You Won't Believe What Maddy Gaydon and Grace Walsh Discovered at the Snell-Shillingford Symposium!

On January 24th and 25th, 2023, the Centennial Conference hosted its 27th Annual Snell-Shillingford Symposium at Haverford College, Pennsylvania, followed by a virtual session due to a winter storm. This annual event, founded by former Bryn Mawr athletic director Jen Shillingford, aims to inspire female student-athletes to pursue careers in athletics. Alongside Sally Snover, head softball coach, Maddy Gaydon (women's soccer) and Grace Walsh (field hockey) participated in the symposium, which emphasized leadership, collaboration, and connection in sports.

During the symposium, participants engaged in various discussions designed to elevate both themselves and their peers. The weekend encouraged attendees to be present and engaged, a mantra that resonated throughout the event. On the opening day at Haverford College, attendees introduced themselves and shared personal aspirations, fostering a supportive environment among the athletes.

The first speaker, Megan Weisheipl, a mindset coach, emphasized the importance of nurturing a positive narrative and effectively setting goals as female leaders. She articulated a crucial point: "Failing is an essential part of each of our journeys toward success." By reframing failure as an opportunity for growth, Weisheipl encouraged attendees to embrace discomfort and push beyond their limits.

Following Weisheipl's address, a panel of Senior Women Administrators (SWA) shared their insights on transitioning from coaching roles to higher administrative positions. The panel included Dr. Val Gomez (Swarthmore), Sandy Lagana Bly (McDaniel), Kelly Mannix (Johns Hopkins), and Annette Hunt-Shepherd (Gettysburg). They advised future leaders to be inquisitive and absorb as much information as possible, underscoring that the best leaders often start as effective followers.

Dr. Amy Wilson of the NCAA led an enlightening session about Title IX, which revolutionized women's access to athletics in the United States. Initially focused on education, the law's eventual inclusion of sports led to a tenfold increase in female participation in athletic programs across the country. Maddy Gaydon and Grace Walsh highlighted the importance of understanding Title IX and discussing its equity implications.

Swarthmore's head volleyball coach, Harleigh Chwastyk, concluded the day's presentations by discussing the multifaceted roles of coaches as leaders, motivators, and advocates for athletes. She encouraged future coaches to identify which aspects of coaching they viewed as most crucial and to set high standards for themselves.

The second day, moved online due to inclement weather, featured Sherryta Freeman, the Director of Athletics at Lafayette University. Her presentation, "Leadership through Gratitude," resonated with many attendees. Freeman shared her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of showing appreciation to team members, both publicly and privately. One memorable quote from her was, "Lift as you climb," a reminder for women to support each other in their journeys.

Subsequent discussions with mentors provided additional insights into breaking into the coaching field and navigating professional landscapes. Attendees shared personal stories, book recommendations, and advice on how to enhance their leadership skills. The final speaker, Anna Goorevich, a former Franklin & Marshall soccer player, now at the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, shared concerning statistics about female coaches in Division I programs. Despite a slow upward trend in female coaching representation, Goorevich's data underscored the need for more role models in athletics to inspire the next generation of female athletes.

A recurring theme throughout the symposium was the significance of understanding one's "Why"—the motivation behind pursuing a career in sports. Both Gaydon and Walsh left the event feeling invigorated and ready to advocate for themselves and others, determined to improve the landscape for women in sports.

The Snell-Shillingford Symposium not only served as a platform for networking but also reinforced the importance of leadership, resilience, and community among female athletes. By offering these insights and fostering connections, it aims to pave the way for future generations in collegiate athletics.