KISD Female Coaches Participate in ‘Seat at the Table’ Initiative

As Latisha Williams sat in a captivating session over the summer at coaching school, the longtime Killeen ISD coach and current executive director for athletics immediately began to think about those she’s tasked with leading, particularly female coaches, and wondered if what she was hearing would benefit them.

 

Flash forward a few months. Williams now has the answers: Yes, absolutely, and infinitely.

 

Coach takes notesCoach talking at tableAiming to further cultivate connections and camaraderie between KISD’s female coaches through insightful and dynamic dialogue, Williams introduced and implemented the “Seat at the Table” initiative to a group of about 40 KISD middle school and high school coaches and coordinators who gathered Wednesday night at Jackson Professional Learning Center.

 

“I listened to what was being presented at coaching school and was like, ‘Wow, that would be really nice for us to get a group of female coaches together and fellowship and get ideas from each other on how to navigate this coaching life,’” Williams said. “I think people want to be heard. Once people start talking then it gets rolling. As a leader, I think it’s important to create that type of space, and this does that.”

 

Williams described “Seat at the Table,” a program launched by the Texas Association of High School Coaches, as a venture that facilitates open and honest discussions, provides a platform to exchange perspectives, and allows for candid communication about various topics that surround female coaches in the profession.

 

Coac hing laughingOn Wednesday night, KISD’s coaches and coordinators enjoyed a meal together and delved into various talking points presented by North West High School volleyball head coach and assistant athletic coordinator Jennifer Chandler, and Comal ISD district athletic coordinator Marsha Hammond.

 

“It is a profession where we are seeing less female coaches. That is a trend. So, being able to get our coaches in a room and discuss things that might be important to them and to uplift each other and make everyone in the room realize they are not alone in what they are going through is just a good thing,” Williams said. “It’s not just talking about problems. It’s coming up with strategies and solutions together for the overall success of our kids, because that’s what it’s about.”

 

Williams, who spent 12 seasons as Killeen High’s girls basketball head coach among 17 years in the coaching ranks, said something she struggled with as an up-and-coming coach was reaching out to other coaches for tips or suggestions. She said the competitiveness that drives athletics can often feel like a barrier between coaches, who likely have similar goals for their student-athletes.

 

Guest speaker No. 2

“My first couple of years as a head coach were really tough. Once I started reaching out to people, even those I was competing against, and building relationships with other coaches, scheduling got easier, building a practice plan got easier,” said Williams, who already is formulating plans for more meetings.

 

“It’s good to network and talk to other people in your profession, and most of us want others to be successful. Coach Rachael Hood at Harker Heights reminded us all last night that when KISD wins, we all win, no matter what school. And that’s a really good point. You can use each other as a resource. I see it really as professional development,” Williams added. “It’s knowing where to find information, how to get information. Who to talk to. And just realize you’re not in this by yourself.”

 

Ellison girls volleyball coach and assistant athletic coordinator Shirelle Givens said it was important to take advantage of the opportunity to fellowship with other coaches.

 

“It is important to have a solid foundation of support from your coaching staff and family in order to be successful in all aspects of life,” Givens said. “I felt that both the THSCA representatives and coach Latisha Williams created an environment where all coaches had a safe place, learning how to navigate their personal and professional struggles as a female coach.”

Guest speaker No. 1

Chaparral softball head coach and assistant athletic coordinator Jessica Harborth shared a similar takeaway as her coaching counterpart, saying the evening’s discussions were “inspiring and empowering.”

 

“I took away a deeper sense of camaraderie, and the understanding that we are all in this together,” Harborth said. “It gave us all a chance to hear how others have overcome obstacles.”

 

Rancier coach and girls coordinator Stella Jasmin said the real-time interactions and the exchange of ideas during the 2-plus hour meeting were valuable.

 

“There was a wealth of knowledge in the room, and moving forward this could be what the district needs to advance our girls athletic programs overall,” Jasmin said.

 

More photos can be found on the KISD Flickr page here.

 

 

 

 

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