Empowering the Next Generation of Female Athletes
In a historic move ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Dove has partnered with Sports Illustrated to release a groundbreaking edition titled Sports Re-Illustrated. This special issue shines a light on young female athletes, celebrating their achievements and fostering body confidence—a crucial component in keeping girls engaged in sports.
With nearly 50% of girls dropping out of sports due to body image concerns, the importance of initiatives like Sports Re-Illustrated cannot be overstated. By shifting the conversation from appearance to ability, this collaboration is a pivotal step in inspiring the next generation of female athletes to continue playing the sports they love.
The Harsh Reality: Body Image and Youth Sports
Sports can be a powerful vehicle for confidence, leadership, and personal growth. However, for many young girls, negative body talk and unrealistic beauty standards create an environment where self-doubt overshadows potential.
According to Dove’s research, nearly half of all young female athletes who quit sports cite negative body talk as a primary reason. Whether it’s being told they have the “wrong body type” for a sport or facing unrealistic comparisons, these harmful narratives significantly impact participation. Sports Re-Illustrated aims to combat this toxic culture by celebrating skill, dedication, and resilience over aesthetics.
A Historic Cover Moment: Honor Smoke, the Youngest SI Cover Athlete
At just 10 years old, Honor Smoke has made history as the youngest athlete to grace a Sports Illustrated cover. This milestone symbolizes a broader shift in representation—one that acknowledges the talent and passion of young girls in sports, rather than focusing on outdated stereotypes.
Honor is just one of ten young female athletes featured in the magazine, each with an inspiring story of perseverance and excellence in their respective sports. The lineup includes:
- Ja’Nor Elzie (12) – Basketball (Slidell, LA) 🏀
- Liana Chan (11) – Ice Hockey (New York, NY) 🏒
- Carmen Wilkey (12) – Track & Field (Severance, CO) 🏃♀️
- Pepper Persley (13) – Basketball (New York, NY) 🏀
- Lala Scholl (12) – Soccer (New Orleans, LA) ⚽
- Noelani Spicer (12) – Track & Field Para-Athlete (San Antonio, TX) 🏃♀️
- Julia Dinar (13) – Fencing (Brooklyn, NY) 🤺
- Calyx Watkins (14) – Basketball (Detroit, MI) 🏀
- Krin Brown (13) – Lacrosse (Philadelphia, PA) 🥍
Each of these athletes represents the future of women’s sports, proving that talent knows no age or body type.
The ‘Body Confident Collective’: Leading the Charge for Change
To further its 2025 Body Confident Sport initiatives, Dove has assembled a powerhouse team of female sports icons, forming the Body Confident Collective. This group includes:
- Billie Jean King – Tennis legend and equality champion 🎾
- Sabrina Ionescu – New York Liberty guard 🏀
- Venus Williams – Tennis icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist 🎾
- Kylie Kelce – Field hockey athlete and coach 🏑
- Tara Davis-Woodhall – Olympic long jump gold medalist 🏅
- Odessa Jenkins – Founder of the Women’s National Football Conference 🏈
- Emma Navarro – Rising American tennis star 🎾
These influential women serve as mentors, advocates, and role models, championing the message that confidence in sports starts with body confidence. Their voices amplify the importance of inclusive representation and help reshape the way young girls perceive their worth in athletics.
Why This Matters for Youth Sports
The impact of Sports Re-Illustrated extends far beyond a magazine cover. It’s a movement that challenges outdated norms and sets a new standard for how female athletes are perceived and supported. Here’s why this initiative is a game-changer for youth sports:
1. Encourages Participation & Longevity in Sports
By addressing body confidence issues head-on, more girls may feel empowered to stay in sports rather than dropping out due to self-doubt. Programs like Sports Re-Illustrated provide much-needed visibility and encouragement for young female athletes.
2. Shifts the Conversation from Appearance to Performance
When media coverage prioritizes skill, dedication, and hard work, it sends a powerful message: athletic ability matters more than physical appearance. This shift is essential in fostering a positive sports culture for young girls.
3. Inspires Future Generations
Seeing young athletes on a prestigious platform like Sports Illustrated reinforces the idea that all body types belong in sports. Representation plays a crucial role in shaping the aspirations of young girls, making them more likely to envision themselves as future athletes.
4. Supports Mental Health & Well-Being
A sports culture rooted in confidence and self-acceptance leads to better mental health outcomes for young athletes. By promoting body confidence, Sports Re-Illustrated helps young girls develop a healthier relationship with both sports and their self-image.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Female Athletes
Dove and Sports Illustrated have ignited an essential conversation that youth sports desperately needed. By recognizing young female athletes and shifting the focus from body image to capability, Sports Re-Illustrated is helping redefine the narrative around girls in sports.
This initiative is a reminder that athleticism comes in all shapes and sizes—and that every girl deserves to feel confident and celebrated in her sport. As we move forward, it’s crucial for coaches, parents, and sports organizations to continue championing this message and ensuring that girls in sports feel valued for their talent, not their appearance.
via: Happi / Sports Illustrated
