Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport leads the charge in destigmatizing menstruation in sport

The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport in the School of Kinesiology is proud to announce the launch of two new Coaching HER® learning modules in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28—a global movement dedicated to ending stigma, raising awareness, and promoting access to menstrual health education and resources.

The new modules, titled “Understanding the Complete Menstrual Cycle” and “Tackling Menstrual Taboos & Creating Period-Friendly Environments,” aim to equip coaches, educators, and sport leaders with essential knowledge and tools to support girls and women in sport through all phases of their menstrual cycle. The content tackles outdated myths, promotes inclusive coaching practices, and provides strategies to create environments where menstruation is normalized—not stigmatized. Content was developed collaboratively with Dr. Sarah Zipp, a leading researcher and advocate for menstrual health literacy in sport. WomenWin provided global testing support with organizations including Moving the Goalposts (Kenya), Right to Dream (Ghana), Berlin Football Federation (Germany), and the WE United Project (Nepal). The Tucker Center led the US-based testing.

“Menstruation affects every athlete who gets a period, yet it remains one of the most ignored and misunderstood aspects of sport,” said Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi, director of the Tucker Center. “By giving coaches the tools to address menstrual health confidently and compassionately, we’re helping to close equity gaps and improve performance, safety, and participation.”

Launched in March 2023, Coaching HER® powered by Nike, is a groundbreaking educational initiative designed to address the harmful gender biases and stereotypes that often go unchallenged in sport settings. By targeting these invisible barriers, the program enhances the sport experience for girls and women across all levels. To explore Coaching HER®, access the new modules, or learn more about ongoing partnerships and impact, visit CoachingHER.com or contact Program Director Alicia Pelton.