The purpose of this study was to examine female players' motives for participation in competitive sports, how they felt involvement has aided in their development, and explore negative experiences that had served as detractors to enjoyment. Focus groups were conducted with 31 players who currently participate on a competitive youth basketball team. Player responses revealed that participation in youth sport is motivated by two main themes: enjoyment and serving a purpose. Players also felt that participation in sport aided their development in six areas: social competency, self-confidence, self-discipline and respect, conflict resolution and anger management, decision making, and work ethic. Finally, players identified three key constructs that served as detractors to their enjoyment: parental involvement, intra-team cliques, and previous coach experiences.