MADISON, N.J. – More than 30 female administrators,
coaches, and student-athletes from across the Landmark Conference
gathered at Drew University June 2-3 for the first Landmark Women's
Coaching Symposium. Each member institution was able to send
multiple representatives to participate.
Dr. Marilyn McNeil, Monmouth Director of Athletics, opened the
event with the keynote address. She offered the attendees a look at
the history of women in college athletics and the growth over the
last 40 years. McNeil recommended women take advantage of the
opportunities available.
"These moves, these opportunities presented to you, they are never
going to be perfect," McNeil said. "You have to be brave and you
have to take risks."
After the opening session, everyone broke into small groups to
rotate amongst round tables to discuss recruiting, scouting,
technology, communication, and practice planning. Some of the
Senior Woman Administrators (SWA) led the discussion and
participants were able to share ideas with each topic.
After dinner, the group reconvened for an ice cream social and
game show. There were plenty of educational opportunities with
trivia questions centered on women in sport.
On Tuesday, the event began with a session titled, "Climbing the
Coaching Ladder and Surviving in a Male Dominated Field" with Drew
alum and University of Connecticut women's lacrosse coach Katie
Woods and Rutgers Preparatory athletic director and girls'
basketball coach Mary Klinger. Both women shared personal stories
of climbing the ladder while also offering advice for those hoping
to start a career in coaching.
Woods challenged the group to pick up their heads and speak up.
"What do you want and what do you need to do to get there?" she
asked. At first glance, it looks like Woods took the fast track
from a NCAA Division III student-athlete to Division I head coach,
but she was honest about the goals she set and the sacrifices she
made to get there.
As an experienced coach and administrator, Klinger advised the
women to help each other succeed. Attending events like the Women's
Coaching Symposium allows women to make relationships and reach out
for support.
Moravian volleyball coach Shelley Bauder and Goucher field hockey
coach Megan Williams offered the experienced coach and new coach
perspective for "This is What I Know." Both coaches relayed stories
of difficult experiences as coaches and offered advice for others.
Goucher women's tennis coach Sally Baum and Drew women's soccer
coach Christa Racine wrapped up the event with "A Happy, Healthy,
and Productive Coach – Balancing it All." There seemed to be
consensus that while there is always a need for balance, it is
rarely easy. Baum and Racine recommended the group reach out for
help. Both women have combined for 50 years of coaching between
them and also have children. They are the first to admit, they
couldn't do it without help.
The Symposium, organized by the SWAs at member institutions, was
designed to increase the number of female coaches in athletics with
the help of a grant from the NCAA. The group hopes the event's
success will lead to future opportunities to host Women's Coaching
Symposiums.
In addition to Bauder, Moravian had senior field hockey player Emily Marley, junior women's basketball player Emily MacDonnell, sophomore women's basketball player and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Sara Steinman attend the symposium.
Click here to view a photo gallery of the event.
This release was provided by the Landmark Conference office.