Body Composition Changes in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players

Strategic Insights -

Active participation in NCAA Division I women's soccer was found to result in significant changes in body composition, including increased lean soft tissue, fat-free mass, and bone mineral density of the spine. The study, conducted over a 12-year period from 2010 to 2022, analyzed data from 115-116 athletes and found that participation in the sport led to increases in body mass, lean soft tissue, and fat-free mass, as well as decreases in body fat percentage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that NCAA Division I female soccer players experienced significant increases in body mass, lean soft tissue, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, and spine bone mineral density over the course of their collegiate playing career.
  • Athletes with 3 years of scans (3Y analysis) had higher body mass and fat mass than those in other positions, but the 3Y analysis yielded no statistically significant differences between player positions.
  • The study concluded that active participation in NCAA Division I women's soccer resulted in increased total lean soft tissue, fat-free mass, and bone mineral density of the spine, with participation for 3 years additionally reducing body fat percentage and increasing total bone mineral density.
  • The research was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2025 and was conducted by a team of researchers from Baylor University, including Mary C. Pickler, Andrew R. Gallucci, Katherine M. Lee, Leroy K. Bolden, Eric R. Rash, and Grant M. Tinsley.
  • The study analyzed data from 3 to 4 total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans performed on athletes each year from 2010 to 2022.

Statistics:

  • 115-116 athletes were analyzed in the ALL analysis.
  • 33-34 athletes were analyzed in the 3Y analysis.
  • $p<0.05$ was the statistical significance threshold.
  • In the ALL analysis, athletes experienced significant increases in body mass, lean soft tissue, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, and spine bone mineral density.
  • In the 3Y analysis, athletes experienced significant increases in body mass, lean soft tissue, and fat-free mass.

Sources:

  • Body Composition Changes in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Players Throughout Collegiate Playing Career. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2025.
  • Health & Medicine Week. September 19, 2025; p 3631.