July 2023

a classic collaborative

At Copenhagen, we pride ourselves on our carefully curated collection of unique products for both home and office. Our new Marco sofa is the result of a thoughtful design collaboration between Copenhagen’s key buyers and the talented designers at Incanto of Italy. Our design is based in classic simplicity with a strong focus on comfort, quality craftsmanship and responsible value. Sink into the extra deep seats and let the high back support your shoulders. Enjoy the luxurious, extra thick natural leather. Blackened nickel metal accents on the sides of each arm add a touch of style. Marco’s generous proportions, durable leather cover and outstanding comfort is sure to please for years to come, while the “back to basics” design makes this the perfect sofa series for nearly any environment. Available from stock in either dark or light grey (shown).

Sofa: 92” x 43” x 37”h $3995 Chair: 42” x 43” x 37”h $3295 (priced in grade 15 leather) Matching loveseat and ottoman also available.

C O M M I T T E D TO

Excellence in care begins with providing you and your family the opportunity to experience a healthy, happy life UT Health Austin pediatric congenital heart surgeon Carlos Mery, MD, serves as the Associate Chief of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s and UT Health Austin By delivering multidisciplinary, team-based care that meets your child’s individual needs, Dr Mery ensures patients and their families receive the highest level of specialized care and experience a seamless transition from pediatric to adult congenital cardiac care. Find out more by scanning the QR code.

32 FEATURE ON THE FIELD/OFF THE FIELD

BY CY WHITE & JENNY HOFF

PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

42 FEATURE

50 YEARS OF TITLE IX: IMPROVEMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

BY KAITLYN WILKES

Austin Parks Foundation helps fund and care for the parks, trails and green spaces that make Austin, Austin.

Find out how you can help all of Austin’s parks at austinparks.org

KIP GARVEY COO

MARCIE KAZEN

MICHELLE BERMEA Director of Advertising + Sales

SONIA YAZDI

Media Sales Executive

ETHAN JIN Media Sales Executive

Contributors

CY WHITE Managing Editor

NINA GLORIA Production Coordinator

JAIME ALBERS

Creative Director

CLAIRE HELENIAK

Social Media Specialist

DARBY KENDALL Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Brown Girl in Recovery, Julia Gschwind, Tess Harmon, Jenny Hoff, Haley Noble, Dr. Shonté Jovan Taylor, Georgia Valles, Cy White, Kaitlyn Wilkes

Art: Austin Valkyries, Karla Avila, Darlene Gordon, Abbie Hillis, Annie Ray, Texas Legacy Sports Network, Texas Longhorns, Texas Sports, Jessica Wetterer, Kelly Zhao

INTERNS

Tess Harmon, Lauren Howell, Haley Noble, Georgia Valles, Kaitlyn Wilkes

AW MEDIA INC.

MELINDA GARVEY Co-owner/Co-founder

SHURONDA ROBINSON

Co-owner

LANA MACRUM

Co-owner

LYNELLE MCKAY

Co-owner

TERRY MITCHELL Co-owner

GRETEL PERERA Co-owner

ANA RUELAS Co-owner

NEHA SAMPAT Co-owner

SAMANTHA STEVENS

Co-founder

Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved.

To offer feedback, email feedback@awmediainc.com. For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at atxwoman.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com.

512 328.2421 | 7401 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739

This month, we asked our contributors: What’s a sports memory you have?

TESS HARMON

Writer, “Smells Like Team Spirit,” Pg. 22

• She’s a summer kids’ tennis coach.

• She loves running through Austin.

• She’s studying history and Spanish at UT.

“My dad taught my three brothers and me to play tennis when we were kids, and we all still play together!”

KAITLYN WILKES

Writer, “50 Years of Title IX,” Pg. 42

• She recently finished reading The Devil All the Time.

• She recently graduated from UT.

• She loves to paint her nails purple.

“I remember playing volleyball with all my friends in elementary school. My favorite part was our pink jersey!”

CY WHITE

Co-writer, “On the Field/Off the Field,” Pg. 32

• She’s left-handed.

• She plays a mean game of Spades.

• She loves to cook.

“I didn’t do much with sports growing up, but I do very vividly remember playing baseball every summer. Wasn’t a great batter, but I had a live arm for pitching! ”

GEORGIA VALLES

Writer, “Hook ’Em, Ladies!” Pg. 20

• Her favorite artist is Taylor Swift.

• She has two dogs and a cat.

• Her favorite movie is La La Land

“In elementary school, I remember playing volleyball and feeling so happy for my team when we won a game. I wasn’t a player for too long, but it is something that will always be apart of my life.”

Director of Events + Marketing

What a Drag!

In May, Texas legislators proposed a series of anti-drag bills, putting safe spaces for drag performers in jeopardy.

Our Bright Littles: Preparing Children for a Post-COVID World Founder of Bright Littles, Tara Ballentine, dedicates her life to ensuring young children have a grasp on the world around them.

Eden House: Sustainability and Community Through Plants

Sarah Fowler, founder of Eden House, speaks on being a sustainable plant parent and the importance of community.

Fort Never Basks in Good Vibes with “Take a Look at us Now” Known for their deep cuts, Fort Never takes a different approach as they explore their musical journey in “Take a Look at us Now.”

A Rising Star

21-year-old Peyton Stearns is progressively taking the tennis world by storm.

BY LAUREN HOWELL

Peyton Stearns is a 21-year-old former University of Austin tennis player who went pro just last year and is currently at her highest rank yet at 56 in the world.

Stearns played every sport she could growing up but over time fell in love with tennis and chose that as her main. She has been playing the game since she was 7 but didn’t become competitive until she was a few years older. She then went on to attend UT Austin and became the first player from Texas to win the NCAA Division I Women’s Singles National Championship in 2022. Soon after, she made the decision to turn pro and is currently embarked on her first full season on the professional circuit. She has already achieved great success when she defeated Jelena Ostapenko (a top 20 player and former champion) on her way to the third round at the French Open.

“The experience at the French open was crazy!” she says. “The cheering and booing I never would’ve thought happened at a slam, but gosh I loved it. It brought back memories from playing college tennis.”

A large part of being successful in the sport is having a strong mental game, especially when you are competing against a player ranked much higher. For Stearns, the mental process for facing a top player is extremely tough.

“Getting through the nerves and accepting them has been the biggest thing for me. I have to prepare mentally the night before a big match, so when the match comes around it’s not as bad and I can actually play how I want to play.”

As for life on the tour, she admits she’s still learning, but she loves the experience of each tournament and being able to travel around the world as “not many people can say that about their job.”

Part of her success in the game was having strong female role models to look up to growing up, the biggest being her mom.

“I didn’t realize it until I got older, but the sacrifices she’s made for me to do what I love inspires me. She’s pushed me to do my best in everything I’ve decided to do in my life.”

With all her accomplishments and success, she urges young female players to enjoy the experience.

“My advice to young female tennis players is that as a junior, have fun with it. I never did anything amazing result-wise growing up. What I did do was have fun while out on court but also gave it my all every time, and that’s what has made me a better tennis player. I know there’s a big importance on winning, and it’s never fun to lose, but if you can learn from a loss, it’s actually a win!”

Visit Peyton Stearns: peytonstearns

Photos courtesy of Peyton Stearns.

t’s hot out there, y’all. So before we even get started, make sure you’re hydrated, and don’t go outside unless you absolutely have to. Now onto something more fun.

July is an eventful month. Beyond surviving the heatwaves, sports are reaching some serious high points. Though not an Olympic year, this time next year, the Games will kick off in Paris. We also have Wimbledon—the former domain of legend Serena Williams (but, let’s be real, what court didn’t the queen dominate?) and the WNBA All-Star Game. July certainly is a time for women in sports to take center stage. So fitting, then, that July also marks our inaugural issue celebrating women-identified athletes. Girl, do we have some incredible stories for you in these pages!

Our cover story takes a look at the duality of sports, on and off the field. Alison Roscoe, Austin FC’s senior vice president of corporate partnerships, and Perri Travillion, the DEIB programs senior manager for Austin Spurs Sports & Entertainment, provide insight onto the significance of their respective roles, not just as those who are elevating the sport behind the scenes, but as true lovers of the people they aim to help. The incredible resilience and camaraderie of Austin Rise FC, Austin’s only women’s semi-professional soccer team, show that those scoring the goals have just as much of a stake on what happens off the pitch as they do on it. This year, we recognized the 50th anniversary of Title IX. As we go into this 51st year of the legislation, Abbie Hillis and Darlene Gordon, two vocal and active advocates for women in sports at the legislative level, realize that despite all the great strides for women in sports, there is still much to do. Someone who knows all about that is Julia Gschwind, founder of Austin Women’s Boxing Club. Growing up, she never felt she really belonged, so she did what all women have done from the beginning of time: she created that space for herself and others. We have young athletes stepping into their roles as team leaders (Kelly Zhao), champions who even in their desire to win know the value of boundaries (Lea Jansen) and a list of unparalleled coaches who have literally changed the game, all in this issue!

There are so many women and women-identified folx from all corners of the sports world who deserve recognition. For instance, Julien Alfred, a verifiable track and field star who during her tenure at UT Austin, helped propel her team to gold at the NCAA championship (her nails also adorned in gold). She made history as one of six women in the NCAA to win events in back-to-back years. She celebrated her 22nd birthday with gold in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. The Austin Valkyries rugby team are a force on the field and have continued to find success at the national level. Just as with our March Music issue, women in sport have proven to give the industry a sharp jolt of energy and a kick in the pants when necessary.

So, dear reader, as you make your way to the pool (or stay in the relative safety of your air-conditioned home like myself), don’t forget to turn on the TV when the WNBA All-Star Game or Wimbledon gets underway. It’s a guarantee you’ll witness some incredible feats of strength, poise and absolute feminine energy.

CY WHITE EDITOR

Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The following businesses have stepped up their support of our efforts beyond traditional advertising and we are proud to recognize them as our partners. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses and all our regular advertisers.

Rest in Peace and Power, Tori Bowie.

1. As someone who’s been a leader in multiple organizations, what advice can you give to young women entering their first leadership role?

My biggest piece of advice is to cultivate mentors and sponsors who can help you navigate your career. I have been very fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career that give me candid advice, sometimes advice I didn’t want to hear but needed to at the time. Over the years, this becomes your personal board of advisors, which can give you diverse perspectives.

2. What has been the most impactful aspect of your connection with YPO?

I joined YPO Austin when my husband and I relocated our family to Austin. We found the YPO community incredibly supportive of us personally and professionally. The community quickly became our core to our Austin experience. We found other families that were juggling career, family and all the things. It has been wonderful to have this support system.

3. What do you consider one of the most essential aspects of YPO’s mission?

I think the mission to become better leaders and better people is very compelling as a CEO. In our roles, we have a significant impact on the lives of the people we work with and we serve. It’s important that we continue to learn and grow both as leaders and people so that we can have a positive impact, not just on company performance but the lives we touch. I have learned a lot both through educational programming and the community.

The world’s largest leadership community of chief executives, over 30,000 extraordinary global members, coming together to become better leaders and better people.

DRU ARMSTRONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Who is a woman-identified athlete who has inspired you?

NINA GLORIA, PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

I wouldn’t say that I know too much about sports, but I can appreciate all of the hard work and dedication an athlete puts into their craft. In an interview with Shawn Johnson for the In the Booth podcast, Johnson reflects on her time as a U.S.A. Olympian. Although Johnson knew beforehand that she could not win gold for her country, she proudly reveals that her 2008 Beijing Olympic performance was her favorite performance she’s ever given. “If you can’t win the gold medal, at least go out and show the world that you deserved it,” she says. Instead of feeling completely defeated, Johnson spreads the message of perseverance and staying positive despite a discouraging situation. With just that short quote, Shawn Johnson has inspired me to look at life with a “glass half-full” perspective and to keep going. As professional athletes and public figures, it is important for them to remain hopeful, not only to inspire themselves but other individuals around the world.

DANIELA HERNANDEZ, MARKETING INTERN

I always loved tennis growing up and sometimes still play in my free time. Serena Williams is someone who I’ve always looked up to when it comes to resilience, determination and refusal to give up. She has redefined what it means to be dominant in tennis, showcasing her unparalleled skills and relentless work ethic. Beyond her undeniable talent, she has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries and personal setbacks. However, that didn’t stop her from becoming one of the top female tennis players. Even if you’re not an athlete, these are things that we can look up to for our day-to-day lives. Serena Williams has motivated me and countless individuals to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles, no matter how hard it can be.

MARCIE KAZEN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS

The scene: 1984. Imagine being told your entire childhood that you are the spitting image of Mary Lou Retton, the gymnast you MOST wanted to be like? Inspired to be great, you watch all her routines, practice until your childlike body can’t give anymore. You save your hard-earned allowance to own the staple U.S.A. flag leotard and somehow convince your mother that in order to be a notable gymnast your haircut has to resemble your hero’s. After all, if you look the part, surely you could have the same skill set? Duh.

It would be a long, hard road through self-discovery, but I was up for a challenge. I knew to be great, I had to keep the vision of determination. After all, if Mary Lou could do it, why couldn’t I? Marcie, don’t give up! Once that leotard is on, everything turns to magic.

Numerous events, several ribbons, trophies and a claim to being the youngest in the 956 (the Rio Grande Valley) to compete at regional levels later…well, that was enough love for me. But I never forgot the lessons learned from drive and determination, through extra hard work. Moral of my story is that success doesn’t come without challenges, but it’s how we get there despite setbacks and everyone that inspired us along our journey. Remember, dear reader, there’s a champion inside each and every one of us. If there’s not now, just find that one fabulous leotard and twirl around until you discover your wild spirit calling.

Meet Our Chef BLANCA ZESATI

A sourcing expert, Chef Blanca’s focus is on researching, sourcing, and incorporating organic De La Tierra dishes into Fonda San Miguel’s menu. She comes to the restaurant from Austin’s renowned Miraval Resort & Spa, where she spent eight years creating inventive menus for guests with dietary restrictions.

“I want to see how I can incorporate what I’ve learned over the course of my career with what I know about my family’s Mexican heritage and culture.”

Power Moves

In the world of athletics, women are taking lead roles as coaches, referees and more.

BY CY WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

3

For the 2022-2023 NFL season, there are three female football officials. This is up from two in the 2021-2022 season. The first female referee in the NFL was Sarah Thomas in 2015. In 2021, she became the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl. She returns for the 2022-2023 season, accompanied by Maia Chaka (who also officiated during the 2021-2022 season) and Robin DeLorenzo.

~43%

According to the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport’s annual Women in College Coaching Report Card, the percentage of women head coaches of NCAA D-I women’s teams in Select 7 conferences is 43.7%, and 43.4% for all NCAA D-I women’s teams. While this shows a steady increase in women head coaches for the past eight years (in Select 7 conferences), overall the number of women head coaches is down from 90% when Title IX was passed in 1972.

2020

In 2020, Kim Ng became the first woman and first person of East Asian descent to serve as general manager for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team when she took over as general manager for the Miami Marlins. Prior to her promotion, she served as the MLB’s vice president of baseball operations (20112020) and assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers (2002-2011).

Austin’s Only Women-Focused Boxing Gym

• Girls’ Summer Camp

• Self-Defense Workshops

• Pathways to Competition

TWIN LIQUORS

Hook ’Em, Ladies!

Despite a shortage of women coaches, when we take the helm, we get results!

BY AUSTIN WOMAN

It’s no surprise that the number of women who coach professional or collegiate teams and athletes are few and far between. That being said, with the continued efforts of college sports organizations, nationally, the number of coaches in certain sports has increased. In a report compiled by Jenn Hatfield of High Post Hoops, 222 head coaches in women’s college basketball are female, making up about 63% of the league. This is the highest percentage since the 2010-11 season. At the professional level, in the 2022 NFL season, there were 15 female coaches; the NBA has also had 15 women as assistant coaches in its history. In Austin, the list of female coaches, while minimal, has garnered some exceptional results.

FEMALE COACHES

Compiled by Georgia Valles

Elena Lovato, UT Women’s Basketball associate head coach

In 2001, Elena Lovato played for the Puerto Rican Women’s Basketball League. Since then, she has played and coached many women in states like Mississippi and New Mexico. When she came to Texas, UT Austin’s women’s basketball team had their minds set on her. After a brief break to spend time with her dad in his “golden years,” Lovato has returned to UT for her second season as associate coach. Recently, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches named Lovato the Division I Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year for her efforts to get the Longhorns to a 26-10 overall record. The university and its players have greatly acknowledged her passion for coaching the women of the UT basketball team. Her players, both of previous years and newcomers, erupted in celebration of her return to UT.

Carol Capitani, UT Women’s Swimming and Diving coach

An English major turned star women’s swimming and diving coach, Carol Capitani is loved by many. Leading the Longhorns Women’s Swimming and Diving team to a runner-up finish at the 2022 NCAA Championship, Capitani has a lifetime of experience in the pool. Recently completing her 10th season as head coach of the Longhorns, Capitani has led the women’s team to multiple championships and awards. She has attracted athletes who have uprooted their lives to train with her, including Olympian Leah Smith. This summer, Capitani is head women’s coach in Japan at the World Aquatics Championships. Her position in a World Championship will be the first time a woman has been selected as head coach of a U.S. team since the 2012 Olympics.

Brieanna Spears, Austin Valkyries head coach

A rugby player for half her life, Brieanna Spears is leading the Austin Valkyries as head coach. As a player turned coach, Spears knows of the hard work her players put into their game. She likes to focus on the smaller details while encouraging the premiere women’s rugby club to grow as players and people. The nonprofit club started in 1991, and now as head coach, Spears hopes to expand women’s rugby in Austin. Her passion and knowledge of rugby helps new players succeed in their dedication to the sport. When not on the field, she can be found playing with her bulldogs at home.

Kate Golden, UT Women’s Golf associate head coach

Added to the UT Austin 2022 Hall of Honor, former Longhorn Kate Golden paved the way for women in golf at UT Austin. She is in her 13th season on the university’s coaching staff, training some of their best female golfers. Golden started golfing at the age of 12, playing around clubs in Austin, before settling in at UT. After college, she played for 18 years on the LPGA tour, where she had more than 30 appearances in major championships. As a coach, she hopes her players are appreciative of what they learned from her and her fun, bubbly personality everyone loves. “Kate,” as her UT family calls her, is the embodiment of a lifetime Longhorn.

Photos courtesy of UT Athletics.

Unwavering Focus

Pickleball pro Lea Jansen is set on her goal…and the gold.

BY HALEY NOBLE

For professional pickleball player Lea Jansen, what started out as a side interest has become a part of who she is and how she builds her day-to-day life. To her, the world of pickleball is much more complex than can be seen by an outsider.

“We play 30 weekends out of the year and, on our off weekends, we’re training,” Jansen says. “We’re kind of all workaholics, and I don’t think a lot of people understand that. It’s an all-year, everyday thing.”

Jansen was simply looking for a hobby, after working as an accountant and going through a breakup. She had played several sports throughout high school and went on to play tennis at Washington State University, so she was definitely no stranger to athletics. As pickleball began to circulate around the country, Jansen started playing and was quickly swept off her feet.

“I was shocked by how much I fell in love with the sport,” said Jansen. “Pretty much after my first tournament, I was hooked. I went in for an opportunity, but I definitely stayed just because I loved the sport.”

Jansen has since risen to the top and is among the best players of pickleball in the country. In her time with the sport, she has trained for endless hours and competed all across the U.S. Jansen is now ranked second for women’s singles and fourth for women’s doubles.

“It’s kind of been a whirlwind,” she says. “It’s been three straight years of going from city to city, but it’s been a lot of fun.”

In the midst of training and playing weekly, Jansen knows that while her career as a player is only beginning, pickleball certainly has a place in her future.

“I want to have some sort of a leg in pickleball as it begins to grow,” she says. “I study this game a lot, and I want to leave my mark on it because I really am a big student of the game.”

THE MORNING: “I’m up by 7 a.m., try to do some stretching, go for my morning walk and get a good breakfast in. I get to the courts two hours early, and I’ll do my dynamic warm-up and make sure I have everything I need.”

THE TRAINING: “Preparation is huge in this sport. I’ll train for five to six days a week. I’ll go for a run, since I’m trying to get my cardio up. I’ll go do a practice, then eye exercises I’ve been working on for my vision. Then I’ll do serve, footwork or groundstroke work. So, it actually turns out to be an eight- to 10-hour training day.”

THE TOURNAMENT: “I’ll play for 10 to 12 hours and make sure I have meals throughout the day. In between [matches], I’ll just try to stay loose, stretch, but you’re really just going from match to match. If the day goes well, you’re there all day.”

THE MOTIVATION: “I’m extremely competitive, and that’s kind of what I’m known for. My motivation is I just want to win every match, and if I’m there, I’m pretty locked in. But staying in [the zone], I think is off-court training. It’s how long you can concentrate, how long you’ve pushed your body. So it’s a lot of stuff that’s been ingrained into you.”

THE EVENING: “After I’m done, I’ll stretch and go eat. I try to do a winding down where I’ll call a friend or watch a movie. Then I’ll sleep and wake up to do it all over again.”

THE BALANCE: “After every tournament, I force myself to take two to three days off and not think about [pickleball]. This year, I’ve made a huge emphasis on this not being my self-worth. A huge thing for me is making sure my social groups have nothing to do with pickleball, otherwise, you can get stuck in it. I’ve been trying to create a life outside of it.”

Photo courtesy of Lea Jansen.

Smells Like Team Spirit

Kelly Zhao shares the four most important lessons that she has learned this past year as the captain and president of the UT Austin club table tennis team.

BY TESS HARMON

In her first year as the captain of the UT Austin table tennis team, Kelly Zhao brought more than 10 years of experience and her dedication to the sport as she discovered what it takes to lead a collegiate-level team. Zhao started playing table tennis at 7 years old after watching her father and peers have fun with the sport. By the time she was in high school, Zhao was playing at a competitive level. Though she moved to Dallas as a child, Zhao is a Canadian citizen and in 2015, joined the Canadian National Team, for which she played until 2020.

Now entering into her third year at UT, Zhao has been playing for the university’s club table tennis team since her freshman year and was the team’s captain this past year. Zhao led the team through divisionals, regionals and nationals, all the way to the round of 16 of the national tournament.

In her role as captain, Zhao learned a lot from a new leadership position within a sport that she already knew so well. Zhao shares the four most important lessons that she learned while leading a successful collegiate club table tennis team.

STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

There are two sides to my role: I’m captain and also the president of the club. There are a lot of administrative tasks involved and outreach, such as talking to team members and making sure they are enjoying their time. I have to figure out how to get the team to and from competitions, book a hotel, get us food, arrange the schedule and ensure that the team is having a good time. I don’t naturally take on leadership positions, and I usually let other people make decisions. I think this last year was really important for me to accept these new responsibilities.

FAILURE AND MISTAKES ARE NECESSARY.

Especially early on when I started in this role, I was unsure and I made a couple of mistakes. These were mostly on the administrative side and doing outreach for the club. But I think it was necessary for me. By nationals, I was a lot more comfortable in the position, and mistakes happen. In our club, there were other officers to help

me, which was important in doing outreach and getting information to members. I did a lot of the work on the tournament side of things and made a lot of mistakes at the beginning, but I got the hang of it by the end of the year.

FIND A BALANCE.

This past year, I was balancing sports, school and my own extracurricular activities. I study neuroscience, which has a heavy workload, so I had to choose my priorities. I would always prioritize tournaments and special events. I would preplan those weekends to ensure I had no other responsibilities so that I could fully dedicate myself. On normal days during the school year, I would put my studies first because the classes that I was taking last year were especially hard. So, if I had an upcoming test that I really needed to study for, I would have the other officers go to the practices. That actually taught me a lot, and I made sure that I wasn’t overwhelmed. Creating a schedule is really helpful. Whenever I felt that the club was taking up too much time, I would delegate to the other officers and take a step back to gather myself.

CULTIVATE TEAM SPIRIT.

Even though table tennis is typically an individual sport, there is still a lot of team spirit involved in college sports since we’re all playing as a team. There are some tournaments where members will play by themselves and the others won’t watch, and it feels like they’re not as much of a team. In those situations, the mood is not as good and players don’t do as well, versus when all of us are together, we stay together and we cheer for each other. We just have a lot more team spirit, and the players are a lot more eager to play, not just for themselves but also for our team. I notice it with other schools too; all of the best schools in the U.S. fight for each other, push each other and cheer for each other. As captain, I get people together to watch and cheer for our teammates. Since we’ve all practiced together, everyone is really close.

Photo by Grant Bergmann.

Round Rockʼs Rugby Rage!

Meet the incredible women of Round Rock Rage, an inclusive rugby team who fights “with you.”

BY HALEY NOBLE

“It’s on the pitch that this mentality is developed. We’re all together, we play as a team and not individuals, we play for the people beside us. All of that comes off the pitch into this community. If someone needs a ride to the airport, someone will take them. If you need help moving, somebody will be there. If you need a drink after work, somebody will go with you.

—Kayla Davis

POSITION: HOOKER

We all have this one thing in common that we devote time to and that we really love and it’s so great that we’re able to foster this environment.

“—Lauren Moore

POSITION: FLANKER

MEGAN ADKINS

POSITION: INSIDE CENTER

ACACIA ATWATER

POSITION: UTILITY

GEORGIE BECKENDORF

POSITION: HOOKER

SARAH "BIGGIE"

DICKERSON

POSITION: HOOKER, SCRUMHALF

CHARLIE ERICKSON

POSITION: WING

SABRINA FULLER

POSITION: WING

ABBY HIGGINS

POSITION: FLYHALF

KRIS KARSTEN (HE/HIM)

POSITION: BACKS COACH/ SCRUMHALF

IRELAND PELLETIER

POSITION: #8

LISA PORTER

POSITION: OUTSIDE CENTER

LIZ RESNICK

POSITION: PROP

JASMINE SKAGGS

POSITION: UTILITY BACK

RACHEL STEUBS

POSITION: OUTSIDE CENTER

RACHEL VANHARTLEY

POSITION: LOCK

CHOE JEWELL

POSITION: LOCK

Free Summer Fun

Austin has a host of cultural and exciting family-friendly experiences for free.

BY JENNY HOFF

For parents, summer is arguably the most expensive and financially stressful season of the year. Camps range from $250 to $500 per week per child; overnight camps are triple that amount; flights for vacation have gotten pricier; credit points have been diluted, and it seems that even going out to grab an ice cream can set a family of four back $50. For a single parent or a family living on a tight budget, what should be the most laid-back time of year is one that can leave someone in the red by the time school comes back in session.

But it is possible to experience the magic of summer without having to break the bank for every activity. There are many incredible experiences that are 100% free for the family to enjoy, and they are full of culture, fun and great talent.

If you’re a fan of high-caliber musical theater, you are lucky to have a couple of options to see incredible performances in the great outdoors for free. Magnolia Musical Theatre, based in Bee Cave, Texas, will be putting on its inaugural Broadway-style musical on a grand stage in the Hill Country Galleria starting on July 19 and lasting until Aug. 13. Wednesday through Sunday nights starting at 8 p.m., Belle, Gaston, the Beast and all the other lovable characters will take the stage and perform Disney’s classic version of Beauty and the Beast for the public. Attendees do not need to register, but are encouraged to get there a bit early to get a spot on the lawn. Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks and drinks and enjoy a glorious evening out without having to even pay for parking. The founder of the Magnolia Musical Theatre was the former executive artistic director for Zilker Theatre Productions, so you know the show will be fantastic.

Speaking of Zilker Theatre Productions, you can also enjoy a wonderful free musical on the Hillside at Zilker Park this summer between July 7 and Aug. 12, Thursday through Sunday at 8:15 p.m. The beloved Roald Dahl story Matilda will come to life on the Zilker Hillside stage for all to enjoy, and once again all you need to bring is a blanket

and whatever snacks you’ll want while watching the show. The professionalism of these shows truly makes you feel like you’re watching a Broadway production, but they are all free and outside under a starry sky.

If you’re looking for Independence Day festivals, there will be plenty of opportunities to listen, dance and have fun for free at events around town. The H-E-B Austin Symphony Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks will be held at Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores). The pre-show starts at 5 p.m., and the symphonic concert and fireworks are scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. If you want to get out of the crowds of downtown for the holiday, head on over to the Hill Country Galleria for its annual Fourth of July celebration, including live music, free parking and plenty of food and fun to enjoy.

Additionally, your credit cards might have perks you don’t know about. For instance, Bank of America cardholders can gain free entry to a wide variety of museums on the first full weekend of every month. In Austin, both the Thinkery and Bob Bullock Texas History Museum are on the list.

Other places to search for free activities in Austin include Austin.com and Do512.com.

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

MICHAL ANN MORRISON

MICHAL MORRISON, INC. |

FOUNDER

AND PRESIDENT

Michal Ann Morrison is the founder of Genesis Molecular Technologies—a biotechnology R&D company— and Michal Morrison, Inc.—a skincare company rooted in 25 years of research in stem cell science. Working with the patented molecule βSTEM6, her company is poised to revolutionize the beauty industry by developing performance-driven skincare with proprietary technology that delivers proven results based on the most recent advances in science. As a survivor of a traumatic brain Injury in 2016, Morrison has become a passionate advocate for building inclusive work environments and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. She firmly believes that businesses have a role to play in the fight for social change and has established a social impact partnership with One Mind, an organization catalyzing innovative brain health research. A former archaeologist, Morrison has conducted fieldwork in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and around the United States.

michalmorrison.com

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

PATTY FOUGERAT

TEXAS CAPITAL BANK | MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARKET TEAM LEAD-AUSTIN BUSINESS BANKING

Patty Fougerat serves as Texas Capital Bank’s managing director and market team lead on their Austin Business Banking Team. Previously, Fougerat spent 21 years on both Wells Fargo’s securities and government and institutional banking teams. She managed a multiregional portfolio to deliver a comprehensive financial solution package to help organizations operate efficiently and effectively. Prior to Wells Fargo, Fougerat served on Key Bank’s fixed income team, where she assisted financial institutions with their medium- to long-term investment strategies. She is active with several associations in Texas, including GTOT, GFOAT, TXWPF and TAC. She has also volunteered with the McCombs School of Business with mock interviews and as a panelist, as well as the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program. She is a graduate of the UCLA College of Business Latino Leadership Program and holds her Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. Fougerat received a Bachelor of Applied Learning and Development at the UT Austin.

texascapitalbank.com

Title IX Through the Years

Take a stroll through the history of Title IX.

COMPILED BY HALEY NOBLE

June 23, 1972

Title IX of the Civil Rights Act is signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

1972

The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) has its first full academic year of operation.

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

—President Richard Nixon

Photo by W.K. Leffler, retrieved from the Library of Congress.

1975

Donna Lopiano becomes the first director of Women’s Athletics at the UT Austin, and shortly after, she publicly opposes a proposed amendment to Title IX that certain sports, like football, would be exempt from Title IX regulations.

1979

As a result of Title IX, ESPN begins broadcasting intercollegiate women basketball.

1980

AIAW’s dismantling begins and is replaced by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The women’s athletic department at UT disagrees with the dismantle, with concern that the NCAA cared more about profiting from student athletes than the athletes themselves.

1988

Title IX application is made mandatory for any school that receives federal funding.

1992

Seven female athletes sue the UT Austin for failure to comply with Title IX. Jody Conradt, executive director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, made progress in settling the lawsuits by adding three more sports teams for women: softball, soccer and rowing.

1993

Jody Conradt becomes the athletic director of Women’s Athletics at UT. In May, UT settles all lawsuits previously filed for issues related to Title IX.

1999

UT is ranked as one of the top three colleges for women’s athletics by Sports Illustrated

2020

Amendments to Title IX take effect, mostly concerning sexual harassment.

2023

As of the writing of this timeline, Gov. Greg Abbot signed House Bill 25, which states that K-12 students who participate in interscholastic competition can only play on teams in accordance with the sex listed on their official birth certificate, and Senate Bill 15, which expands that restriction to collegiate sports. These laws directly challenge President Joe Biden’s interpretation of Title IX, prohibiting schools from following Biden’s interpretation.

On the Field /

OFF the Field

BY JENNY HOFF & CY WHITE

PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

HAIR BY MICHAEL DUNN OF DECO BLUE SALON. MAKEUP BY ADELA TOUVELL OF KISS N’ MAKEUP.

Sports are always about the whole team, whether on the field or at the corporate level.

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE Q2 STADIUM.

(l to r) Katie Reed, Amanda Linsberger, Perri Travillion, Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, Erin Webb, Alison Roscoe, Rachelle D’Amico

STYLING FOR ALISON ROSCOE: JEWELRY BY KENDRA SCOTT; CLOTHES BY ESTILO.

THE WOMEN BEHIND YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS THE WOMEN BEHIND YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS

Building partnerships makes sports a reality.

BY JENNY HOFF

GIVING AN IDEA A NAME

Just a few years ago, Austin had no major league sports team, no soccer stadium, no immediately distinguishable team colors other than burnt orange.

Today, it seems like the Q2 stadium and the verde jerseys have always been a part of Austin’s fabric.

That’s due in no small part to Alison Roscoe, senior vice president of corporate partnerships for Austin FC, who took the job in 2019, when this was all just an idea, and helped it become a reality. Q2 is a digital banking platform with more than 20 million users and in a tech hub like Austin, is a familiar name and industry, representing what the city is becoming. On each green jersey, the Yeti logo stands out, a cult brand for sports and outdoors enthusiasts, born and headquartered in Austin.

“Working in sports, to say you were part of building a professional sports team and building a brand-new stadium in a city like Austin is pretty cool,” says Roscoe. “To be there from the ground up is amazing.”

A soccer enthusiast and former player herself, Roscoe moved to Austin in 2019, unable to resist the opportunity to help create a legacy like Austin’s first major sports team. With a planned opening date of early summer 2021, she had her work cut out for her, finding the right sponsors and building both corporate and community relationships.

“Working in sports in general is long hours; it’s seven days a week,” she says. “Leading into opening the building, it was busy. Are we going to hit deadlines, have the name of Q2 up in time? But I get to look back and see I did this.”

And she did this while also navigating a global pandemic and becoming a first-time mom. Six weeks after she and her husband, Philip, found out she was pregnant, the world shut down due to Covid-19. While it threw the world into a tailspin, it also gave Alison a chance to work from home and focus on not just birthing a major league sports team, but also her now 2.5-year-old son, Easton.

Today, you’ll see Easton sporting his favorite Austin FC jersey, wearing his own credential and cheering the team on. Part of Roscoe’s job is working every game, and that means Easton gets to visit mommy’s work often. She says she’s never experienced anything but support from the organization.

“Easton comes to games with me, he comes to the office, and it’s accepted,” she says. “It’s showing other women in the industry it can be done. It’s hard; it's hard as hell. But you can do it.”

The very first game played on the field of Q2 stadium didn’t involve Austin FC or male soccer players at all. The U.S. national women’s soccer team took the field, packing the stadium and beating Nigeria 2-0. Alison says it was a proud moment to watch her soccer idols inaugurate the stadium she had worked so hard to bring to fruition.

Standing in the Q2 arena as players face off in the world’s most popular sport, the excitement is palpable. A sea of green, flags waving in the air, children and adults all coming together to cheer on what has become an inextricable part of the Austin fabric. For Roscoe, it’s those moments that remind her that what she has helped create is important and lasting.

“For me, it’s a continued sense of community,” she says. “It’s the generational excitement. It’s my son continuing to be a fan as he grows older and bringing his kids. To see that continue is very special. Hopefully we keep winning and bring championships.”

BUILDING BONDS OFF THE FIELD

Community is at the heart of Perri Travillion’s work. As Austin community investments senior manager, which is part of the impact team for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, she focuses on ensuring the sports organization’s goal of impacting the community even when the season is over.

“Our priorities are access, healing and belonging,” she says. “And we do the work both within and outside the organization.”

Travillion, a mom with two sons and a daughter, sees the unity that comes with sports as a model for the community at large, for the future her children are inheriting.

“When you walk through the door in a sports event, they don’t divide [you] into groups,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Democrat or Republican, woman or man. Once you’re in the arena, we just want our team to win. In that instance, we are more united than we are divided.”

Every day, Travillion gets to see that narrative play out when she helps create opportunities for kids in underprivileged communities to get a new basketball court, or she gives them access to camps and clinics as well as educational opportunities.

Within the organization, her group also focuses on ensuring the mental and physical health of the athletes. Life happens to everyone, even sports stars, and creating a safe environment where they can help athletes overcome personal difficulties, as well as professional ones, is integral to the success and heart of the team.

“What stands out for me is that when you work in team sports, you become a family,” she says. “Your sports organization becomes an extension of your family. There are players from years ago that still text me for Mother’s Day. I know when they get married and have babies. That tells me what we’re doing is affecting the lives of players.”

When Travillion joined what was then the Austin Toros in 2005 (the name was changed to Austin Spurs in 2014), she didn’t realize just how much of a family the organization would become. Like Roscoe, her children grew up at the games, meeting players and getting inspired by the athletes in the area. She grew as well, learning to wear many hats, which is needed in a minor sports league. The organization grew, too. When she joined there were far fewer women in the industry. Eighteen years later, she’s proud to see the diversity of people who make the success and excitement of professional sports a reality.

“When I started in 2005, I didn’t walk around and see people who looked like me,” she says. “To see Cynthia Marshall [chief executive officer of the Dallas Mavericks] in a CEO position is fantastic. There are lots of women of color in many sports who have taken leadership roles. It makes my heart happy to see not only women, but women of color taking on those leadership positions.”

Changes in leadership are happening not just off the field, but on the field too. In 2019, the Austin Spurs was the first team in the NBA G League that had the first all-female officiating crew. “We squared our shoulders and had a different level of pride in that game,” recalls Travillion.

Seeing change within the organization as she works for change outside of it has given Travillion hope that progress is possible, and sometimes all it needs to start is a ball and a court.

“The more we tell the story of how easy it is to walk in the door of an arena and pull in the same direction, hopefully the more we’ll recognize it’s not that difficult to continue pulling in the same direction when we leave.”

LOCATION: Q2 STADIUM

Q2 Stadium is a state-of-the art 20,738-seat, soccer-specific venue that features a natural grass playing surface and a signature canopy structure offering shade and coverage for all seats, while providing an unequaled event atmosphere. Approximately 30% of Q2 Stadium seats (6,000 seats) feature breathable mesh seating technology, making the stadium home to the most breathable mesh seats in a major league venue in the world. Q2 Stadium also features cutting-edge lighting capabilities as the first stadium in the world to install 100% of the field lighting system with tunable RGB LED lights. Q2 Stadium opened in June 2021, when Austin FC played its first MLS match at home on June 19 against the San Jose Earthquakes. Q2 Stadium received LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in November 2021, recognizing the commitment to sustainability undertaken in the stadium’s construction and design.”

10414 MC KALLA PLACE | AUSTINFC.COM/STADIUM

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What stands out for me is that when you work in team sports, you become a family.

Perri Travillion

RISE AS ONE RISE AS ONE

BY CY WHITE

The phoenix is a mythical creature. As one life cycle ends, the bird, proud in its bright red plumage, erupts into flame. A dramatic end to a dramatic life spanning across ages, lifetimes. Just as quickly as one cycle ends, however, another begins. From the ashes an elegant reincarnation lifts to the skies, feathers ablaze, spirit as restless and wild as the life lived before it. Though now a cliche, the myth nonetheless evokes a feeling of hope fostered by determination and the will to move forward.

The women who comprise Austin Rise FC, Austin’s only women’s semi-professional elite soccer team, took inspiration from this creature of lore, emblazoning not only their jerseys with the fire-red emblem, but deriving much of the inspiration for their name from that same inferno-laden beast.

“One of the first things that we did actually do, besides making the decision to start putting together [a team], was think about what that name was going to be to represent us,” says Katie Reed, the team’s marketing and branding lead. “We went through a number of different names. I think we ultimately landed on ‘Rise.’ It became one of the top runners right away. Something that was super important to us was it needed to be catchy and easy for the town to remember, but it needed to represent who we were and who we can, where we came from. The word ‘rise’ is representative of our story, of where we came from.

“Coming from a situation that was honestly just horrible, Austin women’s soccer was left without an opportunity for high-level play,” she continues. “It was no fault of our own. So being able to take that situation and turn it into something really positive and, so to speak, rise out of it, was pretty cool. To incorporate that into our name in a way that was kind of literal, but also it’s so much more than that, was kind of cool for us. It has a bit of a limitless future for us as well.”

IT’S ABOUT THE FUTURE

Theirs is a story built on great triumph culminating in disappointment. After misconduct charges were laid against the owner of their former team, Austin Elite FC (previously the only women’s soccer team in Austin), the team was disbanded, and the women who made up Austin Elite were left adrift in a sea of uncertainty. However, much like the bird of their namesake, five players and their coach rose from the ashes of their disappointment to once again set to the proverbial skies.

Now it’s all about the future. No longer are they burdened by the missteps of the past, hidden in the shadow of one man’s actions. Austin FC’s finance wizard Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul no longer holds on to the heartache of an unfortunate circumstance. “Generally speaking, we’ve been trying to move away from continuing to rehash the past, instead, just focusing on just who we are and what we’re building.”

The women of Austin Rise FC have gone through the fire and emerged more passionate than ever.

Structurally, these women continue to defy the status quo by embracing the full weight of what it means to be a team. They aren’t an organization of individual “players,” as it happens. Their connection and ultimate organization goes much deeper. “All of us say [we’re] co-founders,” says Cyrtmus-Davaul. “It’s been quite the journey. We had a lot of support when our story came out. Austin Coed Soccer became a founding partner very early on. People with a lot of soccer experience were very helpful in connecting us with the right people, sharing their knowledge, just to help get us on that path of how can we, a group of five players, form our own club. It became very special because we’re wholly women owned, and that’s just so rare to find across our league. It’s something we take a lot of pride in, just in what we’ve been able to do.”

That sense of absolute teamwork extends to their interactions with the press, or at least during this interview. Each woman has a voice, but it’s one that rises in support of the team. They each wait patiently for someone else to answer a question when prompted, none wanting to speak for the team, but rather, wanting to be a collective voice in agreement. It’s an interesting dynamic to behold, this desire to ensure the team is represented honestly and without overemphasis on one person.

It’s also telling that each co-founder can measure their experiences against those of the entire team. After all, they’ve all been a part of this sport for practically all of their lives. All five of them were heavily involved in sports from elementary school, and all had stellar college careers, two of them as four-year starters. Naturally, this does change the way each of them interacts with the sport itself.

ATHLETES VS. AGE

Erin Webb, the team’s technical advisor, recounts her first major injury at the semi-pro level, a torn Achilles tendon. It brought into perspective the athlete’s shelf life, something that might have taken root subconsciously, but never seemed to be at the forefront of her thoughts as a player. “I tore my Achilles in February,” she reveals. “It’s kind of weird for me trying to process going through my first ever injury post-high school, post-college. One thing I’ve noticed with me getting older is playing smarter, playing so you don’t have to, quote unquote, ‘run as much’ or not waste your energy. It just gives you an appreciation for the style of play you see from the older players, the younger players. It makes you appreciate it more, how far you’ve come.”

It’s no secret that every athlete has a limited amount of time to play at the peak of their talents and, perhaps more pertinently, their physical capabilities. While we do witness the occasional unicorn (Serena Williams, who retired last year at age 40; Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina, who just competed in her eighth Olympics at age 46; and basketball player Sue Bird, who won her fifth gold medal at 40), it’s a natural fact the body begins to lose its ability to recover from strenuous physical activity starting around the age of 35, when it begins to lose muscle mass at a rate of 1% every year. Further, the amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise decreases by 10% in our 40s and steadily declines with each decade.

Each woman on Austin Rise has had to deal with serious injuries. For instance, Amanda Lisberger, the team’s co-captain and equipment manager, has undergone four knee surgeries following several injuries, including a torn ACL that saw her end her collegiate soccer career halfway through her senior year at UT Austin. Though any one of these injuries could have proven devastating, just like the team’s phoenix, she and her teammates didn’t let it keep them down for too long. In fact, it seems to have catalyzed them to pour into Austin Rise FC as a club supporting other athletes in their pursuit of their own dreams of elite sportsmanship.

“I’m 30; I just had my third child, so I’m well aware I’m probably on my way out of playing semi-pro soccer,” Rachelle D’Amico, another team technical advisor and lead of game-day operations, says. “But standing on the sidelines and getting to coach a bit and help the players and teach them new things about the game from a more tactical standpoint, it’s fun. And understanding my role is going to change. I might not be a starter anymore; I might just get a few minutes each game, but I still get the ability to go to practice and push those players. I get to go to practice with D1 soccer players and make them better and help them go pro. It gives us a platform to share our knowledge. Even though I’m a mom of three kids, I still get to hang with D1 athletes and help them go pro overseas, if that’s what they want. That’s another part that’s cool about semi-pro: You just never know what group of ladies is gonna show up and where it’s gonna go.” There’s a notable brightness to her tone when she speaks of the ability to help the generations coming up. Something in her voice captures the same enthusiasm in her team.

USHERING IN THE FUTURE

“It’s not really just about Austin Rise,” Reed insists. “It’s about helping those people achieve their dreams who want to take it to the next level or whatever they’re there for. Some women are there to literally just play semi-pro, and that’s great too. They want to be the best they can, and that allows them to still play at the level they want to play but then have the opportunities outside of soccer that they’re trying to pursue. I think the most special thing now is being a part of helping everyone achieve what it is that their goals are, on and off the field.”

Much like their past, part of that future includes confronting the aspects of the sport that, yet again, they have no control over. As we enter the 51st year of Title IX, the stakes couldn’t be higher for those who wish to dedicate their lives to sport, if not at least participate as a means of expression. As of the writing of this article, Gov. Abbott has signed a law banning trans athletes from competing in collegiate sports. As a trans athlete herself, Cyrtmus-Davaul has diligently defended her right and the right of other trans athletes to compete.

“I actually had just gone to the Capitol a couple of weeks ago to speak against SB 15, which is [a bill] to ban trans athletes from participating in sports of the gender which they identify, in Texas, up to the collegiate level. The biggest challenge is really just misinformation and understanding. Even the NCAA, they’ve already changed their guidelines and basically said, ‘Hey, we’re just going to defer to what the national governing bodies do for each sport.’ A ‘one size fits all’ approach for every sport just does not work at all.”

Ageism, transphobia and the ever-eminent presence of potentially career-ending injuries abound. However, the women on this team are

made of sterner stuff. At this point in their athletic careers, it’s not about being the best individual. It is, and ultimately always has been, about how to best support the team and, in this case, the organization—how to move forward and ensure that everyone involved is ready to push themselves to their absolute best.

“If you’re newer on the team, or maybe you’re not the best level, that doesn’t matter,” Webb says. “[What matters is] finding your voice on the team. I think that’s something I’ve learned from being on a team. That’s helped in my personal life as well. Being on a team just helps you grow as a leader. Also, when it comes to being a leader, mentoring others to keep that chain going of them becoming leaders as well, creating the future leaders. Something I’ve learned about myself is that you don’t have to be traditional with it either. Just run with it and kind of do it however you want to.”

More than anything, they’ve all come to understand that no one player is bigger than the team. “We just talked about this as founders,” D’Amico adds. “When I was younger, I always wanted to be captain; I wanted to win the scoring goal; I wanted to take a penalty kick. I wanted the glory for myself. The older I’ve gotten, and being on these teams, I don’t really care about that. I actually do not want to be captain, I do not want to be the center. I just want to come in, do my job and watch the team succeed. I get to go to practice and push other people to be better, and that sense of community is one thing I’ve gotten out of it. We’re friends. I get to go and have my people, and I get to play the game that I love with my people.”

Lisberger notes the sacrifices to ego in order to ensure the team has everything it needs to succeed. “As a younger kid, I felt like it was all about, not necessarily me, but it was like I wanted to win at all

What is your “get hype” anthem?

AMANDA LINSBERGER: I’m really nontraditional in terms of the music that hypes me up. I like songs I know the lyrics to, so I could probably sing along to every single Blink 182 song ever created. That was my jam back in the day, and to this day, I still listen to all their songs. It’s one of those things where I hear them, and I’m just like, “Hell yeah!”

BETHANY CYRTMUS-DAVAUL: I actually like Taylor Swift a lot. But then I also like some just instrumental music, only because sometimes music with words gets me too hype. It’s got to be the sweet spot for energy. There’s a song called “The Beginning” by Factor Eight. Or Alicia Keys “Girl on Fire.”

KATIE REED: My mind changes all the time. It’s whatever I’m feeling in the moment. But at the moment, I came across a song that I used to listen to a lot and love, and I was like, “Oh, damn, where did this go?”

“Pursuit of Happiness,” but the remix with Steve Aoki. So Kid Cudi and Steve Aoki. It has a nice little build to it. Good energy.

RACHELLE D’AMICO: Pitbull every time. I’m feeling good right as I pull into the field. Yeah, that’s a win for sure.

ERIN WEBB: For me, it’s like the classics. The song “We Ready.” That’s like the typical hype song. That always gets me going.

costs. As I’ve gotten older, helping to create this team, it’s also about the sacrifices that we’ve all made for each other. As a team, as founders, I feel like we’re making these sacrifices that maybe when we were younger, we may not have wanted to or necessarily even tried to make. We’ve realized that we’re building this foundation for these other players so they can play on a team that has the support from the community, the founders, and they know that there will always be a place for them to play.”

This is what carries this elite team of athletes, warriors, fighters to give their all every single day. From the ashes they emerge, feathers burning bright red, passion emblazoned like hot embers on their sleeves. With an eye ever toward the future, they rise as one.

To learn more about each member’s individual successes, Cyrtmus-Davaull’s experience as a trans athlete speaking out against SB 15 and more, read the full article at atxwoman.com.

50 YEARS OF TITLE IX: Improvement for Future Generations

In the 50 years since Title IX was created, there have been many positive strides, but there’s still work to be done.

BY KAITLYN WILKES

Trigger Warning: This story contains discussion of sexual assault, harassment and discrimination.

Afew years after Abbie Hillis graduated from Texas A&M, a group of women on A&M’s board of directors sent her a letter claiming the chancellor created a hostile work environment and was sexually harassing them.

Hillis presented the letter to the governor. Sitting across from a representative of the governor’s office, they slid the letter over, and as he read the letter, his face turned red.

“He covers his hands over his face, doesn’t speak to us for a solid couple of minutes. Then he looks up and goes, ‘How’d you get a copy of this?’ We didn’t want to explain because it was people who were silently supporting us at the back end. He said, ‘I’m going to make sure that I submit this to our attorneys.’”

This story, among others, is exactly why Hillis co-founded The 12th Woman as a student at Texas A&M. She saw firsthand how the administration mishandled Title IX cases for female athletes and students. Having experienced her own struggles with Title IX, Hillis co-founded The 12th Woman to advocate for the rights of female students on campus under the law.

“When we finally demanded a seat at the table…we were winked at by the men sitting [across from us],” she says. “We were offered field tickets; we were also offered front row tickets to Reveille VII’s funeral as a way to get us to shut up and groom us.”

Hillis’ story is one in hundreds that illustrate both the benefits and pitfalls of Title IX since its implementation 50 years ago.

If people are interested in learning more about Title IX and its protection, visit The Office of Civil Rights webpage about Title IX and Sex Discrimination.

50 YEARS OF WORK

Title IX, a section of the 14th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, was signed into law as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. Overseen and enforced by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Title IX states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

According to the Department of Education, Title IX not only applies to schools, but also state and local educational agencies that receive federal funding. As of 2021, this included over 5,000 postsecondary institutions, charter schools and for-profit schools, museums, libraries and 17,600 local school districts.

Fifty years after the creation of Title IX, advocates like Hillis, who now works at Texas Advocacy Project, a nonprofit providing free legal services and access to the justice system for victims of abuse, and Darlene Gordon, former acting director of athletics at the University of Massachusetts Boston, are championing the continued growth of the law and the protection it provides.

Per Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), since 1972, there has been a significant increase in the number of women who are involved in sports.

According to WSF, there are 3 million additional high school sport opportunities for girls than there were before Title IX, with 60% of girls in high school participating in high school sports. Today in the NCAA, 44% of all athletes are women. Of that 44%, 30% are white women and 14% are BIPOC women. In leadership positions, 41% of women’s NCAA teams also had female head coaches in the 2020-2021 school year. Despite the notable increase of women represented in sports compared to 1972, there is still a significant sports gender gap and a lack of representation of women of color.

In addition to added female representation in sports, it is now a requirement for all universities and colleges to have a Title IX office on campus where students can report violations, including sexual discrimination. The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education remarks that in recent years, there has been significant work on college campuses across the U.S. to create “fair and equitable processes to resolve Title IX cases.” Additionally, there has been more education, prevention efforts and an increase in services and support for victims of sexual discrimination.

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In recent years, there has been significant work on college campuses across the U.S. to create fair and equitable processes to resolve Title IX cases.

The Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

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I’m an outspoken survivor, so that’s primarily the first reason why [I’m involved with Title IX].

Abbie Hillis

Photo courtesy of Abbie Hillis.

AAbbott signed the Texas six-week abortion ban into law. When preparing what to say to her graduating class, Smith knew she had a platform to make her voice heard. After a powerful demand for action, Smith’s speech reached not only her fellow graduates and their families, but international headlines.

Now a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, Smith is one of many young women in Austin who are fighting for change and speaking out about a variety of issues, such as women’s rights, voting rights and gun control. A few of the Gen Z and millennial women who are taking up the torch in Austin activism share their

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE DRIVES MOTIVATION

Hillis and Gordon have made careers out of advocating and improving Title IX. Hillis used her childhood experience in gymnastics and time at A&M to be a champion for victims of sexual discrimination.

“I’m an outspoken survivor, so that’s primarily the first reason why [I’m involved with Title IX],” Hillis says. “I was a competitive athlete in the sport of gymnastics and was heavily involved with USA Gymnastics. When the Larry Nasser case exploded back in 2017, 2018, there was a lot that came to fruition from all of that. That was kind of the start of it all.”

When Hillis was 10 years old, she spent more days of the week at gymnastics than she did at school. She recalls that although her coach never raped anyone, he still sexually assaulted and harrassed multiple members of the team, including her. With 19 former teammates, they filed a case against their former coach with the United States Center for SafeSport. Their case was based on their experiences and the knowledge that while their coach did this for 40 years, the owners of the gym knew about his conduct and never did anything.

Then on Sept. 22, 2020, there was a security breach at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, of which they did not inform their clients.

“These are very intimate interviews that were being recorded that they have access to,” Hillis says. “They were not HIPAA compliant,

and they ended up firing that entire external firm that was providing additional investigators. That was their way of blaming it on that firm, saying, ‘It’s because we had outsiders.’ It’s my understanding that each investigator right now has between two and 300 cases, which is unmanageable per one person as it is anyway. We opened this in July 2020. Our case is still open and is ongoing.”

ADVOCATES PUSH FOR MORE

As a former athletic administrator, Gordon uses her experience in sports to ensure her teams are Title IX compliant and to champion for more diversity and equity on and off the field.

“For me, it has become kind of my rallying cry,” she says. “I want to lock arms with people who want to make that kind of change. It’s just so disrespectful to me that these are the kinds of things we are dealing with. When you kind of go back into Title IX history, at one point, the NCAA didn’t even have women’s sports.”

Even though there have been many accomplishments in the last 50 years, Hillis and Gordon insist there is still room for improvement. The pair use their respective experiences to work to increase funding, diversity, access to information and create one place for people to go for resources and help.

Photo courtesy of Texas Legacy Support Network.

President Regan hosts the UT NCAA women’s basketball championship team in 1986.

“Ninety percent of all colleges and universities are not even Title IX compliant,” Gordon says. “The Office of Civil Rights is the office that actually is overseeing all of this, and they are woefully, woefully underfunded.”

“Funding is a huge issue across the board,” Hillis adds. “[It] doesn’t matter whether it’s K-12. Doesn’t matter if it’s collegiate. The funding is an issue; it’s not being prioritized.”

Hillis recognizes the privilege that she has as a young white woman and wants to use the platform she has been given to speak up for those whose voices have been silenced.

“If I don’t use [my privilege] to speak up for children, and to speak up for people of color, and use it to speak up for people with disabilities, then I don’t feel like I am using my privilege to its full capacity, and it’s not exactly fair,” Hillis says. “I know it’s a lot of stress to put on someone and put on yourself, right? But I think if more women recognize their privilege and their platform to speak on behalf of others that maybe don’t have it, it would be monumental in making this change happen in a positive way.”

Gordon suggests that institutions that are not compliant with Title IX have some of their federal funding pulled. This provision is in place to keep institutions accountable, but is rarely used in actuality. Gordon recommends giving the money pulled from noncompliant institutions to the Office of Civil Rights, providing them the resources to work on their backlog of cases.

“The money is the missing piece that gets everyone’s attention, and there’s a zero-tolerance environment around this entire discussion. We’re not going to see any huge successes and huge wins happen, for females, for sexual assault, for any of that. It’s not going to happen until there’s the money speaking.”

In order to create these changes within Title IX, Gordon and Hillis talk on panels about Title IX and provide insight into investigations to give more education and create discussions about accountability, providing consistent processes and procedures, support, diversity and equity for all levels of education and club sports.

“The beautiful thing about Title IX is it should be bipartisan; it should be something that everyone supports,” Hillis says. “It’s shocking that it’s not always that way, especially in terms of just providing a quality to humans. It doesn’t matter what our color is, it doesn’t matter what our sex is, any of that. On a basic level, we’re all human, and we deserve access to the same things. But I think until it is a cool political thing to stand up for, it’s not really going to get the funding politically that it needs.

“I do think that in the 50 years since Title IX was created, there’s a lot of greatness that has come from it,” Hillis insists. “But it’s been tiny, little stepping stones. It may only impact a small group of people or one person, but there’s a ripple effect that can happen from that.”

FORWARD WITH HOPE

“What I hope happens is that as women, we begin to do a better job of standing together,” Gordon says. “Title IX talks about all women, and if we’re saying all women, then there shouldn’t really be a disparity in who’s getting access to anything. If it’s a disparity at the college level, it’s probably a disparity in the K-12 level. How do we fix that? We all stand together. I think if we lock arms together, there’s nothing we can’t do as a gender.”

To find out more about Abbie Hillis’ personal experience as an athlete, and Title IX in K-12, read the full story at atxwoman.com.

Photo courtesy of Texas Legacy Support Network.

UT Women’s Basketball 1978

I want to lock arms with people who want to make that kind of change. It’s just so disrespectful to me that these are the kinds of things we are dealing with. When you kind of go back into Title IX history, at one point, the NCAA didn’t even have women’s sports.

Gordon

Darlene

Photo courtesy of Darlene Gordon.

The Mind of an Athlete: The Impact of Societal Norms and Biases

Dr. Shonté Jovan Taylor dives into the psychology of women in sports.

BY SHONTÉ JOVAN TAYLOR, MS(C)C, PH.D.(C)

Summertime is here, which means summer sports!

As we celebrate 50 years of Title IX, we acknowledge its impact on empowering women in sports. This law revolutionized U.S. education by prohibiting sex discrimination in schools. It paved the way for women to enter historically maledominated professions, opening up access to funding and opportunities.

As we consider the gender gap in sports, it’s important to reflect on progress made and hurdles that remain. Data shows that women still face disparity in opportunities to compete equally with men, even among specific socio-economic or ethnic groups.

Examining how female athletes perceive their journey can offer insights into how it shapes their thoughts, decisions and behaviors.

Gender shapes perception, be it with athletes, coaches or in the corporate world. Biases, both conscious and unconscious, influence our views of women’s cognitive abilities. Such bias can impact athletes and coaches alike on psychological and cognitive levels.

Humans have innate needs that shape our behavior. Dr. David Rock’s S.C.A.R.F. MODEL identifies five domains that can evoke major threats and rewards in our psyche and brain. S.C.A.R.F. represents five universal desires driving us all: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness. Since the brain is five times more reactive to threats and losses than rewards, any threat to these needs can significantly activate our threat brain, hindering functions like decision-making and reasoning and focus

In male-dominated sports cultures, women adopt male mannerisms to improve status and social connections. This mimicking behavior has deep roots in our tribal past when surviving as a group was critical. Neuroscience reveals that social rejection is processed like physical pain in the brain, pushing us to avoid pain for good reason. However, when females conform to male norms, it affects the female brain, deviating from our distinct brain functions and undermining our authenticity. This ultimately limits our ability to leverage our strongest neural networks and talents. On average, females have a thicker prefrontal cortex that enables trend-spotting and problem-solving. They also excel in intuitive thinking, empathy and understanding nonverbal communication—all of which are desirable assets and superpowers, if you ask me.

According to the 2022 Women’s Sports Foundation Report, only 41% of women’s NCAA teams had female head coaches in 2020-2021, down from 90% in 1971. The situation for men’s NCAA teams is worse, with just a 6% female head coach representation. So while Title IX aimed to ensure equal opportunities for women in sports, the progress for scholarship opportunities, director and coach positions remain male-dominated, hindering equality.

These gaps in funding and leadership representation impact mindsets, leading to less perceived fairness and certainty, higher stress levels and diminished cognitive resources.

How can we take steps beyond Title IX to close these gaps for good?

MORE ALLIES AND ADVOCATES

We need trailblazers brave enough to face rejection and pave the way for others. Navigating talent in sports demands mental and emotional fortitude. For instance, my mother coaches young female golfers and advocates for their resources—like equipment and tournament fees— so they can focus on playing and honing their skills. It’s not easy, but her perseverance has led to success for her team.

MARKETING (RE)BRANDING CHANGES HEARTS AND MINDS

Redefining gender roles can counteract deep-seated biases that affect the decisions of men. Women may be unfairly judged due to assumptions about their capacity to handle executive or coaching roles. These biases could stem from uncertainties about the future for women, whereas men are often granted the benefit of the doubt. It’s crucial to tackle these negative stereotypes for the healthy career progression of women.

INCREASE EMPATHY AND KINDNESS

Believing “nice guys finish last” creates a system where the callous thrive at the expense of kind individuals. However, empathy and kindness are not soft skills but catalysts for evolution. Activating mirror neurons through kindness can have powerful effects. Intentional isolation and inequity amplify the status quo, causing pain and hindering progress. Let’s reject the idea that compassion is a weakness and work toward a society where everyone can thrive.

Title IX and other equity laws have paved the way for young girls to fulfill their athletic aspirations and reach new heights. Though progress has been made, there’s still a long road ahead to ensure that all women and girls have equal access to sports opportunities.

To learn more about how we can take steps beyond Title IX to ensure equality in sports, read the full article at atxwoman.com

Believe in “Believe”

Brown Girl in Recovery recalls how her time as a child athlete has helped guide her sobriety journey as an adult.

BY BROWN GIRL IN RECOVERY

Hello there. I am Brown Girl in Recovery, sharing my fourth column with you lovely readers about my experiences with alcoholism, mental health and ultimately, sobriety. Since this month’s issue is devoted to sports and the important role they play in our lives, I want to pause and take a moment to honor that.

I’d like to share an impactful phrase from a show I love that is all about football (aka soccer in the U.S.) but is also about life in general: “I believe in hope. I believe in ‘believe.’” This popular phrase from the incredible show Ted Lasso can be applicable to many facets of our lives: sports, school, career, relationships and personal challenges. The show has so many incredible takeaways that are relevant in my life as a sober person: perseverance, trying, believing and realizing it is okay to rely on others to help us out.

Growing up, I played soccer for several years. I wasn’t quite good enough to play in high school or college, but I enjoyed the sport immensely. I think part of it was because my dad enjoyed soccer so much—he was a phenomenal player. He coached my team for a few years as well. Watching Ted Lasso as a grown-up allowed me to reflect fondly on those memories, and also realize I learned a lot during those formative years when I played soccer. I learned how to keep trying even though I wasn’t the best player and that in order to be successful in soccer, you need to have a good relationship with your teammates. Now, as an adult and a sober person, I still have to practice daily on doing my best and trying, whatever it may look like that hour or day, and know I am trying to the best of my ability in that moment. And in order to stay sober, I need to have good relationships, whether it is with my sponsor, husband, family or friends. Because at the end of the day, I can’t do this—life, sobriety, just being—all on my own, no matter how much I may want to at times.

For my next column, I will dive into my move back to Austin for love in my mid-20s, the end of that dream and my rock bottom at 31. I hope you come back to read about, not just my struggle, but how I got through it and how life is now in my late 30s. Until then, I hope by sharing my journey and reflections thus far I am able to give other Brown women a space to reflect, perhaps nod along and feel less alone, and realize life is going to eventually be okay.

Photo courtesy of Brown Girl in Recovery.

Game On! Tackling Microplastic Pollution in Sportswear

EcoBrandi talks athleticwear and how to protect both yourself and the environment.

BY BRANDI CLARK BURTON

Whether we’re hitting the gym, enjoying outdoor activities or embracing the comfort of athleisure, our modern wardrobes for movement are predominantly filled with synthetic materials. Unfortunately, the rise of synthetic sportswear has brought about disastrous impacts on the environment and our health. Microplastics, harmful particles that break off from these garments during washing, pose a significant threat to waterways, ecosystems, animals and ultimately, our own bodies. It’s time we address this nearly invisible yet enormous problem and take steps to minimize the damage caused by our sportswear choices.

These plastics end up inside of our bodies by way of our water and food supplies. It seems hard to believe, but some estimates say we are eating five grams of plastic, the equivalent of a credit card, every week!

Unless your clothes are made exclusively of organic cotton*, hemp or linen, they are either entirely or partly derived from petroleum products. Without even delving into the impacts of extracting oil from the earth’s crust, the impacts of the end products are enough to make a yogini, hiker, swimmer or soccer mom cry. It’s not just spandex bike shorts; it’s in every layer from our bras to our fleece jackets.

ECOCONCEPT IN ACTION: WINNING STRATEGIES TO PREVENT PLASTIC POLLUTION

There are two effective ways to tackle the problem of microfibers and microplastics leaving your residence in the water and going into the environment.

1. TRAP THEM IN A WASHING MACHINE FILTER

Existing machine: You can quickly retrofit your washing machine with an aftermarket filter from a vendor like planetcare.org. This device can be installed in 10 minutes on any domestic washing machine and reduces microplastic pollution by 90%. The replaceable/returnable filters should be changed quarterly. The company recycles the fibers and refurbishes the returned filters. Their starter kit starts at $64.19.

New machine: When you are in the market for a new washer, choose one that has microplastics filtering built in. According to TechCrunch, Samsung is rolling out two new washing machine features: a plastic-catching filter that works with any washer and a specialized wash cycle that halves microplastic pollution. In Europe and North America, there is a push to mandate that new household washing machines come pre-installed with microplastic-filtering devices, but until then, seek it out.

2. CAPTURE THE BITS IN A MICROFIBER/ MICROPLASTIC TRAPPING BAG

Washing your clothes in microfiber/microplastic trapping bags, such as Guppyfriend, dramatically reduces fiber shedding and captures the fibers that do break—so your clothes last longer and look better while protecting our water supply. Studies have shown these bags provide an 86% reduction in fiber loss and 90 to 100% capture of microplastics. Unless you only have a few synthetic items to wash, it is best to divide them between at least two bags to help with machine balance. They are reusable and last for years when used properly. You can find them locally at Patagonia and REI, or you can order them online (approx $38 each).

FABRIC NOTES

Polyester (including the ubiquitous outdoor clothing fabric polypropylene), nylon, acrylic, rayon and conventional cotton are the least sustainable fabrics. Polyesters are nonbiodegradable and can take up to 200 years to break down.

*Cotton that is not raised organically is one of the most highly sprayed crops on the planet. Those pesticides and herbicides are toxic (by design) and are largely petroleum-based. So while the fibers may not be plastic, cultivating these crops is damaging to our land and water as well as animal and human health.

Silk, wool, leather and occasionally fur are other natural materials that you might find in outdoor clothing and shoes. They are animal derived, which has associated ethical and environmental implications.

While bamboo, the plant, grows without irrigation or fertilizers and captures CO2, most bamboo fabric is not particularly green. The production of it requires multiple toxic chemicals, making it more of a “greenwashing” product.

Nearly all waterproof highperformance gear uses coating of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (aka PFAS), which are linked to neurological and organ damage.

For more information about how to maximize your sportswear, tips on how to style sustainably and more, read the full article at atxwoman.com.

The VORTEX

There’s always something happening at The VORTEX! From live music to burlesque, dance and theatre, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our calendar to see what suits your fancy. Enjoy dinner, drinks and a show—all in one spot!

Learn Not to Flinch

Julia Gschwind founded Austin Women’s Boxing Club to help others

BY JULIA GSCHWIND

After almost two decades of coaching boxing, it still surprises me when a male boxing coach approaches me with this curious look on his face and a tone of wonder, disbelief and arrogance: “Are you a coach?” (Meanwhile, I’m obviously warming up my boxer for her match at a national qualifier amongst dozens of other coaches and boxers.)

“Oh that’s so cool!”

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Do you need help?”

“I can show you the ropes.”

“Oh look, you know how to work the mitts really well.”

I’ve tried all different kinds of responses ranging from laughing it off, engaging politely in the conversation, confronting them about their bias, ignoring them, etc. Now I just change the subject and ask them questions back, but it hardly ever feels right.

I grew up in Germany, raised in a culture and generation where I felt that I was never good enough, never liking the “correct” things: being quiet, sitting still and studying, being calm, wearing pretty shoes and dresses. Instead, I liked to move, be free, get dirty and be controversial… and hit things, as I found out in my late 20s.

I had already immigrated to the United States, finding the freedom and open-mindedness that I had always craved. When I first stepped into a Muay Thai boxing gym, my world was turned upside down. Being strong, aggressive and physical was encouraged, something that was so foreign to me and yet something I yearned for. Every punch and kick I learned felt so right, and it gave my body and mind an outlet that made everything else disappear. I trained in the gym, on my own, whenever I could; my saddest days were holidays when the gym was closed. Over the years, I specialized in amateur boxing and competed for the U.S. and Germany during a time when women’s boxing was barely emerging and we were still fighting for the right to participate in the Olympics. It was normal to me that all the other boxers and coaches in the gym were male, that I would get regularly harassed by them, that I was either being sexualized or ridiculed.

Years later, through parenthood and a divorce, I was forced into making a career decision. I could continue working as a project manager or follow my passion and be able to control the time I spent with my kids. I chose the latter and opened Austin Women’s Boxing Club in 2007, with the vision of providing a safe, inclusive space for women-identified and nonbinary folx to experience the passion of boxing without any of the harassment often found at male-dominated gyms.

Fifteen-plus years later, the highlights of my days at work include witnessing boxers of all ages develop the confidence to be okay with who they truly are. They work through their anxiety progressively by tackling incrementally more challenging skills. Boxing is a tough sport; you learn not to flinch when a punch is coming at you and instead stay calm under pressure. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge the small successes (e.g., jumping rope for one consecutive minute or developing a powerful jab). It is through these cumulative successes, consistent work and a willingness to continue to show up that you develop true confidence.

I don’t think I could have created Austin Women’s Boxing Club without the amazing people of Austin. This special community of people are willing to connect, authentically share themselves with one another and are inclusive like I’ve never experienced anywhere else. It amazes me every day how our boxers lift each other up in all areas of life, not just at the gym.

As far as being called out for being a female coach, it’s gotten much better since I’ve started to work for USA Boxing as a clinician delivering coach’s certification courses and being part of the High Performance Coaching squad. The culture has begun to change, and the upcoming generation of female coaches will take things beyond what is presently available to us. Even though I may be a small part of the next step for women in my field, I’m extremely proud to be part of that process.

Photo courtesy of Julia Gschwind.

like her feel like they belong.