You know the moment: your bright, capable daughter suddenly dims her own light. Her shoulders tense, her voice wavers, and that spark of confidence flickers.

At ZGiRLS, this countless times. But we've also discovered something powerful: when girls hear from women who've experienced similar struggles, they begin to see their own potential through new eyes.

That’s why we partner with professional and Olympic female athletes to help lead our Confidence Program. These women know what it’s like to face pressure, setbacks, and fear. They’ve also learned how to overcome those struggles and build confidence that lasts.

Here’s what 6 inspiring athletes revealed to ZGiRLS Confidence Program participants this past year. Read on to see how their hard-won wisdom can help your daughter believe in her fullest potential.

Kacey Bellamy

Know that you are always enough.

Kacey, a three-time Olympian in ice hockey, didn’t always feel like she belonged. As a young girl playing on boys’ teams, she faced isolation. Later, when she didn’t make Team USA on her first try, she wondered if she was good enough.

But Kacey didn’t give up. She leaned on resilience and a growth mindset to turn setbacks into comebacks.

Her advice for ZGiRLS—and for your daughter:

It’s okay to fail. Every challenge is a chance to grow.
Self-worth isn’t tied to success. You are enough just as you are.

Tyra Gittens

Choose growth over comfort.

When Tyra declared as a child, “I’m going to the Olympics,” she had no idea how much courage and persistence it would take to get there.

Tyra faced obstacles, from battling undiagnosed ADHD to navigating depression after achieving her Olympic dream. But by leaning into discomfort and trusting the process, she discovered the joy of growth.

"I’ve learned to choose growth and joy over comfort and fear. It’s an ongoing process, but every step forward matters."

For Tyra, the key to thriving lies in pushing against the pull of fear and doubt. By choosing growth—even when it’s uncomfortable—she discovered the joy of progress.

Her advice for parents:

Encourage your daughter to take small steps toward her goals even when it feels scary.
Remind her that progress matters more than perfection.

Tanji Johnson Bridgeman

Tanji wears a smart business suit and smiles while wearing one of her 11 championship medals. — *Credit: Tanji Johnson Bridgeman*

Self-discipline is your superpower.

As an 11-time fitness champion and military veteran, Tanji credits self-discipline with helping her overcome challenges and achieve success. But she’s quick to admit that self-discipline isn’t about being perfect, but rather it’s a skill you practice and build over time.

“It might not sound exciting, but self-discipline is what drives progress. It’s a skill that comes and goes, but when I tap into it, I feel unstoppable.”

Tanji’s message is simple: self-discipline is about believing in yourself enough to keep going, even when it’s hard. It’s a skill that will serve your daughter in sports, school, and every part of life.

Her advice for your daughter:

Practice self-discipline in small ways. Whether it’s sticking to a homework routine or tackling a challenge you’ve been avoiding, every small win adds up.
Believe in your potential. Developing a growth mindset, based on knowing you’re capable of reaching your goals, can help you stay motivated during tough times.

Sophia Foresta

You are greater than your fears.

Sophia, a BMX racer who spent 17 years perfecting her craft, shared the internal battle she faced when deciding to go pro. The bigger, more technical tracks were intimidating, and fear often clouded her confidence.

What kept her going was a simple truth: fear can’t stop you if you keep showing up.

"Facing fear taught me that I am capable of doing hard things. Pushing through self-doubt opened doors to achievements I never imagined."

Sophia’s courage to tackle those tracks taught her that self-belief is a powerful force. She also emphasized the importance of self-kindness, something she continues to work on every day.

Her advice for your daughter:

Face challenges one step at a time. Big goals feel overwhelming, but progress is made in small steps.
Be kind to yourself. Confidence grows when you trust your own abilities.

Alice Merryweather

It’s okay to not be okay.

Alice, a 2018 Olympian in skiing and recent Dartmouth graduate, opened up about her struggles with perfectionism and body image. Her challenges eventually led to an eating disorder, which required her to take a step back from competitive skiing to heal.

Through therapy and self-compassion, Alice found strength in vulnerability. Her mantra, “I can do hard things,” became a daily affirmation during her recovery.

"It’s okay to not be okay. What matters is how you move forward and honor your journey toward healing."

Her advice for parents:

Normalize talking about feelings and seeking help.
Remind your daughter that her worth isn’t tied solely to achievements or appearance.

Courtney Thompson

Dream big and know that you are enough.

Courtney, a two-time Olympic medalist and mindset coach, reminded us of the transformative power of daring to dream.

"Dreaming isn’t about whether you achieve the goal or not—it’s about the experiences and connections you create along the way. Some of the most beautiful moments in my life came from trying, even when I didn’t succeed."

As a child, she loved sports and music and even imagined herself on a Broadway stage. But behind her achievements were deep struggles with self-doubt and body image.

Courtney reflected on the challenges she faced, from teasing in middle school to being told she wasn’t good enough to play at higher levels.

Despite these moments of doubt, she chose to dream big and focus on the journey rather than the outcome.

Her advice for your family:

Encourage your daughter to dream boldly—without fear of failure.
Show her that her value isn’t defined by the outcome, but by the person she becomes along the way.

These athletes’ stories are a powerful reminder: confidence isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a skill we build, one challenge at a time.

At ZGiRLS, we’re here to support you and your daughter on this journey—because we know she’s capable of more than she realizes.

You’re doing great. ZGiRLS is here for your family.

ZGiRLS equips girls aged 11-14 with the mental health tools and resources to build lifelong confidence, resilience, and unwavering self-worth. Learn more about how we help tweens and teens realize their fullest potential.

6 Confidence Lessons for Your Daughter From World-Class Athletes