Leadership Was Never Meant to Be Navigated Alone
Sponsored by Digital Scoreboards
Welcome to the GCWHHS Mentorship Program—where women Athletic Directors in high school sports come together to inspire, challenge, and elevate one another. Whether you’re an experienced leader or just beginning your journey, this is your chance to connect with passionate women, share valuable experiences, and grow both professionally and personally.
In an industry that thrives on support and community, the GCWHHS Mentorship Program provides a unique space for women to build meaningful relationships, exchange insights, and navigate the challenges and triumphs of leading athletic programs. Over the course of 9 months, you’ll be paired with a mentor or mentee who shares your goals, empowering you to reflect, learn, and enhance your leadership skills.
Designed to be flexible, fun, and above all—impactful—the program is a cycle of ongoing growth. After each cycle, you’ll have the opportunity to re-enroll and be paired with someone new, ensuring fresh perspectives and continuous development. The learning doesn’t stop after four months—it’s just the beginning of a long-lasting support network.
Program Dates:
- Registration Opens: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Registration Closes: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Cohort Pairing Announcement sent via email on or before: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- First Group Meeting Date (2 options): Sunday, September 27, 2026 or Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Mid-Point Meeting Date (1 option): Monday, November 23, 2026
- Mid-Point Meeting Date (1 option): Monday, February 22, 2027
- End of Program Celebration (1 option): June (TBD), 2027
Sign Up Now and Empower Your Leadership Journey!
The GCWHHS Mentorship Program is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow Athletic Directors who understand the challenges and rewards of leadership in high school sports. Whether you’re seeking mentorship or ready to give back by sharing your expertise, this program is designed to help you thrive.
Mentor Resources
Supporting Leaders Through Connection, Conversation, and Shared Experience
Mentorship matters.
In high school sports, leadership can often feel isolating. Whether you are a new coach, first-year athletic director, veteran leader, or someone navigating transition and growth, having trusted people to learn from and lean on can make all the difference.
The Global Community Mentor Resources were created to help support meaningful leadership conversations, professional growth, and authentic connection within educational athletics.
Why Mentorship Matters
Strong mentorship helps leaders:
- Build confidence
- Navigate difficult situations
- Strengthen communication skills
- Develop leadership identity
- Avoid isolation and burnout
- Gain perspective from shared experiences
- Stay connected to purpose and passion
Mentorship is not about having all the answers.
It is about creating space for honest conversations, support, encouragement, and growth.
Mentor Conversation Starters
For Mentors
- What challenges are you currently navigating?
- Where do you feel most confident right now?
- What is taking the most energy from you?
- What leadership skills are you hoping to strengthen?
- How can I best support you?
For Mentees
- What experiences helped shape your leadership style?
- What do you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
- How do you manage leadership fatigue and balance?
- What advice would you give your younger self?
- What keeps you connected to this work?
Areas Where Mentorship Can Help
- Athletic Administration
- Coaching Leadership
- Career Advancement
- Work-Life Balance
- Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Hiring & Interview Preparation
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
- Building Athletic Culture
- Mentoring Female Coaches
- Navigating Leadership as “The Only Woman in the Room”
- Confidence & Professional Growth
Building a Strong Mentor Relationship
The best mentorship relationships are built on:
- Trust
- Consistency
- Vulnerability
- Active Listening
- Encouragement
- Honest Feedback
- Mutual Respect
Growth does not happen because someone has all the answers.
Growth happens when people feel supported enough to keep going.
Suggested Mentor Meeting Ideas
- Monthly coffee chats
- Zoom leadership conversations
- Conference meetups
- Job shadow opportunities
- Leadership book discussions
- Resume and interview reviews
- End-of-season reflection conversations
- Goal-setting sessions
Leadership Reminder
You do not have to navigate leadership alone.
One conversation can change confidence.
One connection can change a career.
One mentor can change the way someone sees themselves as a leader.
Together, we connect, grow, and sustain leadership in educational athletics.
