This is how you score leadership wins without the sweat.

At-a-Glance

• Sports develop key leadership skills—but aren’t the only path to success
• What hiring managers should really be looking for in young talent
• How structured leadership programs build the same resilience, strategy, and confidence

If you’re scanning a résumé and see competitive sports experience, it’s a good sign. Resilience, teamwork, and discipline—these are the hallmarks of leadership, and sports have long been a proving ground for them.

A Deloitte study found that 69% of women in leadership roles earning over $100K played competitive sports. But what about the millions of young people who never had that opportunity? With students in high-poverty schools 34% less likely to play sports, many future leaders develop these same skills elsewhere—yet often go overlooked.

Instead of asking whether they played sports, the better question is: What other experiences build leadership potential, and how can we recognize them in young talent?

Beyond Sports: How Leadership Skills Are Built

The traits that make great athletes—confidence, adaptability, problem-solving, strategic thinking—aren’t exclusive to sports. They’re also built through leadership programs, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences that challenge young people to step up, collaborate, and make decisions under pressure.

Donna de Varona knows this firsthand. As an Olympic gold medalist turned global advocate, she’s fought for greater opportunities for women—both in sports and beyond. “I won’t rest until women have the same opportunities to achieve their full potential—whether on the field, in the pool, or in the corner office,” says de Varona, who will speak at the 5th Annual GWI Trailblazer Gala about breaking barriers and building leadership skills early.

What Employers Should Be Asking

For hiring managers, sports can signal leadership potential—but it’s not the only measure. Instead of relying on athletic experience alone, consider:

?? Has this candidate completed a program that required leadership, decision-making, and teamwork?

?? Can they point to a time when they worked under pressure, adjusted strategy, or solved a real-world problem?

?? Do they have the confidence to take ownership and contribute from day one?

These are the skills that translate to long-term success—whether built on the field, in a leadership training program, or through hands-on business experiences.

Expanding the Leadership Pipeline

Even in the $52 billion U.S. sports industry, women hold just 26% of executive roles, proving that leadership potential isn’t just about participation—it’s about access to opportunities.

As hiring managers and executives, it’s time to expand the playbook.

When we invest in young women—through sports, business training, or leadership education—we shape the future of leadership.

You can help us make an impact. By supporting Girls With Impact, you’re investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape our workplaces and communities.

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Honor a trailblazer or an emerging leader in your life. Your support acts as a catalyst for the growth of GWI's Programs, enabling us to amplify college and career success for young women, provide training for new instructors, and set our sights on impacting 50,000 lives in the next 5 years—this contribution is instrumental in making this transformative vision a reality.

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