In our ongoing collaboration with Dove BODY CONFIDENT SPORT—a groundbreaking Online Coaching Program developed in partnership with Nike—we recently conducted the second session of our three-part webinar series. This initiative aims to empower coaches and foster body confidence in girls globally, transcending conventional standards and focusing on what bodies can do, rather than what they look like.  

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In this insightful session, our esteemed panelists—Olympian Gymnast and Beam Queen CEO Sam Peszek, 2x Olympic Medalist Natasha Watley, USTA Head of Women’s Tennis Kathy Rinaldi, and Psychology Professor and Body Image Expert Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs—guided us through a conversation for coaches and leaders on helping athletes embrace their unique abilities and be attuned to their bodies' needs during sports. The overarching theme of the webinar was the power of shifting athletes' focus from external appearance to what their bodies can do. By emphasizing this shift, coaches can foster an environment where athletes accept and appreciate their diverse abilities.  Here are some key takeaways for coaches and caring adults from the “What Our Bodies Experience in Sport: Appreciating our Unique Bodies” webinar:

• A strong connection to body functionality goes beyond aesthetics; it directly influences an athlete's overall sports performance and enjoyment. By focusing on and appreciating what their bodies can do, athletes unlock a new dimension of potential. Whether it's mastering a skill, pushing physical limits, or experiencing the joy of movement, athletes who embrace body functionality find a deeper satisfaction in their sporting endeavors.
• Coaches can help athletes shift their mindset from appearance to functional capabilities by redefining success as the mastery of skills, the joy of movement, and the celebration of progress to individuals’ unique goals.  The societal pressure on girls to conform to appearance standards is undeniable. Our panelists shared insights on how athletes can shift their mindset from appearance and break free from the constraints of external judgments and discover a more fulfilling sports experience.
• Positive Body Confidence involves helping athletes develop a deeper understanding of their bodies' unique strengths and limitations. This knowledge contributes to better decision-making on the field or arena, fostering a sense of self-awareness that transcends the boundaries of sports and enriches the athletes' lives.
• Encouraging healthy competition and celebrating individual progress to help avoid body comparison. Body comparison is a common challenge, especially among female athletes. Our panelists addressed the delicate balance between competition and self-celebration. They provided insights into how coaches and parents can encourage healthy competition by emphasizing individual progress and unique capabilities. By fostering an environment where athletes celebrate their own achievements without constant comparison, a positive sporting culture emerges.
• Appreciation of body functionality is a cornerstone for building athlete resilience and mental toughness. In the face of challenges and setbacks—inevitable in both sports and life—athletes who appreciate what their bodies can do are better equipped to navigate adversity. This positive mindset becomes a source of strength, enabling them to bounce back, learn from experiences, and approach future challenges with greater resilience.

Coaches play a pivotal role in instilling a sense of acceptance and appreciation in athletes. The webinar emphasized the importance of cultivating an environment that encourages athletes to value their bodies for their functionality and unique capabilities, rather than how they look. By acknowledging and praising what athletes' bodies can do and how it makes them feel, coaches can contribute to building positive body image and confidence in female athletes.