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Author Rachel Newman is TeamBuildr's Assistant Marketing Manager and a Strength & Conditioning professional.
2024 was a historic year for women’s sports. Packed arenas, sold-out events, the launch of the PWHL, and the announcement of Paul Rabil bringing a women’s pro lacrosse league all signaled a new era of investment and viewership. The momentum was undeniable. From the dominance of Katie Ledecky in the pool to the electric performances of Gabby Thomas, Simone Biles, and Sha’Carri Richardson at the Olympic Games, women’s sports took center stage like never before.
Forbes dubbed it “The Caitlin Clark Effect”—rightfully so, as the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship drew an astonishing 18.9 million viewers, peaking at 24.1 million, making it one of the most-watched basketball games ever. Period. This was a statement about women's sports' growing influence and marketability.
But it’s not just the athletes making waves. Women are stepping into leadership roles on and off the field—coaching, training, and driving change at the highest levels. From performance staff to front offices, they are redefining what leadership in sports looks like. Strength and conditioning is no exception. As women’s sports continue to soar, female S&C coaches are playing a critical role in shaping the future of athletic performance.
If someone wants to ask “WhAt AbOuT tHe MeN’s BlOg PoSt?”, just don’t. While I firmly believe that a coach is a coach—no adjectives necessary—we would ALL be remiss not to acknowledge the women paving the way in this industry for everyone and making a difference for athletes everywhere.
So, in honor of Women’s History Month, we asked some female coaches in strength and conditioning to share their thoughts on breaking barriers, leading in a male-dominated field, and what it truly means to be a coach:
“Never apologize for taking up space.”
“Women’s History Month—it’s not something I think about daily, but it is a great time to reflect on what it means to be a female strength coach in a male-dominated field. ‘How are you doing as a woman in a male-dominated field?’ isn’t a question I ask myself often. Instead, the three questions I ask myself at the end of each day are:
If I can consistently check those boxes, then regardless of gender, I know I am becoming a great coach, person, and leader. The bonus? I am a woman excelling in this role at a high level, upholding the standards and expectations we set. My hope is that, whether working with female or male athletes, I inspire and support them in competing at the highest level.”
“Being a female strength coach in a male-dominated field isn’t about proving I belong—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and earning respect the same way anyone else would. Strength doesn’t have a gender, and neither does excellence.”
“Coaches bring opportunity and unity while cultivating determination and discipline. When those elements mix, magic happens.”
“Leadership isn’t one person leading a team. It is a group of leaders working together, up and down the chain of command, to lead.
Keys to success as an educator or coach:
Present and communicate information in a way that resonates with your athletes.
‘Make it about the job, not about the gender.’ At the end of the day, I just want to help the team win a World Series. It’s all about adding value to the team.”
These insights from women in strength and conditioning highlight a common theme: excellence is the standard. Gender is not a qualifier for competence, leadership, or impact. What matters is the work—the preparation, the passion, and the ability to develop athletes at the highest level.
This past year made it clear that women’s sports are here to stay, and so are the coaches, trainers, and leaders pushing the industry forward. Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge the progress made, but it’s also a reminder that these contributions happen daily, not just in March.
So, to all the women breaking barriers in strength and conditioning, sport science, coaching, and beyond—keep showing up. Keep leading.
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