e.l.f. Beauty Study: High School Sports Pave Path to Women's Leadership
A new study by e.l.f. Beauty and Parity reveals that women who played high school sports are significantly more likely to hold leadership positions and negotiate their salaries, highlighting the long-term impact of early athletic participation.
The short version
- Women defined as "Everyday Athletes" who played sports for at least three years before high school graduation were nearly 50% more likely to hold leadership positions.
- The "Girls Who Play Change the Game" study, a collaboration between e.l.f. Beauty and Parity, surveyed over 9,500 respondents across four countries.
- Nearly 90% of these Everyday Athletes attributed a skill or mindset learned in sports to helping them advance professionally.
- Everyday Athletes were 37% more likely to aspire to senior leadership roles and nearly 25% more inclined to negotiate their salaries.
- Sportico noted the study identifies a correlation, not a causal link, between sports participation and career success.
A new comprehensive study, "Girls Who Play Change the Game," released by e.l.f. Beauty and Parity, reveals a compelling link between high school sports participation and women's long-term career success. The research found that women who played sports for at least three years before finishing high school are nearly 50% more likely to ascend to leadership positions in the workplace.
This joint initiative from beauty brand e.l.f. Beauty and women's sports consultancy Parity involved an online survey of 9,056 women aged 18 to 65 across the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, fielded from June 6 to June 23, 2026. The findings, which debuted at the third Power of Women's Sports Summit, underscore the profound impact of early athletic involvement on professional trajectories.
What did the study reveal about leadership?
The study found that women defined as "Everyday Athletes"—those who played a sport for at least three years before completing high school or secondary education—were nearly 50% more likely to be working in leadership positions compared to those who played less or no sport. This leadership premium, according to the study, begins at just three seasons of ordinary play, which is a critical period where girls often drop out of sports at higher rates than boys.
How do sports skills translate to the workplace?
The research highlighted a strong connection between athletic experience and professional advancement. Nearly 90% of Everyday Athletes who had received promotions credited a specific skill or mindset acquired through sports with aiding their career progression. This suggests that the lessons learned on the field or court are directly transferable to the corporate environment.
Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Brands, affirmed this, stating, "This research puts numbers behind what we've always believed. Building pathways for women in sports by investing in the players, leagues and their fans helps shape a brighter future for the next generation of changemakers."
What impact do sports have on ambition and negotiation?
Beyond leadership roles, Everyday Athletes demonstrated higher career aspirations and greater confidence in financial negotiations. The study found that these women were 37% more likely to aspire to senior leadership and nearly 25% more inclined to negotiate their salaries. They were also nearly 30% more likely than non-athletes to have been promoted multiple times, indicating sustained career momentum. Furthermore, 69% of Everyday Athletes with at least five years of work experience reported that lessons from sports are more crucial than ever in today's business landscape.
What does "Everyday Athlete" mean?
The study specifically focused on the "rec league and varsity population, not the recruited tier," defining Everyday Athletes as women who played sports for at least three years before finishing high school. Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, emphasized that the benefits were "linked to participation itself," rather than achieving elite or professional athlete status. The study also included input from 328 professional women athletes, 98% of whom stated that sports prepared them for life beyond their playing careers.
This research aligns with e.l.f. Beauty's "Change the Board Game" commitment to boardroom equity and its broader mission of "empowering.legendary.females." While data shows a growing trend with 70% of Gen Z women participating in sports through high school—up from 62% of Baby Boomers—girls still participate at lower rates than boys across all four surveyed countries.
Does playing sports guarantee career success?
While the study identifies a strong association, Sportico explicitly stated that the comparisons found are "correlational, not causal." This means the research indicates a relationship between sports participation and career success but does not definitively prove that one causes the other. However, the consistent patterns across a large sample suggest a significant connection.
Parity CEO Leela Srinivasan hopes that these findings will encourage parents, educators, and business leaders to actively support more women in becoming athletes, recognizing the documented long-term positive impact. Both e.l.f. Beauty and Parity are committed to initiatives aimed at increasing girls' participation and retention in sports.
This is educational information, not legal, financial, tax, or investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What defines an 'Everyday Athlete' in this study?
In the "Girls Who Play Change the Game" study, an "Everyday Athlete" is defined as a woman who played a sport for at least three years before completing high school or secondary education, encompassing the recreational league and varsity level rather than elite athletes.
Does the study prove that sports cause career success?
No, the study identifies a strong correlation between playing sports in high school and later career success, but as reported by Sportico, it does not establish a direct causal link. It indicates a significant association rather than definitive proof of causation.
What actions are e.l.f. Beauty and Parity taking based on these findings?
e.l.f. Beauty and Parity are committed to using these findings to encourage and support more women in sports. They aim for parents, educators, and business leaders to utilize the study's insights to get and keep girls involved in sports, given the demonstrated life-long positive impact.
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