Films / Documentaries Dedicated to the Female Athlete Experience

• Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team (Netflix)

This documentary highlights the experience of the US Women’s National Soccer Team as they aim to pursue the FIFA 2023 World Cup. It shows the hardships and successes they had in their journey, and how they overcame their personal and sport related struggles. This is incredibly important for young, female athletes as it shows them they are not alone in their sports journey and provides an inspirational and educational story.

• Naomi Osaka (Documentary) 

Naomi Osaka is one of the most renowned tennis player and athlete in the world; she has been ranked #1 by the Women’s Tennis Association for 25 consecutive weeks. In her documentary, Osaka explores her identity as an athlete and as an individual, showcasing her struggles, cultural roots, and leadership skills. This provides great insight for young athletes as they also learn to navigate their life and sports career, as Osaka can be a role model for them.

-Women Of Troy (HBO Max)

Women of Troy focuses on the journey of USC 1980’s Women Basketball Team, led by Cheryl Miller. This team created a monumental impact on Women’s Basketball, and this hour long documentary highlights this and their personal story. This is especially appealing for young female athletes as it allows them to learn about the history of basketball and those who have helped shape it into what it is today, all alongside watching an inspirational story.

• Gracie

Grace is a 2007 sports drama about a young female athlete who tries to overcome her brother’s death by playing in his varsity soccer team. In this, she learns various life lessons and grows her experience as an athlete and individual. The film also focuses on empowering female sports, acknowledging Title IX and how 5 million young female athletes play soccer in America. This allows athletes to see how people overcome their struggles through playing sports, and it provides a relatable experience for many.

• Simone Biles Rising (Documentary; Netflix)

Simone Biles is one of the most recognized athletes of the world, considered one of the greatest gymnasts and olympians of all time. Through her documentary, we are able to see her mental health journey as an athlete and how she overcame her struggles on her way to the Tokyo Olympics, eventually winning gold. This is important to young athletes as it normalizes mental health awareness and how everyone experiences these struggles, even the greatest athletes.