Playing for Life: Latina Girls, Sports, and Physical Activity

Vera Lopez (video) 

Vera Lopez was a recepient of Global Sport Institute's Inaugural Year Seed Grant Program.

When it comes to involvement in sports, Latina girls continue to lag behind other girls. This study examines why this is the case, and what we can do to close this gap. Phase 1 of this study involves conducting focus groups with Latina teens and interviews with coaches to better understand the barriers and facilitators associated with Latinas’ participation in school sports. Phase 2 will involve administering a survey to Latina teens.  Study findings ultimately will be used to inform the development of more inclusive school-based practices and policies designed to increase Latina girls’ participation in school sports and physical activity more generally.  

Published Work

• No Latina Girls Allowed: Gender-Based Teasing Within School Sports and Physical Activity Contexts | SAGE Journals & ResearchGate

Last updated June 2019.