Playing a sport can help advance your career. Not only did a recent study tell us that 52% of C-level women played college-level sports and above, when our crew at Pioneers in Skirts® interviewed UNC Chapel Hill’s Coach Sylvia Hatchell she told us that Fortune 500 employers reach out to her for new hires.

400 female executives across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific were surveyed. The women studied said that that playing sports is an extremely important attribute when they are looking at job candidates. 74% believe that playing sports is also key to accelerating a woman’s leadership and career potential.

“Pioneers in Skirts” Bonus Footage: Playing a Sport from Ashley Maria on Vimeo.

“This study validates long-held theories that women who are athletes are well-suited for the business world and have tangible advantages,” shared Laura Gentile, Vice President of espnW, in a joint EY and espnW press release. “From work ethic to adaptability to superior problem-solving ability, these women enter the workforce ready to win and demonstrate that ability as they rise throughout their career.”

So — what sport are you playing? There is definitely a connection between sports and career success!

Image credits: UNC Chapel Hill Sports Information, ESPN/EY Infographic “Study: Women + Sports = Executive Success”

Pioneers in Skirts is a feature documentary that shows every woman how to #BEaPioneer in pursuit of her career. The film follows filmmaker Ashley Maria as she investigates why she is experiencing obstacles and challenges unique to women of the past. In the film, Ashley travels the United States speaking to women and men about their experiences and interviewing other young women who are going through their own unique setbacks.

You can learn more at Pioneersinskirts.com.