Empowering Girls Through Athletics at Branksome Hall: Building Confidence, Leadership, and Lifelong Skills
At Branksome Hall, sports are not just about physical fitness, but personal growth, leadership development, and building resilience. Through its athletic programs, Branksome allows young women to discover their potential, strengthen their confidence, and cultivate life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, the school is empowering its female athletes to overcome challenges, thrive in competition, and embrace teamwork.
To better understand the role athletics play in empowering students, we spoke with three student-athletes—Surina Srivastava, Titoluwa Maxwell, and Chelsea Bottero—about their experiences. Their stories show how Branksome’s athletic programs help students grow not only as athletes but also as leaders and individuals.
An Opportunity for New Experiences
Branksome’s athletic programs offer a wide range of sports, giving students the chance to explore their interests and try new activities. Whether it’s soccer, badminton, ultimate frisbee, flag football, or hockey, the opportunities are endless. For many girls, especially those who might not have considered joining a sports team outside of school, this accessibility is a game-changer.
Surina S, Grade 11, found herself getting involved in a variety of sports at Branksome, despite the common trend of girls quitting sports earlier than boys in club settings. “Branksome offers a large variety of sports, which is amazing because girls often quit sports earlier than boys, especially in club sports. Even if we can’t participate outside of school, we still have the opportunity to get involved here and connect with other women in athletics,” she said. For Surina, Branksome made it easy to explore different sports and discover her passion for athletics, which might not have been possible without the school’s programs.
Similarly, for Titoluwa M, Grade 10, trying soccer for the first time was a defining moment in her athletic journey. “I decided to try out for soccer this year, even though I had never played before, and I made the team! Outside of school, I might not have had the chance or the confidence to do that, but Branksome’s athletic programs are convenient and accessible to everyone. That made it easier for me to get involved and explore new sports.”
Confidence, Leadership, and Personal Growth
Beyond the physical benefits of playing sports, athletics at Branksome Hall foster critical skills like confidence and leadership. By participating in team sports, students learn how to collaborate, communicate, and lead others—skills that are invaluable both in and out of the athletic arena.
For Chelsea B, a Grade 11 Athletics rep, sports have played a major role in helping her develop leadership skills. “Being part of the athletic program has helped me grow as a leader. As someone who plays sports regularly, I’ve gained leadership skills by encouraging others and helping them improve as athletes. It’s also built my confidence because I’m playing with friends, so even when mistakes happen, they’re quick to lift me. It’s a fun and supportive environment that’s not overly serious, and it helps take the stress away from competition.”
Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience, and the Power of Team Support
While sports are fun and fulfilling, they also present challenges that help athletes develop resilience and perseverance—two traits essential both in sports and in life. Surina shared that balancing school, sports, and life has been one of her biggest challenges. “I’ve learned the importance of maintaining a healthy schedule and knowing when to take breaks so I don’t overwork myself. Asking for help from my teammates or working with people in similar situations has helped me stay focused.”
Chelsea faced a different challenge—managing stress as a leader on the field. “When the team is down, I feel pressure to rally everyone together. I’ve learned to use that stress to motivate myself and the team. By staying positive and hyping everyone up, I’m able to relax, and the team’s energy lifts too.” The role of teammates and coaches is crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Chelsea described how her teammates—many of whom are also close friends—help her shake off mistakes and stay focused. “If I miss a point in ultimate frisbee or don’t make a pass, they tell me to shake it off and focus on the rest of the game. Their positivity keeps me motivated.” Surina reflected on this sentiment: “My teammates and coaches are always supportive, especially during setbacks like injuries. They make sure I still feel like part of the team and remind me that my presence matters.”
Additionally, Titoluwa highlighted the importance of balance between pushing for greatness and avoiding burnout. “At one point, I was overworking myself in practice, which led to exhaustion. Eventually, I found the right balance—pushing myself just enough to see great results without burning out, and that taught me lessons I apply in other areas of my life.”
Leadership Skills for Life and Preparing for the Future
Sports at Branksome Hall don’t just develop physical skills—they teach leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. The lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond the playing field. The skills of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership gained through sports will serve students well in all aspects of their lives, from academics to future careers.
Surina also emphasized leadership, saying, “I’ve learned to lead by creating an inclusive environment where we work on our skills and build teamwork. Keeping everyone engaged and focused is key to success in sports and life.”
Chelsea shared how she’s learned to stay positive under pressure. “In ultimate frisbee, when the team is down, I use my stress and energy to hype everyone up. Recently in flag football, we were down by two touchdowns, and I gathered everyone to keep the energy high. It helped us stay in the game.” Chelsea added that the commitment to improvement and resilience in the face of challenges are skills she’ll carry with her. “Sports help you learn these lessons in a way that’s enjoyable because even though it’s tough, you love the game, and that keeps you going.”
Advice for Younger Students
When asked what advice they’d give younger students interested in joining Branksome’s athletic programs, all three athletes shared a common message: just go for it. Surina encouraged students to seize the opportunity: “Branksome’s athletic programs are not just about developing skills—they’re about building friendships, teamwork, and leadership. Even if you’re new to a sport, the environment here is welcoming.”
Titoluwa added, “Even if you’ve never tried a sport before, Branksome’s athletic programs make it easy to get involved. You’ll gain new skills, meet great people, and have a lot of fun along the way. The key is to try and not be afraid to challenge yourself.”
At Branksome Hall, athletic programs are about more than just sports—they’re about empowering girls to grow into confident, resilient leaders. Through teamwork, leadership development, and overcoming challenges, these young women gain skills that will serve them well beyond the field. Whether it’s learning to balance school and sports, motivating a team, or simply taking a chance on a new sport, the lessons learned in Branksome’s athletic programs are invaluable, helping students build a foundation for success in all aspects of life.