By: Elianna Rothstein
SheSportz, launched in September 2023, is a social media platform promoting women in sports. It highlights major events, milestones, and news, while also shedding light on the history of women's sports. The idea was born from a passion for sports and a desire to give young female athletes a space where they can relate to others, stay informed, and see representation. For the founder, Grace Kleinfeldt, a high school senior, sports have always been an essential part of life, and she’s driven by a mission to inspire other women to embrace sports as well.
A Lifelong Passion for Sports
Kleinfeldt’s passion for sports started when she was just three years old when she started playing soccer and eventually competing in swim. With older brothers who were always involved in basketball, she grew up immersed in sports, trying out everything from tennis to volleyball to golf. "Every time I tried a new sport I just loved it… sports have always given me friendships, team-building skills, and a sense of hard work," she says. Her favorite sports are basketball and soccer, where she has excelled, even becoming captain of her school teams and winning multiple league awards. Now, Kleinfeldt not only plays on the court and field, but also trains, refs, and coaches others.
The Beginning of SheSportz
As a girl who grew up playing sports, Kleinfeldt often was the only female on the court or field. Although this did not bother her, she still wanted to show other women that embracing their love for sports is okay. So she created SheSportz which aims to give followers a space to find news, celebrate milestones, and a place for female athletes to connect. The platform shares highlights, important events, and big deals in women’s sports. The goal is not only to create awareness but also to honor the pioneers who paved the way for future generations.“Representation in sports is so important,” she says, recalling how the lack of female role models in her own life made her feel somewhat isolated.
Athlete and Businesswoman
Kleinfeldt always knew she wanted to be involved in the sports world when it came to her career. After brainstorming ideas for a while, she decided that a social media-based platform was the perfect way to start. She invested time researching available domain names and securing her brand early. "Dreaming is easier than bringing it to reality," she notes, but with determination, she was able to create a solid foundation. She purchased the domain SheSportz, and her social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok soon followed.
Challenges and Rewards
Building SheSportz has been a journey of both challenges and rewards. One of the biggest difficulties has been breaking through without a major public background or following. Additionally, it’s hard to promote SheSportz, an account dedicated to encouraging women’s sports, a field that is still growing its audience and fanbase. Yet, the most rewarding aspect for Kleinfeldt has been seeing the impact it has had on her community. “When someone mentions women’s sports and my friends yell SheSportz, or when they just talk about female athletes, it means that the message is getting out there," Kleinfeldt says. Additionally, her passion was validated when women’s March Madness 2023 achieved more viewership than ever before, an exciting moment for the platform.
The Growth and Future of SheSportz
Since launching, SheSportz has taken many baby steps, and while it’s only been a year, the community around it is growing. "It’s not about followers or views; it’s about spreading the message," she shares. While the platform continues to evolve, it has already served as a stepping stone for her plans, including her aspirations to build SheSportz into a full business. As she coaches and trains kids in sports, including boys, she’s seeing firsthand how the industry is evolving, with more opportunities for women in coaching and leadership roles than ever before.
In the future, Kleinfeldt plans to take marketing classes to further grow her platform. "The effort you put in is what you will get in return," she advises others who want to start a similar project. Her long-term goal is to transition into a career as a sports agent. Through SheSportz, she’s also learned a lot about herself. "I’ve learned how to manage time, communicate better, and stay consistent," she says. In the short term, SheSportz will continue to focus on growing its community and spreading its message. In the future, she hopes to turn it into a full-fledged business.
so proud of grace👏👏