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.
How to Pick a Sport With Your Daughter
Choosing a sport with your daughter shouldn’t be stressful. This GRL Initiative guide helps families explore interests, match personality types, and find activities that build confidence and joy.
Cherishing Health: Lessons from Time with My Parents
After spending four meaningful days with my thriving parents, I reflect on the precious gift of health and the importance of never taking it for granted. Seeing others their age face health challenges puts everything in perspective and reinforces why gratitude for our well-being should be a daily practice.
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. 💕
How to Talk to Your Gen Z Daughter About Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide
You don’t have to have all the answers or say the perfect thing every time. What matters most is that your daughter knows she’s loved, supported, and never alone in facing life’s challenges.
By creating a safe space to talk about mental health, you’re not just helping her thrive as an athlete—you’re helping her thrive as a person.