The Blitz Goddess Writer’s Corner featuring Courtney Mendenhall

There are thousands of people—male and female— that work in sports in America. The small percentage of Black women that get to share their expertise and knowledge has always been looked at as a rarity.

Coming from a small city in Virginia that produced many talented athletes, I always knew that sports were a part of me and my identity. I’ve been around sports my entire life; from watching my older sister and father play, to participating in high school sports and establishing my own identity in the Danville area. When I began coaching softball after graduating from college in 2017, I didn’t know that it would open my horizon to so many more opportunities. My aspiration was to become a sports reporter/anchor, so I decided that coaching would allow me to stay involved with sports.

I never realized I possessed what it takes to be a successful coach. I don’t mean just having wins or accolades, but actually making a difference for the female student-athletes in my community by serving as a role model. My journey has taken me to interesting places, and it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had times when I questioned if this route was meant for me, and I didn’t quite understand the struggles that came along with it.

I can say that I have gained and lost people and experiences that have been in my pathway when it comes to this “journey.” In 2022, I began working in mental health, and then everything began making sense. It was never my dream job, nor did I know that I’d be working in that field. However, it has been very rewarding and it enhances my soft skills that I will need to continue my career in sports.

I’ve learned to count any opportunity as a blessing and learn as much as I can while I’m in the position to. As I prepare to begin my dissertation this fall, I will continue to remember why I want to make a difference for my community and women in sports. Being able to remember that life is a journey and not a destination, is what keeps me going everyday.