Saturday Jun 28, 2025
Breaking Barriers: Coach Teri Rodgers and the Fight for Women’s Sports Equity
PEAC-Train Like a Girl Podcast — Special Episode with Coach Teri Rodgers
This week, I had the honor of sitting down with one of my coaching mentors, Coach Teri Rodgers, a trailblazer who has dedicated her life to empowering female athletes and fighting sexism in sports.
Teri’s journey began playing sports alongside her older brother, and her passion for basketball was ignited early. Despite limited resources and gender stereotypes in her youth, she bravely crossed barriers—trying out for boys’ teams when no girls’ teams existed, and later thriving in girls’ programs, thanks in part to her perseverance and the support of her family.
Throughout her distinguished career at Duke University and later as a high school basketball coach at New Trier High School, Teri has continually championed inclusion and equity. She is also the co-founder of the Grow the Game tournament, an initiative to elevate women’s involvement in coaching and officiating, and to inspire young girls to see their voice and leadership as vital.
In this inspiring conversation, Teri shares her personal story of breaking gender norms, her reflections on Title IX’s impact, and her vision for the future of girls’ and women’s sports.
As she prepares to retire after an illustrious coaching career, her legacy and passion for empowering the next generation shine brightly.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of Title IX and women’s representation in sports coaching and officiating.
This week, I had the honor of sitting down with one of my coaching mentors, Coach Teri Rodgers, a trailblazer who has dedicated her life to empowering female athletes and fighting sexism in sports.
Teri’s journey began playing sports alongside her older brother, and her passion for basketball was ignited early. Despite limited resources and gender stereotypes in her youth, she bravely crossed barriers—trying out for boys’ teams when no girls’ teams existed, and later thriving in girls’ programs, thanks in part to her perseverance and the support of her family.
Throughout her distinguished career at Duke University and later as a high school basketball coach at New Trier High School, Teri has continually championed inclusion and equity. She is also the co-founder of the Grow the Game tournament, an initiative to elevate women’s involvement in coaching and officiating, and to inspire young girls to see their voice and leadership as vital.
In this inspiring conversation, Teri shares her personal story of breaking gender norms, her reflections on Title IX’s impact, and her vision for the future of girls’ and women’s sports.
As she prepares to retire after an illustrious coaching career, her legacy and passion for empowering the next generation shine brightly.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of Title IX and women’s representation in sports coaching and officiating.
How to fight gender stereotypes and create inclusive opportunities for female athletes.
The power of community and mentorship in shaping confident young women
Teri’s insights on leadership, resilience, and advocating for change.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with a true pioneer in women’s sports. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or advocate, Teri’s story reminds us that every voice matters in shaping the game—and in creating a more equitable world.
Connect with Teri Rodgers:
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