Marissa Muoio Ed. D.’s Post

I don't really follow anything in sports but this particular news made me so excited! Jessica Campbell has made history as the first woman to be appointed as an assistant coach in the NHL. This groundbreaking achievement is not just a win for Jessica but a monumental step for women in sports leadership. Seeing women in leadership positions matters because: Young athletes need to see women succeeding at all levels. Jessica's journey will inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, showing them that they belong in coaching and leadership. It's amazing to breakdown barriers and steriotypes! A diverse leadership team brings new ideas and strategies. Women have unique experiences that can enhance team dynamics and overall performance. Representation challenges the status quo, paving the way for future generations. Each milestone contributes to a culture of inclusivity and equality in sports. Of course, I have seen some backlash online from those who may feel threatened by this change, stemming from long-standing biases and traditions in sports. It’s so important for us to rally behind Jessica and advocate for more inclusive spaces in sports. Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth. Let’s celebrate this historic moment and continue pushing for a more inclusive future in sports and everywhere else! #WomenInSports #Leadership #Diversity #Inclusion #BreakingBarriers

⛔ In an alternate reality, Caitlin Clark's talent might never have come to fruition. In the realm of sports, bravery manifests in taking risks—attempting audacious shots, envisioning and executing unexpected passes, and singlehandedly elevating the level of play. It's essentially a declaration: "If you want to challenge me, bring your A-game every single minute." But Caitlin's bravery, for example, isn't solely innate; it's nurtured by her coaches, teammates, and family. Had they discouraged her from taking bold shots or attempting daring passes, the talented Caitlin Clark we know today wouldn't exist. 🔺 As someone who has been both a youth athlete and a coach, I've witnessed how young female athletes are often encouraged to "play it safe" and conform to expectations. I've seen the potential of great athletes dim because of society's inclination for girls to comply rather than excel. 👉 If we aspire to cultivate more athletes like Caitlin Clark, then as parents, coaches, and supporters, we must foster bravery in our young girls in sports. We should allow them to make mistakes, to continuously experiment, and to embrace the possibility of becoming heroes on the field. 🏆 Undoubtedly, women's sports will continue to break barriers and reach new heights. But to truly instigate change, we must do better. Let's empower girls to lead, to carve out new paths for the future of women's sports. #sportsbiz #sports #leadership #growth #empowerment

Sometimes, an athlete comes along who does more than just play the game—they change it. That's what Caitlin Clark is doing right now for women, young girls, and the entire landscape of women's athletics. A $5M offer to join Ice Cube's league versus less than $100k in the WNBA might seem like an easy choice, but Caitlin's decision could shape history. She's in a unique position, much like Magic and Bird in the '70s, who brought a new era of attention to basketball, inspiring legends like MJ, Kobe, and LeBron. They weren't just athletes; they were visionaries who elevated the sport. Now, Caitlin stands at a similar crossroads, shouldering the immense responsibility and pressure of influencing the future of women's professional basketball. It's not just about the money—it's about legacy, viewership, and impact. Over 10M tuned in for the Elite 8, and tonight's Final 4 will draw even more, signaling a tipping point for the industry. As a father to Ella, just four months into this world, I think about what these moments could mean for her in 20 years. The decisions Caitlin makes now may well pave the way for the next generation of female athletes, leaders, and game-changers. Will you be tuning into the game tonight? (Ill catch the highlights on Youtube) but as an admirer of greatness, I want to be in the know of her journey. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences of what you've witnessed during her run, and maybe we can discuss the possibilities that lie ahead... Greatness transcends rivalry, teams, and gender. It's to be admired, respected, and learned from, no matter the field of play. #CaitlinClark #WomensAthletics #LeadershipOnAndOffTheCourt

#TheMorningInclusive Breaking Barriers: Caitlin Clark Signs Historic Deal with Wilson! 🏀 The exceptional Caitlin Clark, the Top pick in the WNBA draft, has just sealed a multiyear alliance with Wilson Sporting Goods. This isn’t your typical endorsement deal, it’s a momentous occasion for women’s basketball! 🏀 Signature Collection: Clark’s collaboration with Wilson includes a signature basketball collection, making her the first female player to achieve this milestone. The only other athlete to drop a collection with Wilson? None other than the legendary Michael Jordan himself, back in the 1980s. Talk about elite company! 🏀 Equality in Sports: Clark’s agreement marks the start of her professional basketball journey, echoing the historic significance of Jordan’s debut season. Wilson acknowledges that their brand is about commemorating iconic sports moments and aligning with pioneers who push boundaries. Amanda Lamb, Wilson’s head of global brand, expressed their pride in teaming up with Clark: “Caitlin Clark is not just a record-setting athlete, but a cultural icon who has had a profound impact on the game. We couldn’t be prouder to continue innovating basketball both on and off the court.” 🏀 Belonging: Clark’s journey resonates with generations of fans. From storing basketballs in the garage as a young kid to now having her own basketball collection, she embodies the spirit of inclusivity. As she puts it: “It feels surreal to have my own basketball collection, and to affect what that means for future generations of athletes.” While we celebrate Catilin today, we must continue the work to ensure this success is sustainability achievable for the many more young women who will follow in her footsteps. #CatilinClark #WomenSports #FemaleAthlete #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created with Copilot to summarize the above text

Caitlin... Gatekeeping... Corporate America... and Scarcity I am a fan of sports and particularly Women in Sports. And Sports will always imitate life... it is just witnessed on a public stage. We all have our perspectives on Caitlin Clark and her entry into the WNBA. Our narrative is being created by what is reported in the media. AND we bring our own lens into what we are seeing. I don't envy her right now. This is a tough road. Here's my lens: What I see is an entire profession of women athletes who have had to fight REALLY HARD to get to where they are. In comes Clark with immediate and unprecedented media hype AND she is a phenomenal player. The likely outcome is that she will continue to elevate women's basketball which benefits everyone. What I see is the scenario played on repeat for women in all professions. Those that fought really hard to climb the corporate ladder or become the accomplished physician, etc. all grew up feeling like they had to continually battle to keep their seat. And there is this nagging fear that there might not be room if someone else comes along with really good ideas, with the ability to "change the game," really knock it out of the park, so to speak. I have both felt that fear and experienced the repercussions by other women who felt that fear. What I now understand is that that there will always be enough seats at the table and truly, nothing makes me happier than to celebrate other's wins. I have intentionally raised young women who do not see other girls as their competition but rather their allies. This is the direction we must go as we continue to lead.

We've recently witnessed yet another inspiring demonstration of breaking gender norms in the realm of sports 🏀, embodied by the remarkable talent of Caitlin Clark. It's often easy to get caught up in debates over championship titles, overlooking the profound impact that athletes have beyond statistics and accolades. In Caitlin Clark's illustrious collegiate career at Iowa, her influence transcended mere numbers. With a remarkable postseason record of 25-4, including an impressive 16-1 streak over the last two seasons, Caitlin led her team to unprecedented success. From clinching three consecutive B1G titles to smashing individual tournament records for points, assists, and 3-pointers, her legacy is etched in the annals of basketball history. But Caitlin's impact extends far beyond the court. Her stardom elevated the Women's Tournament to must-watch television, driving record-setting TV viewership and an upswing in ticket prices. Even hip-hop icon Ice Cube recognizes her star power, offering a lucrative $5M deal to play in the Big3 League. As Caitlin Clark bids farewell to her collegiate career, her potential to revolutionize the WNBA looms large. Much like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird transformed the NBA in the early 80's, Caitlin's influence could reshape the landscape of women's basketball, drawing in new fans and revitalizing the league. While some may argue that a National Championship title is the ultimate validation of greatness, Caitlin's legacy speaks for itself. Her extraordinary achievements and unparalleled passion for the game transcend any single accolade. Let's celebrate greatness in all its forms and recognize Caitlin Clark as an inspiration not just for women, but for everyone, proving that with skill, determination, and unwavering passion, anything is possible. 🌟 #CaitlinClark #BasketballGreatness #BreakingGenderNorms #LegacyInProgress.

Let’s talk women in sports real quick. Specifically, women coaches and leaders. I coached my son’s summer league basketball team this past season and we went undefeated all summer… until we lost our final game by ONE! Pictured are me and my son (and ever supporting husband!) immediately following that heartbreaking loss. With the WNBA playoffs currently in full swing, I’m reminded of our team’s Picture Day back in June. The photographer repeatedly referred to me as the “Team Mom.” Not once, not twice, but about half a dozen times. What? I understand his label of “team mom” was well-intentioned, but it completely overlooked my role as Head Coach. Could I really blame him, though? As of 2023, women made up only 26% of youth sports head coaches in the US, and the number is even lower when it comes to female coaches for boys teams. This experience highlighted for me the unconscious gender biases we often carry not just in sports, but also in the business world. How many times have I walked into a room ready to lead a meeting, only for those in the room to assume a male counterpart was the key decision maker and not me? I think each of us can do something about this. There’s so much to unpack here but I do know one tiny thing I can do. I commit to continuing my journey as a youth sports coach. By staying involved, I know I play a small but pivotal role in shaping the next generation’s perception of women as leaders. It’s about empowering young girls to see themselves as future leaders and showing boys that seeing women in leadership roles is completely normal. What do you think? What are some small things you’re doing to challenge these biases on and off the court? //Sidenote: this photo was also taken a week after I got into a near death car vs pedestrian accident (I was the pedestrian). I had to be there for my boys! #YouthSports #Leadership #FemaleLeaders #CoachLife

Let's talk about the true definition of leadership, courage, and humanity—qualities embodied by Dawn Staley, a champion coach, a role model, and an ally to the transgender community. Dawn Staley, the NCAA women’s basketball coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, recently stood up for trans athletes' rights, showcasing what it means to be a true ally. In response to a question aiming to undermine trans athletes, Staley didn't just dodge; she stood firm in support, showcasing her role as a beacon of inclusion in sports. Then, there’s Riley Gaines. Her recent comments attacking Staley for supporting trans women not only miss the mark but also reveal a profound lack of understanding and empathy. Calling Staley “incompetent” or a “sellout” because she stands with trans athletes? That’s not just off-base—it's outright bullying. Let’s set the record straight: Dawn Staley's actions are a masterclass in leadership. She didn't hesitate or falter; she stood her ground, embodying what it means to be an ally, a role model, and, frankly, a superior human being in this scenario. Riley Gaines, on the other hand, could benefit from a moment of reflection. Championing exclusion and division doesn't make you brave or right—it's a missed opportunity to understand, learn, and grow. We don't advance by pulling others down or by silencing voices calling for inclusion and fairness. Staley’s record speaks for itself, not just in wins but in character, in how she leads her team and supports her community. This isn’t about being “politically correct”; it’s about recognizing the humanity and rights of all people. To Riley Gaines and those who share her views, it's time to listen more and speak less. It's time to recognize that true courage comes from supporting and lifting others, not tearing them down. Dawn Staley, you are a champion in every sense of the word. Your actions off the court prove you’re not just creating athletes but shaping future leaders who understand the value of diversity, inclusion, and respect. To everyone else, let's follow Dawn's example. Let's be champions of change, allies in action, and defenders of dignity for everyone because that's what real leaders do. #InclusionInSports #DawnStaley #BeAnAlly #TransRightsAreHumanRights

Let’s talk the slam dunk that is Women's Basketball… This year, the Women's NCAA Final Four didn’t just capture the hearts of millions, it broke records. Selling over 6 times more tickets than its male counterpart, it's clear: women's basketball isn't just a game; it's a force to be reckoned with! And get this: the cheapest ticket for the finals? It cost double that of the men's finals! And to think, this is the first year they LET the women’s league use the term “March Madness!” This success isn't just about sports; it's a testament to the untapped power of women-led movements. So, let's take this electrifying energy off the court and into the boardroom! It's time to break barriers, defy expectations, and champion diversity in every arena. #WomenOnBoards #WomenInBusiness #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #WomenInSports #NCAA #FinalFour

Love seeing this new report from the Women's Sports Foundation underscoring the impact that sports can have on girls and women! Sports have been and continue to be such an important part of my life as both a player and a coach, and research like this shows how investing in women's sport can have big (and long-term) impacts! Great report and great recommendations at the end! Well done WSF! 💪 🏆 https://lnkd.in/e4FVH2dD