NHSACA Leads the Way as a Coaching HER® Organizational Champion

The National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) is excited to announce its partnership with Coaching HER® and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, based at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, as an Organizational Champion. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in NHSACA’s ongoing mission to support and educate high school and middle school coaches nationwide, equipping them to foster more inclusive and supportive environments for girls in sport.

By becoming a Champion, NHSACA is reaffirming its commitment to promoting gender equity in sports and providing coaches with the knowledge and resources they need to create climates where female athletes can thrive. Coaching HER®’s innovative platform includes training modules on coaching girls, body confidence, and strategies to develop inclusive environments—offering coaches actionable tools to engage, mentor, and empower young athletes.“The NHSACA’s leadership in supporting coaches across the country demonstrates their strong commitment to ensuring that coaches have the tools and knowledge to create environments where girls can flourish. ” said Alicia Pelton, Coaching HER® Program Director.

The NHSACA exists to provide high-quality instruction and training for high school and middle school coaches in the United States, focusing not only on the technical aspects of coaching but also on leadership and mentorship. By collaborating with Coaching HER®, the NHSACA strengthens its ability to equip coaches with the skills to support girls in sports, helping them break through harmful stereotypes and reach their full potential.

Scott Garvis, Executive Director of Finance and Partnerships for the NHSACA, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Our collaboration with Coaching HER® reflects our commitment to supporting coaches beyond the X’s and O’s of their sport. It’s about fostering an inclusive culture where every coach and athlete feels valued. Through this partnership, we’re taking concrete steps to ensure that more young athletes, especially girls, stay engaged in sports and enjoy the physical, emotional, and social benefits that come from their involvement.”

With data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) showing that girls make up only 42% of high school athletes, this partnership addresses a critical need. By participating in Coaching HER®'s training programs, NHSACA coaches will be better equipped to engage female athletes and create environments where they feel supported, confident, and empowered to succeed.

Together, the NHSACA and Coaching HER® are shaping a future where more girls can experience the lifelong benefits of sports participation. For more information on this partnership and how NHSACA is championing the future of coaching, visit www.coachingher.com.

About the NHSACA

Founded in 1965, the NHSACA is a national organization dedicated to the professional development, recognition, and support of high school and middle school coaches across the United States. Through our educational programs, national awards, and wide-ranging support network, we strive to advance the profession of coaching and promote the vital role of coaches as leaders and mentors for America's youth.

About Coaching HER®:

The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota, in partnership with Nike, launched Coaching HER® in March 2023. To help keep girls playing, this free digital coaching training platform tackles a central issue in youth sports that negatively impacts girls’ experiences: when coaches show unconscious biases and stereotypes toward gender. Coaching HER® is comprised of six online modules that address the importance of sport for girls and the actions coaches can take to set girls up for success in sport. Learn more at www.coachingher.com.