With March being Women’s History Month, along with the sports industry being mostly male-dominated until recent years, I thought it would be important to highlight some of my favorite spaces for women who are into, or just getting into, the sports world. As a girl who dreams of working in the NHL, I think it is extremely important to have these spaces where girls support girls. These communities not only give us a space to express ourselves, but also give others the safe space to be new to a world that, from the outside, can seem scary and unwelcoming. None of these organizations/people have reached out to me for this article. These are truly just the things that have moved me.Â
- OverTime Chicks
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OverTime Chicks is one of my favorite sports podcasts. The podcast is hosted by Jess Stappen and Em Albertie. One of my favorite things is that it’s a weekly podcast; not only that, but Stappen is one of the sweetest individuals on the planet. I was sent their “Let’s Talk Hockey” hoodie, and it is my most-worn hoodie, and I 100% have her to thank for that! This podcast is just such a happy place for me; you can tell how passionate they are and how much love they have for the sport. This is a hockey-centric podcast and doesn’t do heavy coverage of other sports. This is the podcast I watched when I got really into hockey and wanted to learn about the sport. This is a great podcast, no matter if you are a pro or new into the NHL or college hockey, and I highly recommend it.  Â
- Sports Girls Club
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Sports Girls Club is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help young women find success in the sports industry. They do this by hosting events, providing resources, and having connections. They also have multiple chapters in different colleges, and might be opening one at Pitt soon (keep an eye out!!). I recently attended their event in Pittsburgh and talked to Delaney Galbraith, and again, she is such a sweet person. At the event, they gave out custom Pittsburgh jerseys. They also sell adorable merch that supports their cause, and have a book club, so for me, it’s my two worlds colliding. All in all, this is truly an amazing foundation and one of my favorites. Please take the time to check them and their website out, and consider donating or getting yourself some cute merch. This has been one of my most used resources as a girl going into the sports industry.
- Suzie Cool
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While this person is not a non-profit or podcast of any sort, I truly think she deserves a spot on this list. Suzie Cool is the in-game show host for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers High School Showcase Sideline Reporter. She has been in the sports industry forever and worked her way up from the AHL. She is truly an inspiration for girls who want to get into this industry. She has worked extremely hard to get where she is in Pittsburgh and has not let the challenges that women face in this industry deter her. This is someone I have also had an extremely positive interaction with after the game. While I met her at the game and we talked about my bedazzled jersey (I offered to do one for her a while before this on Instagram DMs), she remembered me from Instagram, and we took photos together. It didn’t end there, though. The next day, I messaged her talking about how I really appreciated her taking the time to talk to me and how much of an inspiration she was, and how I am sorry if I was nervous, as I was actually in shock. She not only asked for our photos together, but we had a very lovely conversation about being a girl in the sports world. She is such an amazing person and brings so much to the table when it comes to what she does. A true inspiration to girls who want to get into this industry. She is also currently raising money for Women of Impact, showing her support for girls in and outside of the industry. I have provided both the link to her Instagram and the link to her fundraiser!Â
I hope this is a good starting point for discovering spaces in sports that were created by and for women!