ASPIRE at IW Convention 25: Building Connection and Community

The IWLCA and its Board deserve immense recognition for their courage, vision, and sustained commitment to supporting women coaches—who, in so many ways, represent the future of the sport. Through ASPIRE, they are championing growth, confidence, capability, and connection across the women’s lacrosse landscape.

This week at the IW Convention at the Tradewind Resort, 29 ASPIRE coaches from the second cohort came together in person for a dynamic and energising workshop.

A Journey of Learning and Development

Over the past three months, ASPIRE coaches have engaged in a thoughtfully sequenced learning experience built around four developmental themes:

1. Laying the Foundations

Coaches began with a DISC assessment and a deep exploration of their coaching philosophy and values—strengthening clarity around who they are and how this shapes their coaching practice.

2. Developing Oneself

This phase emphasised reflective practice as a core development skill, supporting coaches to pause, think deeply, and apply learning with greater intention.

3. Working with Others

This theme centred on coaching the whole athlete, with a strong emphasis on the coach–athlete relationship. Coaches explored the human side of coaching—communication, trust, care, and connection—as essential tools for effective coaching.

4. Continuing Your Coaching Journey

Extending into the upcoming spring season, this theme invites coaches to apply, test, refine, and reflect on concepts and tools introduced throughout the programme.

Mentoring to Support Intentional Growth

The first mentoring session guided coaches through the creation of a Professional Development Plan (PDP), giving each participant a clear and personalised roadmap for their ongoing growth.

The second mentoring session—still ahead—will help coaches approach the spring season as a rich breeding ground for learning, experimentation, and development.

An In-Person Workshop Anchored in Connection and Communication

The workshop at the IW Convention was built around four pillars: connection, community, conversation, and communication.

Through a compelling blend of activities, storytelling, reflection, and practice, the group explored:

• Curious and connected coaching – prioritising relational intelligence and human connection

• Push-pull coaching – a high-support, high-challenge approach to helping others grow

• Communication practices – enhancing clarity, presence, and effectiveness in daily coaching environments

A Social Gathering That Strengthened the ASPIRE Community

Immediately following the workshop, coaches from both ASPIRE cohorts came together on the Seabreeze Terrace. This mix-and-mingle moment—filled with warmth, generosity, insight, and connection—was a powerful reminder that ASPIRE is not only developing individual coaches but nurturing a collective community of women committed to developing themselves and each other.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Community, A Growing Impact

The ASPIRE programme continues through January, culminating in a graduation celebration that will honour the dedication, achievements, and ongoing development of these remarkable women.

With two cohorts now engaged, the ASPIRE alumni community is expanding—deepening the programme’s influence and strengthening its reach across the sport. These coaches are not only enhancing their own practice but elevating the learning environment for athletes, colleagues, and future generations.

ASPIRE is helping shape a future in women’s lacrosse defined by capability, confidence, connection, and community.

And at the IW Convention, that future felt incredibly bright.

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