On a beautiful fall Saturday at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, VA, Soldiers To Sidelines hosted an incredible workshop exclusive for Military Women. The commanding intent of the workshop was to inspire and motivate active duty, Veteran, and military spouses to realize their potential to become character-based coaches in their communities. This well-attended event was an interactive exploration into the key high-human skills essential for coaching success. Wounded Warrior Project ensured the entire event was no cost to post 9/11 service members, veterans, and family members because they believe that military women can continue to thrive as coaches in their communities.

After the group share heartfelt introductions, Jen Baker, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Athletics Director, gave an informative and inspiring key note address. She covered her journey from service in the U.S. Navy, to corporate America, and then eventually to collegiate athletics leadership. She shared how the attending military women could pursue a career in sports and provided them the confidence to do it. Through her humble perspective based on a lifetime of creative career pathways, Jen set the motivational tone for the rest of the day.

We then discussed the essential skills for coaching every day in every aspect of our lives. Soldiers To Sidelines Founder and Executive Director , Harrison Bernstein, facilitated a group investigation into what coaching actually is and the hierarchy of factors essential for coaching success. The group had a wide range of expertise which, led to some fascinating revelations of personal coaching success stories. “The group of military women in attendance were some of the brightest and most dedicated coaches I have had the pleasure to work with. I know they will all find the success in coaching they are seeking. I am grateful to have the opportunity spend this time with them,” said Bernstein.

After Lunch, Soldiers To Sidelines Sports Performance Director Johannah Zabal carried the torch from their. Coach Zabal discussed the importance of leaning into your authentic self especially as a woman in a male dominated industry. Her presentation ‘Know Thy Self’ pulled from the movie Gladiator which empowered the group to find their inner Maximus Decimus Meridius.

We conclude the day with a tour of the beautiful Military Women’s Memorial led by Marilla Cushman. He deep wealth of knowledge brought authentic interest and awe to the heroic accomplishments of many women in service over the decades. Marilla provided an opportunity for all the STS military women to immortalize their military story and register with the Memorial. Everyone left workshop inspired and motivated to positively impact thousands of kids for years to come.