At Good Sports, we believe every child deserves the chance to play sports. But for too many girls, access to that chance fades over time. Statistics show that only one in three girls plays sports, and of those who do, they are twice as likely as boys to quit by age 14. They step away not for lack of passion, but because barriers pile up against them.

Those barriers increase with every “no” they encounter. No access to the right sports gear. No role models in which they can see themselves reflected. Insufficient number of roster spots for them — one million fewer opportunities for high school girls to play, in fact.

Sixty-eight percent of the organizations that we serve report that girls lack access to even a basic sports bra. Ninety percent say they could enroll more girls if they had girl-specific gear. Add to that the fact that only 27% of youth coaches are women, and it’s no wonder so many girls leave. Each “no” is a door closed, a diminished opportunity for passionate players who now face dimming confidence and limited futures.

That’s why we’re proud to launch our She Who Plays partnership with Fox Rothschild. Through its Women’s Initiative Network and youth-focused charitable program, Generation Fox, the firm helped Good Sports provide $27,000 worth of new sports equipment to 200 girls across the country. For many of these girls, it was their first time suiting up in the right gear to play. Our partnership ensures girls can take the field with confidence, comfort, and no cost to their families.

And coaches are already seeing the positive impact of the partnership.

“One of our players had been shy all season, often hanging back during drills. When she received her new gear (new shirts, socks, and shorts), she changed right away and proudly joined her team for warm-ups. That practice, she was the first to volunteer for a drill and scored her first try during scrimmage,” said the coach of a youth sports program that received a new donation of equipment from the She Who Plays partnership with the Women’s Initiative Network and Generation Fox.

“She’s never smiled so big. Her mom shared that having the right gear made her daughter feel like she truly belonged, and for the first time, she talked about wanting to keep playing next season. That single donation gave her the confidence to see herself as an athlete, not just a participant,” she added.

The impact of these opportunities reaches far beyond childhood. Sports teach teamwork, resilience, leadership, and discipline. Eighty-five percent of women who played sports say those experiences directly contributed to their professional success. Girls who play sports grow into women who lead. We’re proud to highlight the many inspiring women at Fox Rothschild who are living examples of the power of youth sports, because this partnership underscores a simple truth: investing in girls’ access to sports is investing in their futures. With Fox Rothschild and its Women’s Initiative Network, we’re not only leveling the playing field today we’re building the next generation of leaders. 

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Erika Page, Partner 
High School and Recreational Athlete
Track and Cross Country

“I ran the 2011 Boston Marathon in support of the Campus School, a school for disabled students located on Boston College’s campus. Not only did I raise nearly $1,000 dollars to benefit the school, but running a marathon, and running and endurance sports in general, have taught me patience and perseverance. Running a marathon also taught me that anything can be possible with hard work and dedication.”

Kathryn Dehn, Partner 
High School and College Athlete
Golf

“Playing a collegiate sport helped shape my character, built discipline, and allowed me to perform under pressure regularly. In addition to gaining practical skills that have transferred to my work as an attorney, playing golf has also extended my professional network and added to a well-rounded resume. When I’m not working, I enjoy playing golf with my family and friends, so I feel lucky to play a sport that continues to give, both professionally and personally.”

Chelsy Jantsch, Counsel 
High School and Recreational Athlete
Basketball, Cross Country

“High school sports taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to work with difficult people. I played basketball, ran cross country, and competed in the 100M dash, long jump and triple jump in track. It taught me how to overcome adversity and gave me the grit to find myself again later in life.”

Elizabeth Patton, Partner  
High School and Recreational Athlete
Cross Country, Track, Sailing, Golf and Tennis

“Being an athlete (and frankly also being in band, debate, and other activities) in high school taught me how to be team oriented and competitive, which I bring to my litigation practice every day. Being a sailor and a golfer, which are very much mental sports and certainly more individualized than team sports, has taught me several lessons and skills — including determination, discipline, perseverance, humility and staying positive.”

Sonja Trom Eayrs, Partner  
High School Athlete
Basketball

“I played basketball in high school for my hometown team, the Blooming Prairie Blossoms.  Well, let’s just say I was on the team. I am tall, but not very coordinated. I spent a lot of time on the bench and learned the difference between offense and defense — an invaluable skill as a litigator. I frequently ask my clients if they played a sport, as I want the client to understand the difference between offensive and defensive strategies.”

Jessica Tsuda, Partner  
High School and College Athlete
Swimming

“Swimming competitively taught me about hard work, perseverance, dealing with victories and disappointments, and working toward and setting goals. Swimming provided me with a community and many life-long friends. I no longer swim, but I continue to value fitness in my life, and our family values participation in sports for our children.”

Heidi Nichols, Partner  
High School and College Athlete
Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field and Softball

“A team is a collection of people with different life experiences and backgrounds coming together to form an amazing community. We share some of the hardest and some of the most rewarding experiences with them. To this day those memories bring a smile to my face and, sometimes, a tear to my eye.”

Lauren Wright, Associate 
High School and College Athlete
Rowing

“Being a rower has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. It provided me with invaluable skills, tenacity, and work ethic, as well as friendships and connections which will last a lifetime

Elizabeth Googe Brunette, Partner 
High School and College Athlete
Tennis

“Playing college tennis for four years in the Ivy League was an intense commitment, but also one that taught me the true meaning of teamwork, persistence, sacrifice and how to exhibit grace in victory and defeat. Unsurprisingly, these are also important qualities of a litigator. We were often told that we were competing for something “greater than ourselves.” We do the same as attorneys. It was an honor to play for the Big Red, and it’s likewise an honor to represent Fox clients today.”

Jamie-Lee Davidson, Associate  
High School, College and Recreational Athlete
Tennis

“Competing at the collegiate level taught me how to perform under pressure, as well as how to learn from each loss. This mindset has shaped my career as a litigation attorney. I met my husband through college tennis and many of my best friends are tennis players.”

Anne Huebschen, Associate
High School and College and Recreational Athlete
Rugby and Soccer

“Playing sports allowed me to form lifelong friendships with teammates and taught me the importance of teamwork, hard work and perseverance.”

Kiana Rugar, Associate  
High School, College and Recreational Athlete
Soccer

“From childhood through Division I athletics and now in recreational leagues, soccer has been a constant in my life, providing a strong sense of community. Between teaching me discrete lessons — like the value of discipline and perseverance — and instilling a competitive edge that drives both my personal and professional life, the sport has shaped me into the person I am today.”

Marsha Piccone, Partner  
High School and Recreational Athlete
Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Swimming

“Sports taught me the importance of hard work, discipline and teamwork.”

Traci Clements, Partner 
High School and Recreational Athlete
Cheer, Track, Basketball and Volleyball

“Playing sports growing up and in high school taught me the value of the team effort. You win as a team; you lose as a team. Being on a team gives me confidence. Feeling like I’m not part of the team wipes my energy, confidence, and motivation.”