● 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.