Confronting the female athlete paradox with humor and irony: a thematic analysis of SoccerGrlProbs YouTube video content

Abstract

Comprised of three former collegiate female soccer players, SoccerGrlProbs initially built a large Twitter following before they began producing popular YouTube videos in 2012. Subsequently, SoccerGrlProbs has grown into a lifestyle brand, producing over 70 videos, and creating a complete line of apparel – designed ‘to establish a sense of unity and sisterhood in the female soccer community’. This study considers how the amusing videos produced by SoccerGrlProbs confront the female athlete paradox endured by competitive female soccer players. An analysis of a purposive sample drawn from the group’s YouTube channel video content revealed that SoccerGrlProbs addresses the female athlete paradox by ironically and humorously tackling femininity, competitiveness and aggression, and dedication and commitment.