Supporting Olympic Dreams: The LSU School of Kinesiology Establishes New Strategic Partnerships to Further Women’s Sports and Health

The LSU School of Kinesiology is proud to bring together research and outreach from its wide range of disciplines to enhance the opportunities for girls and women to succeed in sports as players, coaches and officials as well as supporting women’s health across the lifespan. To that end, the school is announcing two new partnerships that will further this important work on a national and global scale – The Power to Play. and The Women’s Coaching Association.

With LSU sending 31 athletes from around the world to the Olympic Games including champion women gymnasts, swimmers, divers, track and field stars and beach volleyball players, we really are the place “where champions are made” and the School of Kinesiology actively supports this mission with world-class research and outreach.

Despite the great success of LSU’s women athletes, girls and women remain underrepresented in sport. Our understanding of women athletes’ performance and wellbeing requirements also lags well behind that of men.

In delivering on its mission, the LSU School of Kinesiology is excited to partner with two key organizations active in supporting women’s sport and health.

“We are striving to ensure that every girl who wants to play sports has that opportunity and that we educate and support girls and women across the lifespan as they engage with sport and physical activity. Our partnerships with Power to Play Period. and the Women’s Coaching Association expands our outreach and connection to girls and women participating in sports and physical activity and enhances opportunities and expertise among women coaches."  

John Nauright, PhD, School of Kinesiology Director

The Power to Play Period. founding director, Sarah Zipp, PhD, a former NCAA basketball player and track athlete, has a wealth of academic and organizational experience in Europe and the USA as well as years of research on the topic of menstrual health and sports. 

“It is really exciting to partner with the LSU School of Kinesiology as we work to improve menstrual health literacy for athletes and coaches. Let’s ‘geaux with the flow’ and ensure all girls and women have the confidence and knowledge they need for success in sports and for healthy lives."

Sarah Zipp, PhD, Power to Play Period. Founding Director

The Women’s Coaching Association founding director, Aish Ravi, PhD, from Monash University in Australia, is now based in Houston and brings her experience of world leading coach education from Australia to the USA as we collaborate to increase the number of women coaches throughout Louisiana and beyond. 

“WCA looks forward to this great partnership with LSU. Aligning our interests with the incredible athletes and coaches at LSU will foster an environment encouraging more women to compete and succeed in sports. Geaux Tigers!”

Aish Ravi, PhD, Women's Coaching Association Founding Director

More About LSU Kinesiology Women’s Sports and Health

Visit the Women's Coaching Association website.

Visit the Power to Play Period. website.

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About SOK 
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education. 
Visit the School of Kinesiology website. 

About CHSE 
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan. 
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.