Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Why we need more women leading...
Growing up in Montana in the 1970’s and 80’s, I participated in “all the things”…. it started young playing tennis casually, joining a softball team, playing middle school basketball, while downhill and cross-country skiing as a family. I even snowmobiled with my sisters in the hills behind our property. Riding horses was a huge passion of mine until I hit high school and my focus turned to wanting to win state titles in both volleyball and basketball. Yes, my childhood of sports is bedrock of who I have become in the 50+ years since.
While I have taken a break these last two years from doing on court volleyball coaching, I’ve ramped up my speaking and working with athletes in teams and in one on one sessions. I firmly believe we need MORE women coaching, both on and off the court. Let me explain how it’s impacted my life:
Why I Coach Girls Club Volleyball
Young female athletes need more women role models. Period. We need more women who played sports growing up and who can show what it means to be strong, powerful, athletic and courageous. We need more women who show us that it’s ok to stand up for what you stand for. Research conducted by Ernst & Young found that 94 percent of women who hold C-suite leve…
William and Mary Volleyball Coach, Debbie Hill changed my life.
As John Wooden said, “A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life”. If you’ve listened to my podcast or follow my work, you will hear me talk about how important Deb has been as a friend, mentor and coach.
She saw me, believed in me and still today calls and says how lucky she was to have “found” me (and it makes me blush every time!) As I look to guide my own kids, who know and love Debbie as they do their own grandmothers, I tell them to find their Debbie Hill and don’t settle until you do.
New teammates alert:
Speaking of strong women, my 19-year old daughter, Kylie, makes me so proud. My strong, smart, resilient, powerful kid is now a college freshmen at Loyola Marymount University. She bravely has made her own choices and pivoted away from sports for college, the first in our family (gasp) and I LOVE it! I admire her work ethic and all she learned playing sports through high school, she is now applying to both her Film & TV major as well as giving back to the next generation by coaching at U14’s team as well.
She told me the other night, “Wow, Mom, this coaching thing is harder than I expected. But I love my girls. They are kind and caring and look up to me like I’m a 25yr old or something.” I love that she isn’t afraid of the unknown… something she definitely learned playing sports.
And, special announcement, Kylie has recently joined Team KJ! I remember her at age 5 or so, when asked what she might want to be when she grew up, she casually responded, “Oh, I don’t know, I’ll probably take over your business one day.” Look at her manifesting powers. She is going to be an amazing fresh perspective for us.
And if you are LOVING the new look and brand design of KirstenJonesInc.com, then you need to meet Aislinn Pallera!
Aislinn’s been working with us the last several months to get the website, podcast all things Team KJ branded and updated and looking a little more professional. I’m thrilled with her work.
Just like our athletes, we’re working on our 2025 strategic plans. How do we want to grow? Who can we help move forward in their journey? I love helping others- schools, teams, parents and athletes do better. Please reach out below if you’re looking for a speaker or coach. Dates are filling up but I’m alway up for adventure and love to get creative.
🫶Kirsten
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