• A good captain is responsible and supportive.
• Leadership is about growing as a person.
• Character traits are crucial for effective leadership.
• Positivity and kindness are essential qualities.
• It's not just about athletic skills.
• Captains should communicate kindly with teammates.
• Respect and tone matter in leadership.

• Teamwork is essential for success in sports.
• Every team member has a unique role to play.
• Leadership development is crucial for young athletes.
• Effective communication can resolve conflicts within teams.
• Emotional intelligence is important in coaching.
• Winning is not the only goal; personal growth matters.
• Coaches should foster a supportive environment.
• Understanding individual strengths enhances team dynamics.
• Conflict resolution skills are vital for team cohesion.
• Empowerment in sports leads to greater confidence.

• Representation matters in combat sports.
• Boxing has been a transformative outlet for me.
• Community support is crucial for athletes.
• Female coaches are essential for mentorship.
• The landscape of women's boxing is evolving.
• Overcoming gender barriers is a collective effort.
• Creating inclusive spaces fosters growth.
• A free gym can change lives.
• Mental resilience is key in sports.
• Don't stop pursuing your passion, despite challenges.

In this episode, Kelly Jenkins shares her journey as a female coach and leader in sports, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced. She reflects on her childhood, the importance of community, and the need for women in sports to support one another. Through her personal experiences, she emphasizes the significance of self-discovery, authenticity, and resilience in overcoming obstacles and embracing one's true identity.

• The podcast aims to empower women in sports and leadership.
• Reflection, redirection, and renewal are key themes in personal growth.
• Childhood experiences shape our athletic identities and self-perception.
• Proving oneself in a male-dominated space can build resilience.
• Community support is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Navigating identity and expectations is a common struggle for female athletes.
• Relationships can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence.
• Embracing authenticity is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Self-discovery is a continuous journey that requires introspection.
• Women in sports should uplift and support each other.

Chapters-

Summary

In this conversation, Kelly Jenkins interviews Tara Bowen and her daughter Gabby Palache, exploring their intertwined journeys in soccer and coaching. Tara shares her experiences as a female coach in a male-dominated field, the challenges she faced, and the importance of mentorship and supportive environments for women in sports. Gabby reflects on her upbringing in a coaching family, her early soccer memories, and the leadership skills she has developed. The discussion emphasizes the significance of resilience, community, and the need for women to support one another in their coaching careers.

Takeaways

Tara faced many challenges as a female coach in a male-dominated environment. Gabby learned resilience and leadership from her mother's experiences. The importance of mentorship for women in coaching cannot be overstated. Coaching education is crucial for personal and professional growth. Creating a supportive environment is essential for female coaches. Feedback and communication are key to developing players. Using film can help coaches and players understand the game better. Women often face gender bias in coaching roles. It's important to research clubs before joining to ensure a supportive culture. Building a community among female coaches can lead to greater success.

Sound bites

"I was the only female coach." "Finding a mentor is huge." "Be kind to each other."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Mother-Daughter Coaching Duo 01:05 Tara's Early Soccer Journey 05:12 Transitioning to Coaching 10:01 Challenges of Being a Female Coach 12:28 Experiences in Coaching Education 16:09 The Impact of All-Female Coaching Courses 20:06 Gabby's Introduction to Soccer 22:49 Coaching Dynamics Between Mother and Daughter 28:49 Navigating Parental Coaching Relationships 31:19 Navigating Expectations in Coaching 34:01 The Role of Technology in Coaching Relationships 36:16 Learning Resilience Through Leadership 39:30 The Challenges of Female Coaches in ECNL 44:19 Balancing Coaching and Family Life 50:30 Empowering Women in Coaching 55:23 Overcoming Gender Bias in Coaching 01:00:33 The Importance of Support and Kindness in Sports

From Player to Pioneer – Lauren Wilson’s Story

In our premiere episode, we sit down with Lauren Wilson, a seasoned soccer coach with over 20 years on the sidelines. Lauren’s journey began as a player, but it’s her path as a coach—marked by resilience, grit, and a relentless commitment to the game—that truly inspires. She opens up about the adversity she’s faced, the gender barriers she's navigated, and the evolving landscape of soccer for women in leadership. This candid conversation unpacks the real stories behind the stats, exploring what it means to lead with purpose in a sport still catching up on equity.

Whether you’re coaching, playing, parenting, or just passionate about progress, Lauren’s voice is one you’ll want to hear.

• Grassroots coaching is a great starting point for new coaches.
• There are many opportunities at the grassroots level.
• Taking coaching courses can boost confidence and skills.
• Transitioning to competitive coaching can be daunting but rewarding.
• Building a supportive coaching community is essential for success.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal development as a coach.
• Success in coaching comes from teamwork and collaboration.
• Women in coaching can face unique challenges but can also find strong support.
• Celebrating team successes fosters a positive coaching environment.
• Continuous learning and practice are key to finding your coaching voice.

Blog Link for The Female Coaches Club

https://femalecoachesclub.com/

Introducing a podcast to discuss women coaching in athletics. There is a definite deficit and lack of female coaches that exist in all sports, at all levels, still in 2025. Shedding some light and exploring this area of need for more female leadership in this podcast. Thank you for listening!