Kat Sasso’s passion for women’s sports and health is driving her to challenge stigmas, amplify unheard stories, and push for better support for athletes dealing with menstrual health challenges.
Name: Kat Sasso
Pronouns: she/her
Day job: Sports Presenter
Location: Melbourne
You wear many hats! How did you get into this space?
Completely by accident! I studied Osteopathy at university, had a TikTok account, and worked at a sports store. I was responsible for creating content for the store's social accounts, interviewing a few athletes, and ending up on their socials. This caught the eye of some amazing people in the sports media space, who reached out and convinced me to give presenting a try. Three years later, I deferred from university and took on presenting and content creation freelancing full-time, and I haven't looked back since.
Why is amplifying unheard stories important to you?
It’s rare in the sports media industry to be given an opportunity without any strings attached. Still, the team at Missing Perspectives has given me and many other women, not just in sports but across all aspects of life, the chance to tell meaningful stories to us and our audiences. They’ve provided me with a platform to raise awareness and push the boundaries in women’s sports. Missing Perspectives has truly believed in me and everything I bring to the table from day one, empowering me to break the mold in women’s sports.
What's been the most eye-opening podcast conversation?
I would have to say speaking to Fatima Yousufi, the Afghan Women’s National Team goalkeeper and captain, about her and her teammates' exile from Afghanistan. When the Taliban took over, their lives were in danger, so they fled to Australia. However, they are still unrecognised as a national team and are unable to play in official matches, as FIFA guidelines require recognition by their government to play.
Is respect for womxn in sports improving, or is there a long way to go?
While there has been a lot of change in attitudes toward women’s sports, I believe we still have a long way to go. We live in a world where female athletes often need a second job outside of their sport because they don’t make enough to earn a livable wage. There needs to be a massive shift in how people, especially men, view women’s sports. I truly believe that by getting the men who are already on our side to talk to those around them and change the narrative, we can push the game even further.
Do pro womxn’s sports support menstrual health, or is stigma still an issue?
I don’t think there have been nearly enough studies on women’s health in general, let alone on how a woman’s menstrual health might affect her as an athlete. There is still so much to be done to understand how the menstrual system and different gynaecological conditions affect athletes and everyday women.
Why are period pain and endo still under-discussed in sports?
I do think there is still a lot of stigma and shame around gynaecological conditions like endo. The reason for this is that female athletes are barely given a voice to talk about issues like equal pay and working conditions, let alone their menstrual health. Female athletes feel they can’t show any signs of weakness to succeed in their sport, and period pain or gynaecological conditions would feel like a weakness to them. Sporting clubs, bodies, and media outlets need to create a safe space for female athletes to discuss these issues without fearing being dropped from their team or ostracised.
What’s your experience with your period – easy cycle or challenges?
I think since the day I got my period, I’ve had major issues. My mum has severe endometriosis, and while I haven’t received a diagnosis yet, I suspect I may have it due to the pain, heavy bleeding, irregular periods, and almost every symptom under the sun.
Have you pushed through a big on-air moment while on your period?
There have been times when I had no choice but to get out of bed and get the job done. You just have to suck it up and do it with a smile, which I know is such a hard thing to do. There have been moments when I’d be in tears, curled up on the floor, and then 10 minutes later, I’d have to be switched on and ready to work. It can be mentally difficult, but I have the support of my friends, family, and partner, which helps me power through, even when I’m finding it hard.
Any go-to period wellness tips or must-haves?
I still haven’t really worked it out for myself, but heat pads are a huge help. There’s sometimes a stigma around taking medication for pain, but I truly believe it’s necessary at times. You don’t have to sit through the pain for the sake of it - no one is going to pat you on the back for enduring agony without taking pain medication. Naproxen has been a saviour for me on many occasions.
Has a certain movement helped with your cycle?
I’ve recently started to work out my cycle and how my body actually works. I find that Pilates and yoga are really helpful when I’m feeling super lethargic and zapped. But I also find that during the first few days of my period, I hit PBs at the gym with weights, which is so strange to me!
What would you tell your younger self about periods?
Going on the pill at 14 is not the answer. Bleeding for 2 weeks straight and being stuck in bed from severe pain isn’t normal, and you need to see someone about it.
What’s one period self-care ritual you swear by?
A warm shower and a sweet treat... Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable and content.
Why are periods still taboo, and what’s your hope for change?
I think there’s still an attitude that periods are “gross” or that women are “dirty” when they have their period. I hope we can reach a point where period jokes are no longer just men making “jokes” that aren’t funny, and women can comfortably take care of themselves and get the support they need - whether that’s medical or whatever else they might need.
What’s your number one health message for all womxn?
If it feels wrong, it probably is wrong! Don’t let people tell you otherwise.
MY CYCLE
- My period in 3-words: Not Very Fun
- Period self-care toolkit: Heat Pad, Sweet Treats, Jellycats
- Best period hacks: Bananas actually can help with cramping
- Contraception of choice: Pill (not sure if by choice at the moment, though), CONDOMS!
- On day 1, you'll find me: At the gym hitting my PBs before the day 2 cramps and lethargy kick in
- Scarlet pick: Scarlet Period Comfort Kit (Period Undies, Magnesium Spray, Heat Pad)
