More than 60 women coaches participated in a regional professional development day sponsored by the AMCC to kickstart the new year and honor the legacy of Title IX.

The session was conducted in partnership with WeCOACH, an organization whose mission is to increase the number of women in coaching nationwide.

 

"It was important that we recognize the 50th Anniversary of Title IX in a way that was not just celebratory but also educational," said AMCC Commissioner Donna Ledwin.  "We have worked very hard in the past year to actively promote our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Initiative, and this kind of an event really hit the mark when it comes to promoting gender equity in employment."

 

While primarily offered to AMCC member institutions, the invitation to participate was extended to include women from collegiate programs in the AMCC's geographic footprint, covering Western Pennsylvania, Western New York and Eastern Ohio.  Women coaches and administrators from 19 institutions encompassing all three divisions plus the NAIA attended the day-long workshop, which was held at La Roche University in Pittsburgh.

 

"It was a great day of comaraderie, learning and networking, said Pitt-Bradford SWA and head softball coach Tina Phillips.  "It affirmed we as women do matter when it comes to coaching and working in college athletics."

 

National speakers included Dr. Amy Wilson, NCAA Managing Director of Inclusion; Dr. Nicole Lavoi, Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport; and Championship Communications Specialist Betsy Butterick.  SWAs and coaches from all eight AMCC members also lent their substantial experience and expertise to panels that covered topics including stress management, career advancement, lessons learned from winning and losing, and creating an inclusive team culture.

Brianna Baker, Volleyball Head Coach/SWA, Mount Aloysius College attended the session with the Mounties' tennis coach Emily Maerz along with two student-athletes who aspire to careers in coaching and administration.  She echoed Phillips' comments.  "All the speakers were very good and engaging," shared Baker. 

'It was so great being in a room full of such strong, motivated women. It was very inspiring! I definitely have taken away a lot of things that I will be implementing with my team and coaches."  

 

Additional participant feedback:

 

"Attending the WeCOACH conference was such a vital experience for me personally. Taking a deep dive on topics such as identifying barriers in communication, dealing with confrontation, and the importance of female coaches was beyond advantageous as a young female coach. I was provided with action items that I can take directly back to our student-athletes, as well as our athletic department. Speakers like Betsy Butterick and Dr. Amy Wilson really put into perspective how important it is to network and learn from each other as powerful female coaches in the AMCC." 
- Kelly Wilson, Assistant Soccer Coach, Penn State Behrend

 

"This professional development workshop was truly a remarkable experience. The speakers provided valuable insight and advice for female coaches to enhance their lives both professionally and personally.  The highlight of the day for me was Besty Butternick's presentation on purposeful communication.  She gave us some great tips on how to communicate with our athletes effectively which I can be implement immediately. Additionally, the breakout sessions on surviving burnout and creating an inclusive LGBTQ atmosphere were very poignant in today's evolving work environment." 
- Lisa Evans, Head Lacrosse Coach, La Roche University

 

"WeCoach workshop was a wonderful experience. It gave us women a chance to connect and learn skills to empower other women in our profession. It helped to build our communication skills with our coaches, student athletes and administration. This workshop focused on the importance of women in sport and showing young women student athletes, that women can be successful and make an impact in not only college athletics, but all aspects and levels of sport."
- Jessica Welsh, Head Athletic Trainer/SWA, Penn State Altoona