Abuse in women’s sports isn’t rare — it’s systemic. In this episode of UpLift Women’s Wellness, Bethany and Auria talk openly about the realities female athletes face from childhood through elite competition, where power imbalances, silence, and cultural bias create conditions that allow harm to continue unchecked.

We examine the data behind interpersonal violence in sport, the pressure placed on young athletes to perform at any cost, and the way coaching culture often prioritizes winning over well‑being. From high‑profile cases like Mary Kane and the survivors of Larry Nassar to the everyday experiences of girls in youth sports, this conversation highlights how deeply these patterns run — and how often athletes are dismissed, minimized, or blamed when they speak up.

Bethany and Auria also explore the physical and emotional toll this environment takes on athletes: overtraining, disordered eating, chronic stress, and the long‑term impact of being pushed beyond capacity. They discuss why accountability in coaching matters, how athlete culture can shift toward healthier practices, and what it means to advocate for girls and women in sport with clarity and compassion.

If you’re an athlete navigating the physical fallout of harmful coaching, our evidence‑based, inclusive strength coaching at Head 2 Toe Strength supports real bodies in real life — without pressure, punishment, or aesthetic expectations. For women processing the relational and emotional impact of these experiences, Auria’s work at Therapy with Auria offers space to understand those patterns without judgment. And if you’re rebuilding confidence, boundaries, or self‑trust after harmful environments, our values‑aligned performance coaching provides grounded support at Performance Coaching.

This episode is a call for better coaching, safer environments, and a culture that believes girls and women when they speak.

Athletes deserve care that protects their bodies, respects their humanity, and honors their potential.

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