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Educational Resources: Explore new tools and insights through our resource hub — featuring leadership tips, coaching content, and highlights from across the women’s game to support your growth on and off the field.
LeadHER Network | November Edition Welcome to the November 2025 edition of the LeadHER Network newsletter — a month full of standout moments across every level of the women’s game. Inside this issue, you’ll find a little bit of everything: a look back at the USWNT’s match at Subaru Park, a recap of this year’s girls PIAA champions, updates from the NCAA playoffs, and more stories shaping our soccer community.
Community and Networking: From virtual meetups to in-person events, we’re creating space for women to connect, collaborate, and elevate each other in the game.
Leadership and Growth: Whether it’s coaching at the pro level or mentoring the next generation, we’re spotlighting the journeys that show what’s possible — and helping you take your next step forward.
Empowerment: LeadHER is all about building confidence, visibility, and opportunity. Together, we’re changing the game — one coach, one story, one connection at a time.
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USWNT RETURNED TO SUBARU PARK! On October 23, the U.S. Women’s National Team hosted Portugal at Subaru Park. Despite the 1-2 loss, it was an unforgettable experience to see the USWNT competing right here in Eastern Pennsylvania, inspiring the next generation of players and coaches. The excitement started the day before the match when Soccer Forward and Love City Football teamed up to host a free girls’ clinic in our area. Participants enjoyed: - Exclusive access to observe the USWNT’s training session inside Subaru Park - Lunch provided by Philly Sisters and Sterling Pig of Media, PA - A female-led clinic featuring coaches from across our region—including top club, college, and ODP coaches, who came together to give back and grow the game. A huge thank-you to everyone who made this event possible and to the young players who brought so much energy and enthusiasm!
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ICYMI: LEADHER VIDEO SERIES We’ve been hosting meaningful conversations with women in the game, check out our latest episodes here: LeadHER Playlist. Stay tuned a brand new video drops later this month!
EPISODES RECAP:
Episode 1: Shelley Kerr
Episode 2: Gina Lewandowski
Episode 3: Katelyn Greenawalt
Former Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach and current Technical Development Manager at Heart of Midlothian F.C. in the Scottish Men's Premiership.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and ODP alum, former professional player with Bayern Munich and Gotham FC, and current assistant coach at Notre Dame University.
Sports Scientist at FC Dallas and USSF C License holder.
Shelley shares her coaching journey, experiences at the highest levels of the game, and more!
Gina shares her path from collegiate athlete to international pro, and now to coaching the next generation.
Photo: Gina Lewandowski
Katelyn shares her journey into the world of sports science, what it’s like working with elite athletes in Major League Soccer, and her advice for those looking to break into the field.
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WOMEN’S GAMES TO WATCH HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS – STATE CHAMPIONS TO BE CROWNED! PIAA champions have been crowned! Congratulations to the following Eastern Pennsylvania girls' teams who represented! Faith Christian Academy - 1A Girls Archbishop Wood - 2A Girls Central Bucks East - 4A Girls
NCAA TOURNAMENT TIME! to all teams and universities from Eastern PA represented in the NCAA tournaments this fall! Division I (8) Penn State vs. (1) Virginia | 11/20 at 6 P.M.
REGISTER HERE Division II Selections Announced 11/17 at 6:30 P.M. Division III Messiah vs. Calvin | 11/21 at 3:30 P.M. Penn St. Harrisburg vs. Mary Washington | 11/22 at 1:30 P.M. Swarthmore vs. Carelton | 11/22 at 2:30 P.M. Best of luck to all the student-athletes competing on the national stage!
NWSL PLAYOFFS – THE CHASE CONTINUES! After a thrilling upset, Gotham FC stunned the Orlando Pride to secure a spot in the championship. The Championship is: Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC | 11/22 at 8 P.M. Who will punch take home the crown? We can’t wait to find out.
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YOU MATTER, COACH! WHY WOMEN IN COACHING MAKE A DIFFERENCE Research continues to show what many of us already feel: who coaches girls matters. When girls are coached by women, they see what’s possible. They see that leadership, confidence, and expertise in sport belong to women too. Studies from the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport show that visibility of female coaches helps girls believe they belong in the game, not just as players, but as future coaches and leaders. Other studies have found that female coaches often create more autonomysupportive, safe, and relational team environments, which are key to girls’ long-term participation and enjoyment in sport. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Coaching Through a Gender Lens, girls ages 7-13 who “liked their coach” and felt supported were significantly more likely to keep playing as they got older. In short: Representation matters. Seeing women lead changes what girls believe they can do. Retention matters. Positive, supportive coaching keeps girls in the game. Culture matters. Female coaches help broaden the definition of “good coaching” — blending care, connection, and competitiveness. So, whether you’re on the sidelines, planning sessions, or mentoring another coach — remember: you matter. Every time you show up, you’re not just shaping players. You’re shaping possibility. (Sources: Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport; Women’s Sports Foundation “Coaching Through a Gender Lens”; Gender Differences in Coaching Behaviors Study)
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TOGETHER, WE LEADHER From Subaru Park to state and national championships, this month reminds us of the power of visibility and opportunity in women’s soccer. Thank you to everyone continuing to support, coach, and lead in our community. Stay tuned for our next LeadHER feature and winter events update coming soon!
COMING UP: We’re excited to announce a LeadHER Networking Event at the United Soccer Coaches Convention this Winter. Details coming soon and stay tuned and make plans to join us! All-Female U.S. Soccer National B License Course hosted by NJ Youth Soccer in January 2026. This historic course, organized by the US Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) and Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS), is the first-ever all-female National B License course designed to elevate and empower women in coaching.
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