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.
When Private Equity Buys the Ice: What It Means for Rinks, Families, and Girls Staying in the Game
As private equity firms increasingly purchase ice rinks across the country, families and youth sports leaders are beginning to ask hard questions about cost, access, and community control. While ice rinks are undeniably expensive to operate and maintain, private equity ownership often introduces new layers of fees, restricted filming and streaming rules, bundled services, and profit-driven scheduling priorities that reshape how rinks function. These changes can limit community access, increase financial pressure on families, and accelerate the already rising cost of youth hockey and skating. For girls—who face higher dropout rates in sport—these barriers can be especially impactful. This post explores why private equity is targeting ice rinks, the patterns emerging from recent acquisitions, and the long-term risks to affordability, equity, and participation. Because when rinks shift from community assets to profit centers, the consequences extend far beyond the ice.
Why Does My Period Make Me So Bloated?! (& How to Fix It)
Let’s Talk About Periods: No More Stigma, No More Shame
I grew up in a time where talking about periods was just embarrassing, but this week we are taking a deep dive into all things period related!
Embracing the Championship Journey: Navigating Emotions, Pressure, and Resilience in Student-Athletes
Balancing the Hustle: How to Push Yourself Without Burning Out
Girls today are under more pressure than ever—to be the best, to never fail, to always be on. But where’s the line between pushing yourself to grow and pushing yourself to exhaustion?
By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, not because they don’t love it, but because the pressure becomes too much. It’s time to change the game.
In this blog, we dive into why girls put so much pressure on themselves, why they quit sports, and how to find a healthier balance between ambition and rest. Because success isn’t just about winning today—it’s about showing up for yourself tomorrow.
How to Stand Up for Yourself: Advocating for Your Needs
Buzz word: Mental Health, what is it?
Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. 💛 Some quick tips: rest isn’t lazy, set boundaries that protect your energy, practice gratitude, move your body, and surround yourself with uplifting people. It’s okay to not be okay. Take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out for help—you’re never alone. 🫶 Let’s normalize prioritizing mental health, one step at a time. #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #GenZ"