Spotlighting Women in Sports

A new podcast titled 94% is bringing attention to the significant role that sports play in shaping the future success of women. Co-hosted by former Irish field hockey player Nikki Symmons and actress Rachel Shelley, known for her role in The L Word, this podcast aims to explore the correlation between early sports participation and subsequent achievements in various professional fields.

Statistics That Inspire

The podcast’s title is derived from a compelling statistic: 94% of women in C-suite executive positions have a background in sports. Additionally, more than half of these successful women were competitive athletes at the university level. By featuring discussions with high-achieving women from diverse industries, Symmons and Shelley seek to highlight how engaging in sports during formative years cultivates essential skills and confidence that contribute to professional success.

The Mission Behind the Podcast

According to the hosts, “Our aim: to inspire women to start or keep playing sport — by revealing the astounding personal benefits and pivotal experiences sport can generate, beyond the physical. Whatever your age, however you identify, women should never settle for less.”

Meet the Hosts

Nikki Symmons has transitioned from being a top athlete to a successful career in corporate communications and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) advisory roles. She gained recognition in 2014 as the first female athlete from Ireland to publicly discuss her sexuality, shortly before the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Rachel Shelley, celebrated for her portrayal of Helena Peabody on The L Word, has lately focused on podcasting, particularly content that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community.

First Episode Highlights

The inaugural episode features guest Jennifer Beals, another alum of The L Word. Beals, who has a background in basketball and field hockey, now engages in pickleball, illustrating the lifelong connection to sports and its benefits.

Where to Listen

The first episode of 94% is currently available on Spotify.