---
title: "Coaching the Coaches: Investing in Those Who Invest in Girls"
description: Learn why it's important to invest in and support the great coaches who shape character, inspire confidence, and open pathways for girls in sport.
image: https://www.coachingher.com/hubfs/Caring%20Climate%20Ed%20Champions%20PDFs/blog_header%20(15).png
---

[Skip to content](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/investing-in-coaching#main-content)

[![Copy of coachingher_logo_rgb](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20coachingher_logo_rgb.png?width=2830&height=929&name=Copy%20of%20coachingher_logo_rgb.png "Copy of coachingher_logo_rgb")](https://coachingher.com)

- About 
  
    - [About Coaching HER](https://www.coachingher.com/about-coaching-her)
    - [Collaborators](https://www.coachingher.com/collaborators)
    - [Tucker Center](https://www.coachingher.com/tucker-center)
- Engage 
  
    - [Learning & Community](https://www.coachingher.com/learning-and-community)
    - [Organizational Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/champions)
    - [Educational Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/educational-champions-start)
    - [Types of Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/champion-types)
    - [Consulting & Advisory](https://www.coachingher.com/consulting)
    - [Invest in HER](https://www.coachingher.com/invest-in-her)
- Resources 
  
    - [Explore FREE Courses](https://www.coachingher.com/courses)
    - [Articles, Guides, and News](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal)
    - [FAQ](https://www.coachingher.com/faq)
    - [Publications](https://www.coachingher.com/scholarlypublications)
    - [Videos](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/videos)
    - [Newsletter Archive](https://www.coachingher.com/newsletter)
- [Contact Us](https://www.coachingher.com/contact-us)
- [![Start Your FREE Course Today](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/46527152/interactive-340950391497.png)](https://cta-na2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIKbybnh6qQucl2SR%2F17FMqTgui%2BYPw3kEof%2BQB3RzRoUtlnOoJdZxJAHiluhscTYoYT5rgpwJtFsPkdEFD93adHUme3KZQD3sg3raqJjHzuYSHHlft8gkq1EE23j%2B8dttJKCawFVpyv5DRyqDfxhSbeiX5KmhgFZgBh9iPUoVx3L299ynWFwzJUdJwAc%2ByfSWDi0idLQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=340950391497&portalId=46527152)

☰

# Coaching the Coaches: Investing in Those Who Invest in Girls

[By The Coaching HER® Team](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/author/by-the-coaching-her-team)  October 2025

![Coaching the Coaches: Investing in Those Who Invest in Girls](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Caring%20Climate%20Ed%20Champions%20PDFs/blog_header%20(15).png?width=1200&height=675&name=blog_header%20(15).png)

[Download a printable PDF >>](https://www.coachingher.com/hubfs/Leaders%20Best%20Practice%20Content/Coaching%20the%20Coaches%20Leaders%20Oct%202025.pdf)

Behind every thriving athlete is a coach who goes beyond drills and game plans. Great coaches shape character, inspire confidence, and open pathways for girls to grow both on and off the field. For sports leaders, recognizing and supporting these coaches isn’t just good practice, it's a long-term investment in the health of your program.

## Why Recognition Matters

Research shows that girls often thrive when they feel a strong personal connection to their coach — a coach who understands them as individuals, not just as athletes ([Lau, Chung, & Hwa, 2021](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-63757-005)). And, 80% of girls say a positive coach relationship is a top reason they keep playing ([Aspen Institute Project Play , 2020](https://projectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/introduction)). Coaches who create safe, inclusive environments help girls stay in sport longer and develop life skills they carry into adulthood.

Yet even the most dedicated coaches need encouragement and tools to continue growing. Public recognition of their efforts, access to meaningful professional development, and consistent feedback all help retain high-quality coaches and, by extension, the athletes they inspire.

## Linking Education to Impact

Continuing education isn’t just a checkbox. It’s how coaches refine their ability to meet athletes’ evolving needs. Data shows that coaches who actively seek training in communication, relationship-building, and athlete-centered approaches are better equipped to keep athletes engaged and motivated.

The FM6: [Supporting Girls’ Needs](https://api.mobilecoach.org/scorm?token=db37b90a-4ca0-43ad-9dea-33f06d6ca3aa&asset=fbc43389-2c92-43a8-b191-38f9cbe2dc66&locale=en_US) module, for example, gives coaches practical strategies to meet three psychological needs that keep girls engaged in sport:

![3C Formula](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3C%20Formula.png?width=100&height=100&name=3C%20Formula.png)

- Care — showing athletes they’re valued as whole
- Competence — helping them feel capable and confident in their
- Choice — giving them a voice in shaping their sport

 

When leaders make education part of the organizational culture, it helps ensure coaches and athletes continue to grow.

## Simple Ways Leaders Can Champion Coaches

Celebrate Milestones — Highlight coaching achievements in newsletters, social media, and award programs.

*Example:* Post a “Coach Spotlight” each month on your website or Facebook page, sharing one coach’s positive impact on athletes.

Invest in Training — Budget for professional development and make participation easy. (Coaching HER is free)

*Example:* Set aside a small fund to cover registration for clinics, workshops, or certifications and schedule them so coaches don’t have to miss practices.

Create Peer Networks — Facilitate spaces for coaches to share challenges, successes, and ideas.

*Example:* Dedicate 15 minutes at every coaches’ meeting for “Coaching HER Reflections” where coaches share one success or takeaway from training.

Model a Learning Culture — Show that everyone, from executives to first-year volunteers, is committed to improving

*Example:* Include a “What I Learned This Month” feature in staff emails where a leader shares insights from a recent class, certification, or conference.

Ask for Feedback — Let coaches know their perspectives matter in shaping policies and programs.

*Example:* Send out a short quarterly survey asking coaches what’s working, what’s not, and what support they need — and share how you acted on their input.

## The Ripple Effect

When leaders champion their coaches, they’re not just building better teams, they’re shaping the environment where athletes can thrive. A coach who feels supported and valued is more likely to invest deeply in their athletes, innovate their methods, and stay committed to the program.

References

- Aspen Institute Project Play (2020).[Stay of Play Report](https://projectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/introduction)
- Lau, E. S., Chung, H. J., & Hwa, M. C. Y. (2020). Voices of Singapore national beach volleyball female athletes: What is an ideal coach? International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(5-6), 642–652. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954120941304](https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1177/1747954120941304)

## Related Guides

- ![Back to Basics: Leading with Belonging and Opportunity](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/leaders_guide_sep2025.png?width=1200&height=628&name=leaders_guide_sep2025.png)
- ![Seeing Every Girl: Turning Data Into Inclusion](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/leaders_guide_nov2025.png?width=1200&height=628&name=leaders_guide_nov2025.png)
- ![Listening to Girls:Turning Feedback into Engagement](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/leaders_guide_dec2025.png?width=1200&height=628&name=leaders_guide_dec2025.png)

[For Leaders](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/tag/for-leaders)

![Foundational_course_badge](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundational_course_badge.png?width=70&height=70&name=Foundational_course_badge.png)

### Foundational Course

Understand how girls develop, challenge gender stereotypes and bias, recognize diverse identities, and apply practical strategies that better support girls throughout their sport experience.

[Learn More](https://learn.coachingher.com/page/7003/foundation)

More ways to get involved

### Subscribe to The Coaching HER® Newsletter

Sign-up to receive The Coaching HER® Playbook, featuring the latest resources, research, tools, and news delivered directly to your inbox.

Email Address

 

 

### Wear Your Support

Show your commitment to creating better sport experiences for girls.

The Coaching HER® collection includes apparel and merchandise that help coaches, leaders, and advocates share the message that every girl deserves to feel supported, valued, and included in sport.

[Explore the Coaching HER® Store](https://www.mnalumnimarket.com/collections/coaching-her-collection)

### Invest in HER

Support Coaching HER® to help keep girls in sport. Make a gift today and be part of the movement.

[Invest in HER](https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/yourgift.html?&cart=20374)

## Read More

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header%20(13).png?width=352&name=blog_header%20(13).png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/overcoming-stereotypes-coaching) [Great Coaches See Potential, Not Stereotypes: Why Leaders Must Invest in Coach Education](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/overcoming-stereotypes-coaching)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_iyca.png?width=352&name=blog_iyca.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/iyca) [The International Youth Coaching Association Supports Better Coaching for HER](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/iyca)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header%20(4).png?width=352&name=blog_header%20(4).png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/bias-aware-coaching) [Coaching With Perspective: How Trish & Corey Kennedy Model Athlete-Centered, Bias-Aware Coaching](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/bias-aware-coaching)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header-2.png?width=352&name=blog_header-2.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/reflecting-beyond-scoreboard) [The Five Environments She Played In: A Coach’s Guide to Reflecting Beyond the Scoreboard](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/reflecting-beyond-scoreboard)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/champions_guide_oct2025-1.png?width=352&name=champions_guide_oct2025-1.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/snowsports-in-america-leverage-coaching-her) [Snowsports in America Leverage Coaching HER®](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/snowsports-in-america-leverage-coaching-her)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/coaches_guide_may2026.png?width=352&name=coaches_guide_may2026.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/periods-part-game) [Periods Are Part of the Game: A Coach’s Guide to Keeping Every Girl Involved](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/periods-part-game)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header%20(16).png?width=352&name=blog_header%20(16).png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/coaching-girls-effectively) [Coaching Girls Effectively](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/coaching-girls-effectively)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Educational%20Champions%20FB%2c%20LI%2c%20meta%20header.png?width=352&name=Educational%20Champions%20FB%2c%20LI%2c%20meta%20header.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/introducing-educational-champions-program) [Introducing the Coaching HER® Educational Champions Program](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/introducing-educational-champions-program)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/coaches_guide_feb2026-1.png?width=352&name=coaches_guide_feb2026-1.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/building-body-confidence) [Praising Effort Over Appearance: A Coach’s Guide to Start Building Body Confidence](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/building-body-confidence)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header%20(17).png?width=352&name=blog_header%20(17).png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/five-coaching-fundamentals) [Five Fundamentals Every Coach Should Know to Keep Girls in Sport](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/five-coaching-fundamentals)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog_header%20(6).png?width=352&name=blog_header%20(6).png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/great-coaches-change-lives) [Great Coaches Don’t Just Teach the Game — They Change Lives](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/great-coaches-change-lives)

[![](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/usta_women_coaching.png?width=352&name=usta_women_coaching.png)](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/usta-women-coaching-report) [USTA Women in Coaching](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/usta-women-coaching-report)

- [About Coaching HER](https://www.coachingher.com/about-coaching-her)
- [Collaborators](https://www.coachingher.com/collaborators)
- [Tucker Center](https://www.coachingher.com/tucker-center)
- [Learning & Community](https://www.coachingher.com/learning-and-community)
- [Organizational Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/champions)
- [Educational Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/educational-champions-start)
- [Types of Champions](https://www.coachingher.com/champion-types)
- [Consulting & Advisory](https://www.coachingher.com/consulting)
- [Invest in HER](https://www.coachingher.com/invest-in-her)
- [Explore FREE Courses](https://www.coachingher.com/courses)
- [Articles, Guides, and News](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal)
- [FAQ](https://www.coachingher.com/faq)
- [Publications](https://www.coachingher.com/scholarlypublications)
- [Videos](https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/videos)
- [Newsletter Archive](https://www.coachingher.com/newsletter)
- [Contact Us](https://www.coachingher.com/contact-us)

![be-her-reason-reduced_vert](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/be-her-reason-reduced_vert.png?width=244&height=83&name=be-her-reason-reduced_vert.png)

Follow us on social media

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563172346405) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/coachingher) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/coachingherofficial/) [![Blue Sky](https://www.coachingher.com/hubfs/ch-blue-sky-logo--white.svg)](https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tqn3xspjucivfimv7jnlvlda)

---

![Tucker center logo](https://www.coachingher.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tucker%20center%20logo.png?width=227&height=122&name=Tucker%20center%20logo.png)

The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota is an interdisciplinary research center leading a global effort to accelerate change for girls and women in sport and physical activity and their families and communities.

##### © 2026 All rights reserved    •    [Privacy](https://privacy.umn.edu/)    •   [TERMS](https://www.coachingher.com/coaching-her-terms)

![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=8841148&fmt=gif)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "By The Coaching HER® Team",
    "url" : "https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/author/by-the-coaching-her-team"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-16T21:00:55.198Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-10-01T04:15:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Coaching the Coaches: Investing in Those Who Invest in Girls",
  "image" : [ "https://www.coachingher.com/hubfs/Caring%20Climate%20Ed%20Champions%20PDFs/blog_header%20(15).png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.coachingher.com/the-coaching-her-journal/investing-in-coaching",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.coachingher.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20coachingher_logo_rgb.png"
    },
    "name" : "Coaching HER®"
  }
}
```