This Sunday, 8 March, marks International Women’s Day, a global opportunity to recognise the achievements of women and reaffirm our commitment to creating greater opportunity and equity. At Basketball NSW, it is also an opportunity to highlight Grit for Girls, a program focused on strengthening confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing for girls in sport.
International Women’s Day is not just a celebration, it is a call to action. The 2026 theme, #GiveToGain, challenges organisations and communities to consider what we can actively give to women and girls to create meaningful, long-term change. For Basketball NSW, that means investing in initiatives that help girls remain engaged in sport and develop skills that extend well beyond the court.
Developed by leading Sport Psychologist Karen Haddad and supported through the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way initiative, Grit for Girls combines evidence-based psychology with practical basketball application. The program integrates mental skills development alongside physical performance, reinforcing that wellbeing and performance are closely connected.
In 2025, the first phase of Grit for Girls was introduced across NSW, with sessions delivered through I AM A GIRL on-court programs and online formats. This initial rollout has allowed Basketball NSW to embed structured mental skills education directly into existing female participation pathways.
Research consistently shows that girls drop out of organised sport at higher rates during adolescence. Confidence can decline, external pressures increase and competing demands begin to outweigh the enjoyment of participation. Grit for Girls has been designed to address these challenges by equipping participants with practical tools to better understand their mental wellbeing, manage pressure, set meaningful goals and build a growth mindset.
Through interactive workshops and applied on-court learning, girls develop strategies to navigate negative self-talk, body image pressures and the balance between sport, school and social expectations. The recommended age group is 13+ years and above a critical stage where identity, confidence and long-term participation habits are shaped.
Importantly, Grit for Girls adopts a whole-of-environment approach. While centred on female participants (players, coaches, referees etc), the program also includes dedicated modules for parents and guardians, encouraging meaningful involvement and reinforcing key concepts beyond the training environment. By engaging the broader support network, the program strengthens consistency in messaging and helps create psychologically safe and supportive basketball settings.
Grit for Girls is available online through etrainu, allowing participants to complete modules at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion. Delivery options are also available for schools, basketball associations, representative programs and community groups across NSW, with flexible formats tailored to suit different environments. Program access and associated fees are determined based on delivery model and setting.
Retaining girls in sport strengthens the entire basketball community. When participants feel capable and supported, they are more likely to continue their involvement and contribute positively as players, teammates and, in time, future coaches, officials and leaders within the game.
The theme #GiveToGain is reflected in the intent of Grit for Girls. By providing girls with education, support and practical tools, we create stronger athletes, healthier sporting environments and a more sustainable future for basketball in New South Wales.
Basketball NSW acknowledges and celebrates every female involved in our game, from participants and athletes to coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers.
Programs such as Grit for Girls form part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the whole athlete and strengthening female participation pathways across the state.
For more information about Grit for Girls, please contact Nicole Foran at nicole.foran@bnsw.com.au.
CLICK HERE to be redirected to our webpage.
Grit For Girls is a ground-breaking new program designed to support, empower and educate girls in basketball, both on and off the court. Developed by sports psychologist Karen Haddad, a former NSW junior, this program has been purposefully written to address the real-life gaps in support for girls in basketball. Program Partner: NSW Government