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.
Join us in showing some love and gratitude for the coaches who shape our communities. Here’s how you can participate:
Share Your Story on Instagram
Find our special post on Instagram and tell us about a coach who made a difference in your life. Tag them and share why they're so special to you. The coach with the most hearts and the one with the most heartfelt story will both receive a special package from The Bra!
Send an Analog Thank-You
Prefer a more old-school approach? Stop by The Bra, pick up one of our postcards, and write a personal thank-you note to a beloved coach. We’ll even provide the stamp and send it off for you!
A Special Invitation for Coaches
As a heartfelt thank-you, we're inviting all coaches to a week-long celebration at The Bra! From October 1–8, any coach who stops by will receive a free side and a special "Coach" sticker to celebrate their hard work. It's our way of saying thanks for everything you do. We can't wait to see you there!
Here's to the power of movement and to the incredible community mentors who challenge us all to become the best versions of ourselves.
