Media training is often described as empowerment—a way for athletes to own their narrative and protect their image. But for many women athletes, that training morphs into something heavier: a pressure to be endlessly composed, likable, and noncontroversial. Behind the polished moments lies a tension between authenticity and acceptability.  We spoke with VIS Expert Ashley Zapata, PsyD, on how this pressure to be polished can take a toll on women’s mental health and identity. <...