The 2026 Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) Military Women’s Sports & Fitness Certification Seminar was a powerful and purpose-driven experience, bringing together 159 military women, veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses, for four days of growth, connection, and leadership development. Powered by the Wounded Warrior Project, this immersive virtual seminar equipped participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead both on and off the field.
From March 16–19, attendees engaged in dynamic sessions covering coaching philosophy, leadership, mental performance, recovery, and nutrition, while building a supportive community rooted in shared experiences and a commitment to service.
Setting the Tone: Leadership, Purpose, and Possibility
STS Founder Harrison Bernstein opened the seminar by welcoming participants and outlining a week centered on transformation. Alongside Director of Sports Performance Johannah Zabal, Harrison emphasized the importance of engagement, accountability, and community throughout the certification process.
Participants were introduced to the full STS team, including Alyssa Allen (Community Engagement Manager) and Carl Little (Director of Operations), and were reminded of the long-term value of certification—access to continued education, workshops, job opportunities, and a lifelong network.
The seminar kicked off with a keynote from Lisa Campos, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Sharing her journey from a small-town upbringing to a leadership role in collegiate athletics, Campos highlighted the values of resilience, integrity, and education. She reinforced the profound impact sports can have on young lives and challenged attendees to lead with vision, trust, and selflessness.
The STS Coaching Philosophy: Building from the Inside Out
At the heart of the seminar was the STS approach to coaching, one that prioritizes inspiration above all else.
Harrison introduced the Coaching Success Pyramid, where inspiration forms the foundation, followed by motivation, fitness, technique, and strategy. He challenged participants to rethink traditional coaching models, emphasizing that true success begins with understanding and influencing the individual.
Through interactive discussions and tools like word clouds and breakout sessions, participants explored what coaching means to them. Words like mentorship, leadership, and impact rose to the top—reflecting the shared mission of the group.
Harrison also introduced frameworks like CERF (fun, safe, energetic, retention-focused coaching) and BRIN (a method for emotional regulation), reinforcing that effective coaching extends far beyond Xs and Os. It’s about connection, communication, and creating an environment where athletes feel empowered and inspired.
Authenticity and Self-Awareness in Coaching
Johannah Zabal delivered a powerful message on authenticity, encouraging participants to “know thyself” and lead from a place of clarity and purpose. Through reflective exercises and storytelling, she challenged attendees to separate their identity from their role and to define their personal mission as coaches.
Her message was clear: authenticity is not a weakness, it’s a superpower. By embracing their unique experiences and values, these women can lead with confidence and avoid burnout in demanding coaching environments.
Holistic Wellness: Supporting the Whole Athlete
A major theme throughout the seminar was the importance of holistic health, for both coaches and athletes.
Representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project emphasized resources available to women veterans, including programs focused on mental health, physical wellness, and community connection. With research showing higher rates of isolation among women veterans, the message of connection and support resonated deeply.
Sessions on mental performance, led by Alexandra Colbert, tackled imposter syndrome, a common challenge among high-achieving individuals. Using practical tools and relatable examples, participants learned how to navigate self-doubt and foster confidence in themselves and their athletes.
Performance Foundations: Sleep, Recovery, and Nutrition
Day three focused on the science behind performance, featuring expert-led sessions on recovery and nutrition.
Lacey Lyrla, Deputy Director of Human Performance at the U.S. Marine Corps School of Infantry – East, delivered an in-depth look at recovery strategies. She emphasized that sleep, nutrition, and stress management are the foundation of athletic performance, comparing them to the “main course” of a training program.
From the impact of sleep deprivation on muscle recovery to the benefits and limitations of tools like cryotherapy and compression therapy, Lacey provided practical, research-backed insights coaches can immediately apply.
Lauren Pike, Performance Dietitian with the 95th Civil Affairs team, followed with a comprehensive session on fueling athletes for success. She addressed common pitfalls like under-fueling and poor meal timing, while offering actionable strategies for optimizing energy, hydration, and recovery.
Together, these sessions reinforced a critical takeaway: performance isn’t just built in the weight room, it’s supported by daily habits.
Building Careers in Coaching
Day four shifted focus toward career development and navigating the transition into coaching.
Coach Felicia Teeter shared her journey in football coaching, offering candid advice on breaking into the industry, building meaningful relationships, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. She encouraged participants to define their goals clearly, seek mentorship, and embrace the process, even when it includes setbacks.
Her message to women in coaching was especially impactful: apply for opportunities, even if you don’t meet every qualification, and never apologize for taking up space.
Leading as Women in Performance Spaces
The seminar concluded with a powerful presentation from Whitney Trammell, Tactical Program Manager at the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
In her talk, “Strong Enough to Lead,” Whitney addressed the realities of working in male-
dominated fields, including the pressures of credibility and the “double bind” women often face in leadership roles. She encouraged attendees to embrace both strength and empathy, using their unique qualities as assets rather than obstacles.
Her closing message resonated deeply: you belong in these spaces—and your leadership has the power to create lasting change.
A Community That Continues Beyond the Seminar
Throughout the week, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about leadership, identity, and growth. From navigating imposter syndrome to balancing life’s demands, the seminar created a space where women could be honest, supported, and inspired.
The journey doesn’t end with certification. Graduates now enter the STS network with access to continued education, mentorship, and career opportunities, along with a community that will continue to grow alongside them.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Military Women’s Sports & Fitness Certification Seminar was more than a learning experience; it was a catalyst for transformation.
These women leave not only with new skills, but with renewed confidence, a stronger sense of purpose, and a powerful network behind them. They are stepping into coaching roles ready to lead with authenticity, resilience, and impact.
The future of coaching is strong, dynamic, and deeply driven—and it’s being led by women who have already proven their ability to serve, lead, and inspire.
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