Injury and ACL

Sophie Jennings

Sophie Jennings is a final-year Psychology student at the University of Warwick. She is a performance athlete, playing for the university’s first team in women’s hockey. Her academic work explores psychological factors in sport, including how injury, gender, and ethics intersect to shape athletes’ experiences both on and off the field.

About the Project

This presentation explores the topic of injury in sport, with a particular focus on the disproportionate rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female athletes. Using a mix of interactive group exercises, educational content, and reflective questioning, the presentation aimed to critically examine the underlying anatomical, hormonal, and sociocultural factors contributing to this disparity. Drawing from both personal experience and academic sources, the presenter linked the topic to broader ethical questions about informed consent, injury prevention, and systemic inequality in sport. The session highlighted evidence-based prevention programs (e.g., FIFA 11+, PEP, and Sportsmetrics) and addressed issues such as poorly fitting equipment and menstrual cycle-related risks. A final reflective question challenged participants to consider whether the current sporting infrastructure does enough to support female athletes. The presentation concluded with an interactive quiz and a call for greater gender equity in sports science and practice.