What Women’s Sports Can Teach Us About Financial Fitness

At this month’s Signature Women virtual event, we explored the evolution of women’s sports with Mollie Marcoux Samaan, CEO of U.S. Squash, former LPGA Commissioner, and former Princeton Athletic Director. The conversation sparked an interesting realization: many of the same principles behind the growth of women’s sports can also apply to building financial confidence and resilience.

From investing in long-term goals to developing strong support systems, the lessons extend well beyond the court, field, or course.

Visibility Creates Opportunity

One of the major drivers behind the growth of women’s sports has been visibility. As more athletes, teams, and leagues received media coverage, audiences became more familiar with their stories and accomplishments. Greater awareness led to greater engagement. But visibility alone was not enough. Women athletes also advocated tirelessly for themselves and future generations, making their priorities clear and helping create new opportunities both on and off the field. The same principle applies to our financial lives.

Many women spend years skillfully managing careers, businesses, and households without taking ownership of their financial accomplishments. Yet being engaged in your financial life—understanding your goals, asking questions, and making your priorities visible—can create new opportunities for growth. Ask the tough questions you have been avoiding. It could be, “What’s actually happening in my portfolio?” or “Am I on track for retirement?”

Understanding your financial health can help you make more informed decisions for yourself and your family. The more involved you are, the more empowered you become to make decisions aligned with your values and vision for the future.

Building Momentum for Long-Term Success

Many of today’s success stories in women’s sports are the result of years of steady investment. Increased visibility and growth didn’t happen overnight. They were built through the consistent efforts of athletes, coaches, organizations, and advocates who remained committed to a long-term vision.

Financial wellness often works the same way. Whether you’re advancing in your career, starting a business, returning to work after raising a family, or planning for retirement, progress is rarely the result of a single decision. Start creating your own momentum. Most people find that their financial success can be attributed to a series of small, consistent, sometimes boring decisions. Maybe it’s building financial discipline by automating a savings transfer or reviewing your beneficiary designations. Taking small steps in the right direction today can make a meaningful difference over time.

Like the growth of women’s sports, financial confidence and resilience are built through patience, preparation, and a commitment to long-term goals.

Community Can Be a Powerful Asset

Sports bring people together through shared experiences, mentorship, and connection. The relationships built through a community can help people learn, grow, and navigate challenges. The same is true when it comes to financial wellness.

There are benefits to having strong networks and trusted relationships when making important financial decisions. Having a support system can provide confidence during life’s transitions and help keep long-term goals on track. Thoughtfully build your own team of traditional advisors—such as a CPA, estate attorney, and wealth advisor—and nontraditional advisors, such as a business or executive coach, therapist or counselor, and like-minded peer network.

Having a team you trust can provide guidance, accountability, and confidence as you work through important financial decisions that have an impact on your life. Success is rarely a solo endeavor.

Playing the Long Game

One of the most encouraging developments in women’s sports is the way younger generations increasingly view elite women athletes simply as elite athletes. That shift reflects years of participation, investment, and advocacy.

Financial confidence develops in much the same way. Through learning, planning, and consistent action, small steps can lead to meaningful progress over time. Think long term and stay focused. Invest with the future version of yourself in mind. Plan for all stages of your life according to your personal values and goals. Continue growing your financial knowledge by reading the monthly Signature Women newsletter and attending our virtual and in-person events for more inspiring stories and insights.

The evolution of women’s sports illustrates that lasting growth rarely happens overnight; more often, it comes from patience, preparation, and a commitment to long-term goals. Those lessons are just as relevant off the field as they are on it. Thank you, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, for the enlightening conversation and your tireless work in amplifying women in sports. We look forward to our continued partnership with you and U.S. Squash!

If you missed this month’s Signature Women Series conversation on the rise of women’s sports, you can catch up by reading the key takeaways and watching the event replay HERE.