can fulfill my dream.”

Lisa (14): “The boys get mad if you mess up. I think I don’t have the faith that I’ll do good.”

Alejandra (13): “People make fun of you if you don’t play right or don’t Know how to.”

Erika (14): “I fear I won’t be skilled enough.”