Beyond the Whistle: A Thank-You to Coaches

I’m Deborah Pleva, the VP of engagement at The Sports Bra. You won't see this on LinkedIn, but the title I’m most proud of is "Coach Deb."

For 13 seasons, I’ve had the immense privilege of coaching a team for Girls on the Run, a program that helps young girls discover their inner strength and limitless potential. I've watched over 200 girls, ages 8 to 13, cross the finish line of a 5K. Many of them didn’t know what they were capable of until a coach and a team were there, cheering them on every step of the way and showing them what's possible. They carry that feeling of accomplishment and confidence with them long after the race is over, ready to face and tackle any future challenge.

Volunteering as a coach is, without a doubt, my favorite role.

And the world needs more coaches. Research shows that girls’ physical activity levels decline at age 10 and continue to decrease throughout adolescence. In fact, by age 14, many girls are dropping out of sports at two times the rate of boys. The benefits of sports are unique when compared to other extracurricular activities. In 2024, the Women's Sports Foundation shared that sports environments—such as those fostered by Girls on the Run—that emphasize effort, improvement, and teamwork and provide girls autonomy through voice and choice are linked to significantly lower rates of depression symptoms. 

These lessons stay with them for a lifetime. A 2020 survey by EY Women Athletes Business Network and ESPNW found that 94% of female C-suite executives in the United States had played sports, with many crediting sports for helping them develop the leadership skills they needed to succeed. The feeling of accomplishment and confidence these girls carry with them after the event is what helps them tackle future challenges—whether it's on a team or in the boardroom.

Do you remember a coach who changed your life? Maybe they helped you become a better version of yourself or simply showed up and cheered you on from the sidelines. Their impact goes so far beyond the playing field—it shapes our character, builds our confidence, and teaches us lessons that last a lifetime.

At The Sports Bra, we make it our mission to support women and girls in sports—and that mission isn’t possible without the coaches who guide and believe in them. That’s why, in honor of Coach Appreciation Day in early October, we're celebrating these incredible mentors who motivate and inspire us all.