GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth
Your go-to space for leadership, confidence, identity, team culture, and the everyday challenges young women and student-athletes navigate.
Not sure where to start? Here's how it works.
GRL Pep Talks are honest, research-backed pieces written by Dr. Lauren Young — educator, athletic leader, and founder of The GRL Initiative. Each one is designed to meet you where you are, whether that's figuring out who you are, leading under pressure, parenting a kid who's hard to figure out, or just trying to stop shrinking in rooms that weren't built for you.
Inside each Pep Talk you'll find personal essays, journal prompts and worksheets, deep dives into equity and belonging, and quizzes to help you reflect on who you're becoming.
Find your entry point: Browse the four collections below and pick the one that matches your season. Or scroll the full feed and let a title stop you — they're written to be honest about what's inside. Once you're in a post, click any category tag to find more pieces on that topic.
Choose Your Pep Talk Collection:
Find the words you need for the season you’re in.
Identity & Belonging
For the moments you’re figuring out who you are, where you fit, and how to grow into yourself — without shrinking to belong.
Mental Health & Burnout
For when life feels heavy, loud, overwhelming, or exhausting — and you need permission to be human, not perfect.
Girls in Sports & Equity
For athletes, advocates, and leaders working to build better systems, stronger pathways, and real access for girls.
Motherhood & Real-Life Leadership
For the women leading teams, families, careers, and chaos — learning that leadership is lived, not just performed.
Finding Belonging in a Third Space
Not home. Not school. But that third space.
Where do you go to feel seen, valued, and appreciated? For Vermont’s student-athletes, having a coach or advisor who cares about them as people (not just athletes) can change everything. A third space is where you can truly be yourself, and if it doesn’t exist yet… here’s your sign to create it.
Start the club. Build the team. Find your people. Your vibe will attract your tribe.
✨ Need inspo? We’re talking all about third spaces and how to create your own over on the blog (link in bio). Let’s build communities where we all belong.
Parent Post: Who is GenZ?
A quick video and blog about Who Gen Z is so that parents are able to understand their student-athlete more and how to support them.
Avoiding the Parent Trap: When Your Identity Becomes Tied to Their Success
As a parent, it’s natural to feel proud of your student-athlete’s accomplishments. But what happens when her wins (or losses) start to feel like a reflection of your worth? This heartfelt blog explores the "Parent Trap"—when your identity becomes tied to your child’s success—and offers actionable tips to refocus on what truly matters: her growth, happiness, and love for the game.
➡️ Read more to learn how to support your daughter while letting her lead her own journey. 💕