Concussions are a risk for all children, but new numbers are pointing to an increasing number of cases in girls. Soccer player Kendall Jacobs is a month into recovery from her third concussion. Each day she spends in the training room at Blue Valley Northwest High School has her one step closer to getting back on the playing field again. “I didn’t want to tell me coach that I got hit because we didn’t have any subs,” Jacobs said. “They don’t want to let their teams down,” said Dr. Michael Moncure, the medical director at the University of Kansas Hospital’s Center for Concussion Management. Girls like Jacobs are the focus on a new study at the University of Kansas Hospital. Researchers found half the girls competing in high school sports have had a concussion but most don’t report it. “They are tough. And they, just like their male counterparts, they don’t want to miss (playing time),” Moncure said. Researchers said the new numbers could help conversations between coaches and players, especially after a player takes a big hit. They said those conversations can be especially effective if they start when the players are young. Jacobs has a vision to get back on the field soon, hoping all players won’t be afraid to speak up. The KU study also said coaches, parents and players need to learn even more about concussion signs and symptoms, regardless of an athlete’s gender.