NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – Cal State Fullerton head softball coach Kelly Ford was among a handful of leaders from the Big West Conference who spoke on a panel at a WeCoachU event by the Alliance of Women Coaches in Northridge, Calif. on Thursday.
Ford spoke on behalf of a segment titled, "A Women's Work is Never Done: Navigating the Unique Challenges of Being a Female Coach." Topics discussed included the top 10 reasons that have been identified as to why so many women are leaving the coaching profession.
"Being a part of an Alliance of Women Coaches event was truly an inspiring experience," Ford said. "It was an honor to be alongside some of the most influential females throughout the coaching world to serve on a panel representing the promotion of continued growth for women in this industry. I was privileged to have the opportunity to share my experiences to provide insight on the underlying concept that females can both be a loving mom and a successful coach."
Ford focused on the struggle for female coaches to maintain both a positive lifestyle as a busy mother and the balance needed to handle the pressures of being a coach. An additional point was based on the lack of mentors and fit role models for many female coaches, and the importance of networking to broaden those types of relationships and experiences. Time management and directing the effective aide from assistants was also discussed as an intricate leadership quality necessary when juggling multiple duties and ongoing obstacles both at home and in the office.
The Alliance of Women Coaches provides one-day regional training programs for women coaches, administrators and interested students across the country. These seminars focus on relevant issues and common challenges and offer practical ideas that women can implement in their respective programs.
Ford joined a group of nine speakers at the event including Lori Castillo (Head Coach – University of Hawai'i Women's Golf), Lindsey Foster (Associate Head Coach – CSUN Women's Basketball), Brie Galicinao (Head Coach – UC Santa Barbara Softball), Bonnie Henrickson (Head Coach – UC Santa Barbara Women's Basketball), Dr. Maryalyce Jeremiah (former head coach – Cal State Fullerton Women's Basketball), Cindy Masner (Senior Associate Athletics Director – Long Beach State), Erica Monteabaro (Associate Commissioner – Big West Conference) and Julie Shaw (former assistant coach – Cal Poly Women's Basketball).
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