Artistic Coaching Project - Nova Artistic Swimming 

Nova Artistic Swimming used their Take the Lead funding to support women in their coaching development. The training included a variety of opportunities for professional development including the Aqua Go Coaching Certification, Competition Introduction, and the Elevate Conference. 

Through the project 8 teenage women were supported in their coaching career development, becoming mentors for athletes and future coaches. The project impacts women in sport through long-term retention, empowerment and cultural change. Girls who transition from athlete to coach are more likely to remain engaged in sport into adulthood. This continuity helps counter the steep drop‑off in participation that disproportionately affects girls and young women in high school and early adulthood. 

In addition to coach development, coaches who participated in a coaching conference gained transferable skills. These skills included communication, planning, mentorship, conflict resolution; all skills that will enhance their confidence and future employability, both within and beyond sport. Finally by normalizing young women in leadership roles, the project helps shift

organizational culture toward one that values women’s expertise, perspectives, and contributions. This cultural shift benefits not only the participants but the entire sport community.