Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI)

The BAWSI program was founded in 2005 by Marlene Bjornsrud, former general manager of WUSA’s San Jose Cyber Rays, along with U.S. women’s soccer team stars Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy. The team aimed to “harness the power of women athletes to impact society and give them an opportunity to connect through authentic, intentional service”. Their goals are based on the statistics that “adolescent girls cease playing sports at twice the rate of the boys” and “girls who play sports have better physical and mental health outcomes; and graduate high school and college at higher rates.” Over the last 20 years, BAWSI has worked with 26,000 youth and over 9500 volunteers. I was lucky enough to be one of those volunteers, helping lead games during their after school recess time. The organization aims to promote principles based on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, and they teach these values through movement and sport. To find out more and how you can help support girls becoming leaders, please visit their website: BAWSI