Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. We also recognize the powerful impact that women have had in the sports and coaching realm and given our #SheChangesTheGame initiative, we wanted to hear from our own coaches who are working hard to leave their own legacy while impacting the next generation of girls and young women.
Coach Anne, Youth Mentoring Partnership, Philadelphia, PA
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
I am most inspired by women who have had to overcome obstacles on their athletic paths & were not deterred by said obstacles however daunting it may have seemed. One example is Bethany Hamilton (Surfer).
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
I believe women are SO important as coaches, as examples of what is possible for their own success as well as others around them.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Up2Us Sports coaches will absolutely help women develop career skills (many in fact): Goal setting, listening and communications, working with a team towards a common goal.
Coach Kayley, Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative, San Jose, CA
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
After working with BAWSI in the Bay Area, I have come to be inspired by all of the women in sports who are working behind the scenes to make change. It’s the women who are pushing for more sports coverage in the media, and the women challenging the constant Title IX violations that limit girls’ participation. It’s the women who support creating more professional teams and the women who start programs for young girls to be introduced to sport. These women are past, present, and future athletes who have a passion for creating a more equal world for those like them, and it is that passion that inspires me as I work towards the same goals.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
Seeing women as coaches is extremely important for both youth and adults during every stage of life. For young girls, they get to have role models who look like them, who have gone through similar experiences, and can help coach them through all the challenges and successes that come with being a woman in sports. For young boys, they get to see women in these positions at an early age, and it becomes no longer a novelty, but an expectation to have women in these roles.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Becoming an Up2Us Sports coach can help women develop their own professional and leadership skills, while also experiencing all of the joys and challenges of being a woman in sports. There is so much room for growth in the field, and joining Up2Us can put a coach in a perfect position to become directly impacted and involved as progress continues to happen.
Coach Unique, Youth Mentoring Partnership, Philadelphia, PA
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
The captains of my girls lacrosse team (Amyia and Cashae) at Mastery Charter Shoemaker Campus are my inspiration. This is their second year playing lacrosse for the team, and they are enthusiastic about this season. Their efforts to recruit players, strategize how to improve the program, and consistency in coming to practice is unmatched; they are determined to have a season, and it’s admirable that they are working just as hard as I am to make this season happen.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
It’s important to see female coaches in sports because we exist. I received my first official introduction to sports in 4th or 5th grade when I started going to PAL (Police Athletic League). We would go to tournaments and games in which most times I was the only girl there. I was already a very shy child but in those moments, I was even more quiet because I was uncomfortable in the environment. My first time having a female coach was my first time picking up a lacrosse stick. I absolutely loved having Ms.Jetter as my first female coach...she understood the struggles of being a female athlete, she understood our emotions, she just understood us as a team. There’s a relatability and comfort associated with having a female coach just because she is a female. Also, seeing females in a male dominant sport reassures the youth that you can do anything you put your mind to even if it’s out of the social norm.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Up2Us Sports helps all coaches develop techniques to be more efficient in your coaching abilities as well as being mindful of the events that might be occurring in their life. I love that Up2Us Sports has a couple different segments of women in power positions and current student athletes discuss their journey in sports. I tuned in to all the different panels to learn about their struggles to see if I could relate and find a valuable solution. I gained knowledge from a student’s perspective growing up in this day and age, and it has allowed me to be more empathetic/understanding of new problems going on especially with the prevalence of violence and social media. Up2Us Sports has done a great job in teaching us how to teach life skills through sports, to be formal and informal, and to exemplify the behavior you want your athletes to exude. Last year, I learned so much about myself as a coach due to some unforeseen circumstances around coaching and the take home message I learned was that I am a requirement and I am needed in this field...don’t allow anything to push me out of my role because we need more black female representation in sports.
Coach Caitlin, Triangle Ultimate, Raleigh, NC
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
Murl Hammond is an ultimate frisbee player that inspired me to become an athlete. Going into college, I never really played any sports, and on a whim I decided to try out the ultimate frisbee club. Murl ended up being my first coach, and her confidence and skill in the sport inspired me to stick with ultimate because I wanted to be as cool as her! Now I play and coach ultimate year-round, and I am forever grateful for her giving her time to coach that team my freshman year.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
Having women as coaches is important for youth because representation matters. Gender stereotypes still exist, so it is important to have role models that show young girls that wanting to be an athlete (or coach!) is a valid aspiration. Similarly, women coaches can help break the stereotype that coaching is solely a role for men, which is important to show for all youth.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Being an Up2Us Sports coach develops many career skills including problem-solving, confidence, and leadership. As a coach, I have definitely faced some tough challenges, but with the support of the Up2Us Sports program I am. ow better equipped to face challenges down the road.
Coach Erin, Soccer Without Borders Colorado, Denver, CO
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
A female athlete who inspires me is Courtney Dauwalter, an ultramarathon runner. She isn’t afraid to compete against, and beat, other male and female ultra runners. She faces challenges with a great attitude and is willing to face her fears head on.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
It is important for female athletes to see themselves represented at all levels in sport. Coaching is still a male-dominated field and I want female athletes to know that women can be a powerful presence. I’m a firm believer in “If she can see it, she can be it.”
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Working as a coach has helped me improve my self-confidence as a leader. I never thought that I would be comfortable coaching a co-ed team before, but now I have learned that female coaches confidently coach male players.
Coach Cassie, Harlem Lacrosse, New York, NY
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
I am inspired by my college lacrosse coach because no matter what was going on in her life she always showed up for us and pushed us to be the best version of ourselves. By following her example, I am able to assist my current players in reaching their potential while encouraging them to follow their dreams.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
It is important for youth to see a wide variety of coaches, including women, so that they can have a diverse support system of people to lean on in times of adversity.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Coaching with Up2Us Sports has strengthened my empathy towards others, my confidence, and my ability to lead. All of these traits will aid me greatly during my career in the medical field.
Coach Kelsey, Team Up Philly, Philadelphia, PA
● Who is a woman in sports who inspires you?
A great athlete that inspires me is an upcoming dominant force named Mikayla Williams. She's from Louisiana and is a beast in her own realm. She's a senior in high school and is signed to LSU's women's basketball team. I am inspired by her because of how easy the game comes to her and the way she carries herself. I love watching her play and the one time I met her she was really nice to talk to and very humble.
● Why do you think having women as coaches is important for youth?
Having women as coaches is very important because it allows women to have a platform in a more male dominated industry. Showing the youth that women are just as capable of having success in sports is inspirational and will help them develop a more open mind.
● How can becoming an Up2Us Sports coach help women develop their career skills?
Becoming an Up2Us Coach helps to develop career skills because of the great workshops and training Up2Us Sports provides. They encourage a good work ethic which is beneficial in the long run.
