Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports: What One Mother Wants You to Know

Oct 28, 2025

31:01

Communications Patient Stories Health Equity Women's Health Menopause Aging & Longevity Healthy Aging Global Health Advocacy

Episode Description

Sexual harassment and abuse can happen in any sport — even youth athletics. In this episode, Carrie Kehring shares her experience after her teenage daughter was sexually abused by her coach. She opens up about the broader issue of grooming and power dynamics in sports and offers practical insight on how to recognize red flags, set healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional and legal aftermath of abuse. Determined to create change, Carrie founded #WeRideTogether, a nonprofit providing free resources and tools to help parents and athletes build safer sporting environments.

Key Takeaways:

1. If your child/teenager is in sports..any sport...focus on prevention.

Follow the Rule of Three —no athlete should ever be alone with a coach. This applies to both in-person and remote interactions, including phone and text ! There should either be 2 coaches and an athlete or 2 athletes and a coach in all interactions.
Have open, age-appropriate conversations about boundaries and make sure both your child and their coach understand them.
Trust YOUR gut and empower your child or teenager to trust THEIRS. If something feels off, it probably is.

2. Learn to recognize grooming. It often starts small with blurring of boundaries: some favoritism, gifts, a little extra attention. It can feel flattering… until it’s not.

3. If you discover abuse or inappropriate behavior, make sure your child is safe — both physically and emotionally - then find an advocate. This can be an attorney, a counselor, or another parent who can help you navigate think through next steps.

4. Be prepared for a long journey. Healing takes time. Law enforcement is essential — but it’s also emotionally difficult. So, be ready for tough questions, and know that your child will need ongoing support.

5. Learn more. Visit WeRideTogether.today — to find resources, videos, and stories that can help you recognize risk and protect the athletes you love.

Links: