Women in Sport – A Conversation with Katya Galea

Ahead of the upcoming panel event Women in Sport: Strength, Stigma & the Silent Struggles at MOVE Clinic, we sat down with Katya Galea, Sport Psychology Practitioner and Master’s graduate from Staffordshire University, to discuss the mental pressures female athletes face, and how sport psychology can provide tools for resilience, confidence, and connection.

Katya’s own journey into sport psychology was shaped by her personal experience overcoming anxiety through movement, yoga, and exercise. Today, she works with athletes of all levels to build psychological strategies that support performance, wellbeing, and long-term growth.

In your experience working with female athletes, what are the most common mental health or psychological challenges you see?

Self-doubt and low self-esteem are very common in female athletes, along with performance anxiety, particularly in the lead-up to a competition. Some athletes also feel intimidated by their opponents or the competitive environment. These are important issues, and often invisible ones, so creating space for open discussion and preparation is key.

“Self-doubt and performance anxiety are very common issues in female athletes, even when they’re physically prepared.”

In your view, where does the biggest gap lie when it comes to supporting women in sport?

From both professional experience and personal perspective, I believe there’s a lack of holistic understanding when it comes to women in sport. It’s not just about performance, it’s about understanding the life stage they’re in, their biological cycle, their relationship with the sport and recognition.

There’s still a clear lack of visibility and opportunity: whether it’s the underrepresentation of women in coaching or officiating roles, or the lack of media coverage that reinforces the idea that women’s sport is “secondary.” Importantly, we also need to make sure every woman feels safe in their sporting environment, free from harassment or bullying, and with practical considerations like breastfeeding facilities in place.

“We need to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and safe—not just pushed to perform.”

Do you find that younger female athletes today are more open to talking about topics like stress, performance anxiety or body image?

It really depends on their self-awareness and how safe they feel in their environment. Some are more open than ever, especially when they have someone they trust. But others might still hold back if they feel judged, misunderstood, or unsure how to express what they’re experiencing. As practitioners and coaches, we need to be proactive in creating space for those conversations.

If you could share just one message to all female athletes out there, what would it be?

“You are powerful. You are prepared. You own it. You are enough.”

Katya Galea will be joining the panel at Women in Sport: Strength, Stigma & the Silent Struggles, taking place on 7 August at MOVE Clinic. With a background in supporting athletes through pre-competition anxiety and performance mindset training, she’ll bring insight into the psychological tools that help athletes not just survive, but thrive.

Tickets and full event info: https://fb.me/e/5GSxq1hiG