Grace Edwards is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Dobson by AZPreps365.com

Female coaches often get overlooked by the outdated stereotypes surrounding them, conveying they’re not as crucial as their male counterparts. 

“You can feel sometimes that your voice isn’t heard or your opinion isn’t valued as much,” said Katie Luck. 

Luck, who is Dobson's girls varsity basketball assistant coach, has been coaching for roughly 13 years. 

“I think I bring a different component because of the fact that I’m a woman, specifically the relationship side of it because as a woman, we’re just emotional creatures by nature,” said Luck. “Being that there’s men coaches and I’m the only woman on the staff, I think the motherly role automatically comes with my job but I’ve embraced that.”

The empowerment female coaches have on young female athletes is critical for them being understood not only as an athlete but as a woman.

No matter how hard a male coach tries, they can’t understand the pressures young girls face whether that’s with friendships, confidence, or body image.

The bond a female coach can have with a female athlete is unmatchable when they can relate on a deeper level. 

“There’s so much that surrounds these kiddos and so much that is out of their control, so it helps to just come in and be loose with them a little bit,” said Kaitlin Winter, Dobson’s assistant girls JV basketball coach. “It’s good to have that balance of let’s be serious and apply the tools but also enjoy the moment and create that safe space for them.” 

Winter said it’s bigger than basketball, it’s helping the girls realize they have a support system outside from their parents. 

The demand for more female coaches is beyond proving they’re capable of doing what men can do but it’s also about inspiring the next generation of girls to seek coaching. 

“As their role model, if I can give them any type of push to say hey this is what I could do in a more male-dominated role, I hope I am instilling in these young girls, be confident, be strong, don’t back down,” said Luck. “At first it can feel at times that you’re on the wrong side but you just have to keep fighting and be confident in your convictions of who you are.”

Both Luck and Winter said they are fortunate to have their voices heard and opinions valued by their male colleagues. 

“Be confident in yourself and your abilities and be willing to be loud. Stick to your thoughts and your vision,” said Winter. “When you get that platform, it’s about dominating that space and saying your piece and not just sitting back but continuing to advocate for yourself.”