In high school athletics, student-athletes push themselves to excel on the field, court, and track. However, for many young girls, menstruation presents an added challenge due to stigma, lack of access to hygiene products, and misinformation.

In Toms River, students and coaches are working to change that by advocating for menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns and free product access in school locker rooms. With the support of the Utpat Foundation, young athletes are opening conversations, breaking taboos, and ensuring that no girl is sidelined because of her period.

Challenging the Stigma Around Periods in Sports

Despite the natural occurrence of menstruation, many female athletes still face unnecessary embarrassment and discomfort when dealing with their periods during practices and competitions. The stigma around periods can cause athletes to feel self-conscious, leading to decreased performance and even missed practices or games.

For some students in Toms River, speaking openly about menstruation wasn’t always encouraged. “I used to hide my sanitary napkins in my sleeve when going to the locker room,” says Mia, a high school soccer player. “It felt like something to be ashamed of, even though it’s normal.”

By raising awareness about sanitary napkins and menstrual health, student-athletes are creating an environment where no girl feels embarrassed or unprepared. Utpat Foundation, founded by teenage sisters Nishka and Kaanchi Utpat, is working alongside coaches and school administrators to ensure open conversations about periods in sports teams and physical education programs.

The Importance of Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products

A major hurdle for many student-athletes is the availability of feminine hygiene products donations in schools. While some locker rooms have vending machines for menstrual products, they often require payment or remain empty. This lack of accessibility disproportionately affects students from lower-income backgrounds, making it harder for them to participate in sports comfortably.

The Utpat Foundation has launched an initiative to provide free sanitary napkins in locker rooms across Toms River. By collaborating with school boards and athletic directors, the foundation ensures that young girls have access to products when they need them. Providing these essential items allows students to focus on their performance instead of worrying about their menstrual cycle.

Coaches Leading the Change

Coaches play a crucial role in shaping a team’s culture, and many in Toms River are stepping up to support menstrual health awareness campaigns. By normalizing discussions around menstruation, they empower their athletes to speak up about their needs without fear of judgment.

Jessica Lopez, a basketball coach at a local high school, has been a vocal advocate for breaking the stigma around menstruation Toms River in athletics. “We talk about nutrition, hydration, and mental health—why should menstruation be any different?” she says. “If a player has cramps or needs a break, it should be treated like any other health concern.”

This cultural shift ensures that young athletes can perform at their best without feeling ashamed or unsupported.

Creating a Model for Other Schools

The efforts in Toms River are setting an example for schools in surrounding areas, including Edison, Trenton, and Freehold Township. Schools that have adopted similar initiatives report increased confidence among female athletes and a more inclusive sports culture.

By working together, students, coaches, and organizations like the Utpat Foundation are proving that talking about menstruation should be as natural as talking about any other aspect of health and wellness. Expanding menstrual health awareness Toms River ensures that no girl is left behind due to outdated taboos.

Menstrual hygiene products for student-athletes.

Join the Movement for Menstrual Equity

We are Nishka Utpat and Kaanchi Utpat, two teenage sisters who started the Utpat Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. Our mission is to raise awareness about sanitary napkins and menstrual health for young girls worldwide, including those in Pakistan, India, Latin America, and other Asian countries. We believe in empowering school-aged girls through education, advocacy, and access to essential hygiene products.

By supporting our initiatives, you help break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that every girl can confidently participate in school and sports without barriers.