Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In “The Price She Pays: Confronting the Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Women’s Sports—from the Schoolyard to the Stadium,” Tiffany Brown and Katie Steele deliver a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the mental health challenges faced by female athletes. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in women’s sports, from parents and coaches to the athletes themselves.

Brown and Steele, both experts in mental health and sports, meticulously dissect the toxic culture that often surrounds women’s athletics. They highlight the unrealistic expectations placed on female athletes to be aggressive yet polite, strong but not too big, and to win at all costs while maintaining grace. 

The authors use a blend of first-hand accounts, research, and reporting to paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by female athletes.  However, the book also delves into the experiences of lesser-known athletes, providing a comprehensive view of the issue.

One of the book’s strengths is its practical advice for parents, coaches, and athletes. Brown and Steele emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of mental health issues and mistreatment.

“The Price She Pays” is not just a critique of the current state of women’s sports; it is a hopeful roadmap for systemic change. The authors call for a shift in how we view and treat female athletes, urging us to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. This book is a crucial step towards creating a healthier, more supportive environment for women in sports.

“The Price She Pays” is a powerful and necessary read that sheds light on the hidden mental health crisis in women’s sports. Brown and Steele’s thorough research and heartfelt storytelling make this book both informative and deeply moving. It is a call to action for all of us to do better by our female athletes, ensuring they can thrive both on and off the field.

A must-read for parents and coaches of female athletes.
As girls' and women's sports increase in popularity, we as parents, coaches and educators must make sure we are supporting these female athletes in the best possible way - no matter the level of the sport. We must protect their physical and mental health. We need to make sure coaches of women's sports are knowledgeable and in tuned to the unique needs of female athletes.
This book is well researched and comprehensive. Authors include numerous accounts on a variety of concerns, incorporating accounts from female athletes in several sports at all levels. Very readable and well organized. An excellent resource.
I am grateful to NetGalley for an advance copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for access to this title. I am auto-approved for this publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Tagline: Two experts in mental health and sport lift the veil on the crisis in women’s athletics, offering parents and coaches urgently needed advice and support and showing how female athletes can find joy in whatever sport they choose, at whatever level they compete.

The Price She Pays is an informative and well-researched non-fiction book that incorporates first-hand accounts from athletes, parents, and coaches, presenting the most updated and relevant information. Sixteen chapters cover a wide range of topics such as supportive guardians, body image, puberty, suicide, sexual assault, and motherhood. In addition, the authors have provided a comprehensive list of organizations that help support women in support. However, the downside of the list is that most of the locations are in the United States. We all know how quickly websites and phone numbers can be changed. But it is a good resource to have on your school library shelves!

My parents placed my brother and I in several different activities when we were young. It certainly taught us a lot about commitment as my mother was very strict on making sure we attended practices and events. From ages six to fourteen, I tried gymnastics, tap dance, swimming, piano lessons, Brownies, basketball, and softball. In high school, I concentrated on activities like the school newspaper and C.G.I.T. ( Canadian Girls in Training). One thing was for sure, I wasn't a great athlete but I had supportive parents. Reading this book made me realize two things- other people's parents certainly dampened my interest in some of my athletic pursuits and I didn't share about 80% of what was going on within my sport. I just know that I went from being a kid who loved being part of the team to being tired of 40+ men benching me because all they wanted to do was win. Not to mention how rude the parents of some of my teammates could be in the stands.

Was this book triggering for me? It sure was. So let me just end with this, if you have a daughter who is interested in sports and you want to be a good role model, put this book on your reading list. If you are a coach- male or female, you should consider this book required reading.



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Expected Publication Date 18/06/24
Goodreads Review 27/05/24