Strong. Capable. Confident.: My Origin Story

Just here for the research? Feel free to scroll to the second half of this post for the stats behind SCC. But if you're curious about how it all began — keep reading.

Once upon a time, I was a girl.

I struggled with where I fit in. Boys made fun of me because I was a tomboy — more focused on school and sports than on having the cutest outfits or perfectly styled hair.

But I knew I belonged in sports.

I felt strong, capable, and confident — not just when I was competing, but when I was putting in the extra time to develop my skill.

My dad was a football coach. My mom owned her own business. I spent a lot of time with my dad — on the field, in his office, and in the weight room. I felt comfortable in those male-dominated spaces. Maybe because no one dared mess with the coach’s daughter, but more so because I was welcomed and educated there.

(Maybe others remember it differently — but this is my story.)

Both of my parents were active and encouraged me to be too. Through elementary and middle school, I had close friends, but my focus was academics and athletics.

Even with support, early exposure, and success in school and sport — I still struggled with confidence. Which is normal.

I felt different. I was always looking for a mentor, a role model — just one person who reminded me of me. Someone who loved sport, leaned tomboyish, but still had a bit of a girly side. Not to sound cocky, but I wanted to see myself in someone else.

Today, girls have far more access to role models, content, and connection. Sometimes too much. But when I was growing up, that didn’t exist. I often felt alone. My parents were incredible. I had teachers I still think about to this day. But none of them had a path like mine.

Then came 1995.

It was the first time I experienced women’s college basketball — UConn, Tennessee, Stanford, and Georgia. I was enamored. That weekend changed my life.

These women were like me. They were strong. They were skilled. They were committed. And they were seen.

That year, UConn went 35–0 and won their first national championship by defeating Tennessee in the title game. It also explains my lifelong loyalty to the Huskies.

It’s hard to put into words what that moment meant to me.

It was like Harry Potter finding his wand — a spark, a fit, a this is where I belong kind of moment.

That’s how it felt for me. Like something unlocked.

Since then, I’ve had incredible experiences as a player, a coach, and a human being lucky enough to work with others in and beyond sport. I don’t claim to be a role model. But I do believe I have a purpose:

To help others — especially girls — build the confidence to find their spark.

It may not be on a court, in a studio, or inside a weight room. But if they start developing confidence now — mentally, physically, emotionally — they’ll be ready when they discover their passion or purpose.

I also understand that I can’t help everyone experience that moment where it just clicks — but if I can help even one girl gain the confidence to pursue her passion, or simply walk into any environment with her head held high, I know that will create a ripple effect.

We’ll never truly know the full impact of our actions. Our experiences and encouragement reach further than we can ever measure.

The 1995 UConn women’s basketball team and coaching staff have no idea I exist (although I did have the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Lobo — and if you play basketball, go watch her highlights). Still, the impact those young women and those coaches continue to have on me — 30+ years later — is invaluable.

Me and Rebecca Lobo

📊 The Why Behind the Work

Research continues to back up what I’ve lived and witnessed:

• 👧 1 in 3 girls drops out of sport during adolescence, compared to 1 in 10 boys. (Women’s Sports Foundation, 2022)

• 🤯 Girls are 2x more likely than boys to report low self-confidence by age 14. (Confidence Code for Girls, 2018)

• 💬 75% of girls say they wish they had more female role models in sports and leadership positions.

• 💪 Girls who play sports are more likely to have higher self-esteem, graduate from college, and become leaders in the workplace. (EY Women Athletes Business Network, 2018)

🧠💪💚 Why We Focus on the Whole Girl

Strong. Capable. Confident. is built on three pillars: physical, mental, and emotional development — because girls deserve more than just drills and pep talks. They deserve tools to grow as whole people.

• Physical: Girls who are active are 1.5x more likely to report high self-esteem and body confidence. (Women’s Sports Foundation, 2020)

• Mental: Mental skills like goal setting and visualization reduce performance anxiety and build focus. (Birrer & Morgan, 2010)

• Emotional: Programs that develop emotional literacy improve resilience, empathy, and long-term well-being. (CASEL, 2019)

  
  

SCC isn’t just about sport — it’s about developing the whole self.

Confidence isn’t something girls either have or don’t have — it’s something they build. Through exposure. Through experience. Through examples.

That’s why Strong. Capable. Confident. isn’t just a program. It’s a starting point.

Let’s give them the space, support, and skill development they need to thrive — wherever their spark takes them.