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September 10, 2026

Beyond the Game: KCKPS Female Athletes Find Strength in Wellness and Leadership

A large group of young people stand together, smiling inside a room with dark bookshelves.

On Tuesday, September 8, CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., became more than a place to watch elite soccer. It became a place for young women to pause, reflect and discover new ways to strengthen themselves, both as athletes and as individuals.

A large group of young people stand together, smiling inside a room with dark bookshelves.

More than 120 female high school athletes from across the Kansas City metro gathered at the stadium, including student-athletes from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools’ Wyandotte, Sumner Academy, Washington, J.C. Harmon, and F.L. Schlagle high schools.

Representing sports ranging from cross-country, basketball to volleyball, and soccer, these students brought different athletic experiences to the day while sharing a common goal: becoming stronger, more confident and more mindful competitors and leaders.

The gathering marked the fifth year of Sideline the Stigma, a Kansas City Current and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of female high school athletes.

Four young adults stand on a green soccer field, smiling and posing together under a bright blue sky.

Hosted at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team, the event provided an environment where mental wellness could take center stage.

This year's program centered on several skills that can serve athletes long after their high school careers are over: building confidence, navigating team dynamics, developing leadership habits, practicing self-reflection and strengthening mindfulness.

Three young people pose in front of a blue, red, and teal balloon arch and a banner that reads 'Welcome to Sideline the Stigma'.

The day also provided an opportunity to challenge the stigma that can surround conversations about mental health. 

For athletes who are often taught to push through discomfort and keep moving forward, recognizing when to pause and seek support is another form of strength.

Several of the KCKPS student-athletes who attended described the experience as enjoyable and said they learned a great deal. 

Their participation reflects a broader commitment within the Kansas City community to ensuring that young women have opportunities not only to compete, but also to develop the confidence and tools needed to thrive.