Growing Into Your Strength: Puberty, Development and the Female Athlete
Puberty changes an athlete’s body, coordination, confidence, and needs. Learn how athletes, parents, and coaches can support development from adolescence into college.
Your athlete is navigating training, school, growth, pressure and identity at the same time. FAU helps you understand what may be happening and how to support her without taking away her voice.
You do not need to have every answer. Your attention, language and willingness to listen can make a meaningful difference.
Pay attention to changes in energy, mood, recovery, confidence, periods, eating patterns and injury frequency.
Use curious, nonjudgmental questions and create space for your athlete to tell you what she is experiencing.
Know when to involve a coach, physician, sports dietitian, mental-health professional or physical therapist.
Use these articles to better understand common physical, nutritional and emotional challenges in adolescent female athletes.
Puberty changes an athlete’s body, coordination, confidence, and needs. Learn how athletes, parents, and coaches can support development from adolescence into college.
Supplements are easy to buy, but that does not make every product necessary, effective, or safe. Start with food, ask better questions, and involve qualified professionals.
Recovery is not time away from training—it is when adaptation happens. Build a practical recovery routine around sleep, fueling, hydration, stress, and communication.
Menstrual-cycle tracking can help athletes notice individual patterns, but it should not dictate universal training rules. Learn what to track and when to seek support.
Fueling does not have to be complicated. Learn how consistent meals, practical snacks, hydration, and recovery nutrition support female athletes.
RED-S can affect health, recovery, performance, bone strength, and menstrual function. Learn what athletes, parents, and coaches should recognize—and how to seek support.
Education can help you recognize patterns, but it does not replace individualized medical care. If something feels wrong, start a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.
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