Empowering Growth: Celebrating the Transformational Journey of IW Women's Assistant Coaches
- Sarah McQuade
- May 14
- 2 min read
When the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IW) imagined a program that had never existed before, they set out to do more than fill a gap — they set out to reimagine how Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coaches could be supported, developed, and empowered.
With a bold vision and a deep commitment to change, IW partnered with e.t.c coaching consultants (Julie Muller and Sarah McQuade) to design and deliver ASPIRE, a pioneering professional development experience for assistant women's coaches in collegiate lacrosse. Their trust, guidance, and recruitment of an exceptional inaugural cohort laid the foundations for what has become a transformational journey for every coach involved.
A Program With Purpose
At its heart, ASPIRE was built to develop people first, and professionals second. We structured the nine-month program around four guiding themes:
Laying the Foundations
Developing Oneself
Working with Others
Continuing Your Coaching Journey
Delivered through a blended model of learning — combining live webinars, online modules, in-person workshops, and self-directed reflection — ASPIRE created space for coaches to grow in confidence, clarity, and connection which is reflected in the loop below:
Personal Growth Meets Professional Development
One of the cornerstones of the program was the creation of a Personal Development Plan (PDP) — a living document that helped each coach better understand who they are, why they do what they do, what their aspirations are, and how they will achieve them. This reflective process enabled them to chart a tailored growth path aligned to their values, aspirations, and working context.
To support this individual journey, mentoring was offered to each coach, providing a trusted and safe space to pause, reflect, think, explore, and plan. For many, these mentoring conversations became a catalyst for deeper self-awareness and practical action.
Powered by Digital Connection
Our digital partner, MiMentor, provided the platform and technical support that brought the virtual side of ASPIRE to life. Through their tools, we created a dynamic online community of practice — a space where ideas were shared, support was offered, and progress was celebrated.
A Celebration of Community
The program concluded with a virtual graduation webinar — a joyful celebration of learning, growth, and shared experience. Joined by peers, head coaches, and IW leadership, each ASPIRE coach shared a personal story that captured the essence of their journey — often through a single image that, quite literally, painted a thousand words.
What We’ve Learned
ASPIRE was born out of a clear need: to provide women coaches with intentional support and meaningful development at a time when they are often stretched thin and undervalued. What we witnessed was powerful: when space is created, and trust is extended, women show up ready to grow — for themselves, their athletes, and the profession as a whole.
“This program helped me build the confidence I need — on and off the field — to coach today's athletes effectively.” — ASPIRE Participant
Looking Ahead
As this inaugural cohort steps forward, they leave behind more than memories — they leave a legacy. A blueprint for future cohorts. A call to action for the wider coaching community. And a powerful reminder of what happens when women are invited, supported, and inspired to ASPIRE.
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