Many studies on stress and coping in sport have used elite male adult athletes as participants (e.g., Dale, 2000; Gould, Eklund, & Jackson, 1993; Hanton & Jones, 1999). However, there is evidence that in comparison to adults, children and youth do not cope in the same way, and that the use of coping strategies changes as one moves from childhood to adulthood (Hoar & Crocker, 1999). Furthermore, there is some evidence that female athletes cope differently than do male athletes (Crocker & Graham, 1995). Therefore, the purpose of this presentation is to present data on the coping strategies of female adolescent soccer athletes. Using a qualitative case study approach, five soccer players (15-16 years of age) from one team were followed over an eight-month period encompassing both their indoor and outdoor seasons. The athletes played at the highest level of competition in an urban youth soccer league, and competed in national and international tournaments. Sources of data included a focus group, semi-structured interviews, participant and non-participant observation, and entries from athletes’ journals. The organizational system developed by Gould et al. (1993) was used as a provisional start list for data analysis. The data were grouped into five main categories: (1) Behavioral Strategies, (2) Emotional Release Strategies, (3) Thought Control Strategies, (4) Task Focus Strategies, and (5) Emotional Control Strategies. Each of these categories will be discussed with supporting examples of data themes and quotations from athletes. For example, a frequently used method of coping within the Behavioral Strategy category was to discuss or vent about the situation. The athletes turned to teammates, parents, coaches, boyfriends, and even the researcher to discuss or vent about stressful situations. Trust was a key factor in the athletes’ decision with whom to speak. A unique finding was the emergence of the Emotional Release Strategies. These coping efforts, such as crying, yelling in frustration, and getting snappy or short with people, represented strategies used to discharge pent up emotions. Although some of these strategies could be considered reactions to stress rather than coping strategies, the athletes felt that they did indeed belong in the coping process, even though their effectiveness was sometimes questioned. Possible explanations for these findings will be suggested, along with implications for sport educators working with female adolescent athletes. Finally directions for future research in youth sport will be highlighted, including additional planned research to examine adolescents’ coping strategy development. Keyword(s): gender issues, youth sports