Teenage Girls Face Higher Risk of ACL Tears, Parents Call for More Protection

Researchers say proven prevention methods exist, but coaches and leagues aren't doing enough to implement them

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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High school-age female athletes suffer ACL injuries at much higher rates than their male counterparts, up to eight times more likely according to one study. Biomechanics researchers, trainers and physical therapists say there are pre-workout warm ups and strengthening routines that can reduce the risk of this devastating knee injury, but most coaches lack training or expert help, and high school girls compete in settings with far fewer resources than the professional and collegiate levels. As a result, risk-reduction routines are rarely included in day-to-day coaching curricula and practices. Parents and advocates are calling for the sports world to treat ACL injuries with the same urgency as concussions, implementing more prevention programs and education.

Why it matters

ACL injuries can require surgery and a year of rehab, physical therapy and strength training, which insurance may not fully cover. Recovery changes the routine and identity of young athletes, as they miss out on the camaraderie of the team and stand on the sidelines, which can be as hard as the physical trauma. Many high school athletes who tear their ACL never perform again at the same level, if they even return to the sport, and they carry a heightened risk of another ACL injury and long-term complications like degenerative joint disease.

The details

Decades of research on prevention methods is available, but parents, researchers and trainers say that teams, coaches and leagues aren't doing enough to protect girls and educate parents. Biomechanics researchers say there are pre-workout warm ups and strengthening routines like FIFA 11+ or PEP that can reduce the risk of ACL injuries, but most coaches lack training or expert help, and high school girls compete in settings with far fewer resources than the professional and collegiate levels.

  • In October, 15-year-old Sofia Tepichin tore her ACL during a club soccer practice.
  • In December, 16-year-old Sophia Gerardi tore her ACL during a high school basketball game.

The players

Sofia Tepichin

A 15-year-old high school soccer player who tore her ACL during a club practice in October.

Sophia Gerardi

A 16-year-old high school basketball player who tore her ACL during a game in December.

Holly Silvers-Granelli

A physical therapist and biomechanics researcher who advises athletes, professional teams and major sports leagues on injury prevention.

Vince Minjares

The leader of the Aspen Institute's ACL injury prevention project.

Cristy Cooley

The head coach of the Plano East High School girls' soccer team.

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What they’re saying

“The real crime in this is that the data has been out there for 25 years. People are clamoring for answers, and the answers are largely there.”

— Holly Silvers-Granelli, Physical therapist and biomechanics researcher (ksgf.com)

“My biggest shock was that this didn't already exist. Everyone I talk to says, 'Yeah, that makes perfect sense,' but nobody's done it yet.”

— Scott Snyder, Senior director of programs and education, American Youth Soccer Organization (ksgf.com)

“It's one thing talking about it. But it's a totally different thing to show us.”

— Cristy Cooley, Head coach, Plano East High School girls' soccer team (ksgf.com)

“Something's got to change. Coaches, clubs, something. They have to do something to prevent this because it's just such a horrible injury.”

— Tiffany Jacob, Parent of high school soccer player (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The American Youth Soccer Organization will roll out new age- and stage-based neuromuscular training programs aimed at preventing ACL injuries through warm-ups. Coaches will get a regimen of exercises in bite-sized chunks, with video instructions, to build good habits before preteens age into more physical and demanding competition.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for the sports world to treat ACL injuries with the same level of priority as concussions, implementing more prevention programs and education at the high school level. Proven methods exist to reduce the risk of these devastating knee injuries, but coaches and leagues are not doing enough to protect young female athletes and support their recovery.