International Women’s Day is our opportunity to celebrate the fearless females breaking down barriers and tirelessly striving for equality. So today, we shine the spotlight on the incredible women empowering our PlayerData community, both on and off the field.
From the inspirational Naomi Girma, a PlayerData super user at San Diego Wave FC, who was recently named U.S. Soccer’s 2023 Female Player of the Year, to the phenomenally talented athletes who account for half of the teams in this year’s Scottish Women’s Cup quarter finals, our PlayerData Community comprising thousands of talented females really does give cause for celebration.
Behind the scenes here at PlayerData we have an incredible team who deserve recognition this International Women’s Day for their tireless work each and every day. From our visionary leaders to our incredible sports scientists and success team helping you get the best from your performance data, our dedicated Women of PlayerData are breaking barriers and pushing boundaries in the world of sports tech.
We recently sat down with them to chat through the experiences that have shaped both their personal and professional journeys so far. Dive in and discover the inspiring stories of the talented PlayerData women, who are shaping the future of sports, and learn how their unique perspectives and experience are driving innovation in the industry.
Celebrating Achievements and Building Careers
Reflecting on her five years at PlayerData, COO and Women's Business Club's Global Businesswoman of 2024, Beth takes pride in her personal growth, the impact she's made on others' careers, and the vast amount she's learned and achieved. PlayerData empowered her to confidently claim ownership of her successes and embrace her potential.
While our Support Specialist Sarah enjoys bringing to life her passion for helping others. Sarah thrives on visiting clubs and empowering them with data-driven performance improvement strategies. PlayerData provides her the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of clubs, both individually and at larger events. Fellow Support Specialist Elle shared that stepping outside her comfort zone is a source of pride. PlayerData offered the perfect platform for her to delve into a new field – sports technology – and has significantly expanded her knowledge base in this sector.
Identifying 'one' specific achievement proves challenging for PlayerData CCO Jess, as she reveals that she’s highly driven by goals and the success of her teams. Jess’ career path is a strategic journey towards a significant, long-term goal. Her mentors often describe Jess as a 'chess player,' strategically making career moves to acquire the necessary skills for this ultimate objective. Jess’ proudest moments come from collective team success stories and witnessing the achievements of individuals she’s worked alongside. PlayerData's collaborative environment perfectly aligns with Jess’ values, fostering a space where collective achievements and individual growth are celebrated equally.
Part-time Shipping Specialist Natasha shares that balancing her career aspirations with motherhood is a personal triumph. PlayerData's flexible work arrangements empowers her to maintain financial stability while cherishing precious moments with her young son.
Financial Analyst Jarmila shares that PlayerData's dynamic environment allows employees to carve their own career paths. In just 2 years Jarmila has developed her career, recently being promoted to financial analyst, thanks to PlayerData’s support and her dedication to continuous learning and development.
Sports Scientist Hannah enjoys leveraging her academic background and passion for sports, having been afforded the opportunity to work across multiple departments at PlayerData. She utilises her sports science expertise to empower teams with data-driven insights for improved performance.
Finding Inspiration in Role Models
While Olivia Coleman might seem an unconventional choice in the tech world, she resonates deeply with Beth. Olivia's journey, starting an acting career later in life and overcoming self-doubt, exemplifies resilience and proving your capabilities. Beth admires Olivia's unwavering authenticity, a quality she strives for in herself.
Without hesitation, Operations Intern Corrine beams "Mom is my ultimate inspiration". Throughout her career, her mother confronted numerous challenges in a male-dominated industry, yet persevered and shattered glass ceilings. This relentless spirit motivates Corrine to forge her own path in sports technology. Keeping with the family theme, Operations Intern Mia looks to her older sister as her source of inspiration to start a journey in sports technology. Proudly stating that her sister is very incredibly good at what she does, so much so that Mia aspires to be like her sister throughout her own career!
Jess' career trajectory serves as an inspiring example of the power of mentorship and support. From seasoned leaders at established companies like Comcast and Linde, to tailored programs like the Rotational Leadership Program, Jess highlights the diverse experiences that have shaped her journey. Currently, she benefits from the guidance of multiple mentors, each providing valuable expertise in different areas. A prominent figure among them is Emily Waldorf, who has offered invaluable guidance during Jess' transition from corporate to startup life. Emily's leadership style, characterised by a clear vision and the ability to inspire collaboration, has been a key source of learning and support. Other influential figures in Jess' network include Ellen Weber, Amanda Watkins, Jenn Nyiri, and her sisters – all playing a significant role in her journey.
Feeling fortunate to have had a strong female mentor, Senior Operations Manager Tori credits a previous manager for shaping her career trajectory. This individual's high-energy leadership combined with an ability to inspire joy and confidence in her team made a lasting impact on Tori.
A Career in Sports Tech: Your Guide to Success
When it comes to providing advice to the next generation of women establishing a career in sports tech, it’s safe to say that this was something that the whole team was passionate about and their advice was unanimous. For those aspiring to join their ranks, our Women of PlayerData offered this invaluable advice: embrace every opportunity, challenge self-doubt, and find your niche.
Whether it's an internship, shadowing experience, or the next step in your career, grab every chance to learn and grow. Remember, your voice matters, so speak up, share your passion, and embrace the challenges that come your way. As Operation Associate Kharmen reminds us, confidence is key:
"Back yourself, and know that your unique perspective is invaluable. With dedication and passion, you can carve your own path in the exciting world of sports technology."
Support Specialist Brodi perfectly encapsulates the message: "Stick at it!" There are abundant opportunities in engineering, sports science, sales, and beyond. Remember, continuous learning is key. With dedication, passion, and a commitment to upskilling, you can carve your own path in the dynamic world of sports technology.
Championing Gender Equality in Sports Technology
Corrine and Mia agree that sports technology has the potential to be a game-changer for gender equality in sports. By providing hard data to support female athletes' capabilities, it can dismantle negative stereotypes and demonstrate that female athletes’ physical prowess is on par with, and even surpasses, their male counterparts. While Elle adds:
"The rise of sports technology presents a significant opportunity to foster gender equality. Equipping women's clubs with advanced technology resources demonstrates their importance and underscores the need for equal investment and support compared to men's sports."
"Traditionally, women's sports have received less attention and recognition compared to men's” notes Kharmen. She is a firm believer that sports technology can be a powerful tool when it comes to changing this narrative.
By providing female athletes with a platform to showcase their talent and achievements, it allows them to gain wider recognition regardless of their background or the level of sport they compete in. Kharmen is proud to be part of PlayerData, supporting our mission to help women around the world achieve their athletic ambitions.
Echoing this, Tori shares: "Bridging the gender gap in sports requires providing equal access to cutting-edge data and performance analysis tools”. She is a firm believer that this will empower female athletes to leverage the same comprehensive data sets as their male counterparts, ultimately enabling them to unlock their full potential and strive for peak performance.
A World of Inspiration
We asked the Women of PlayerData, "Who are your female athlete or sports figure inspirations?" Their responses showcase the incredible diversity and depth of female accomplishment in sports:
Coco Gauff and Caitlyn Clark make the top of the list as Corrine’s idols. Their relentless hard work and dedication to their respective sports are an inspiration. They embody the power of perseverance and prove that anything is possible with unwavering determination. Coco also stands out as a vocal advocate for what she believes in, making her an inspiration both on and off the court for Corrine. Additionally, Corrine adds: “Caitlyn Clark's electrifying play style makes her a joy to watch”.
Elle shares that she is fortunate to be surrounded by incredible female athletes and sports figures, be it past coaches or Olympic competitors. Their presence serves as a constant source of inspiration for her, and collaborating with them creates a powerful platform for mutual success. Elle makes the great point that:
"It’s also crucial to recognise inspirational figures outside your immediate sport, providing young girls with diverse role models who highlight the significance of achieving excellence in women's sports at the highest level."
Being a passionate figure skating enthusiast, Natasha shares that Tatiana Tarasova leaves her in awe. This legendary figure skater, coach, and team advisor has nurtured and inspired countless young skaters across generations, sharing her unwavering passion for the sport. Emily Valentine holds a special place in Kharmen’s heart, owing to being the first woman to officially play rugby. Her pioneering spirit and courage paved the way for countless women to pursue their passion for the sport which captured Kharmen’s imagination.
Brodi champions Serena Williams for shattering societal norms placed upon women in sports, while Mia admires Caitlin Clark for her exceptional talent in NCAA basketball, while remaining remarkably humble despite her phenomenal achievements.
As a self confessed huge sports fan, Jess has a long list of inspiring figures, including Julie Uhrman and Molly Downtain for their bold approaches in football, Sue Bird, Caitlin Clark, the Williams sisters, Abby Wambach, Cole Bauer, Lindsay Horan, Naomi Girma, Jaedyn Shaw, the Thompson sisters, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe.
While not a widely known sports figure, Tori’s sister serves as her personal inspiration. Her sister’s unwavering dedication and passion for playing and coaching women's lacrosse is truly admirable.
Inspiring Inclusion
This International Women's Day, our whole PlayerData team celebrates the remarkable women who power our company. It has been an honour to explore the diverse career paths of our team, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and lifelong learning. Their journeys serve as an inspiration for the next generation of women seeking to enter the thriving world of sports technology.
We are deeply inspired by the range of female athletes and sports figures admired by our team, spanning from tennis powerhouses like Coco Gauff to pioneering figures like Emily Valentine, the first official female rugby player. These women stand as powerful role models, embodying perseverance, dedication, and the power to break down barriers.
We'd love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation about women in sports technology. Let us know by joining the conversation and connect with us on LinkedIn.
