Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County has launched a new athletic mentorship initiative aimed at increasing sports participation among girls aged seven to 16. The program, titled Sports Bigs Sisters, is being introduced with support from the Alex Morgan Foundation and two-time Paralympic medalist Beatriz Hatz. The initiative focuses on providing a non-competitive environment for young girls to explore different sports. Organisers say the goal is to bridge a measurable gap in confidence that often prevents girls from sticking with athletics during their teenage years. Figures cited by the organisation show that 77 per cent of girls feel more confident in sports when they have a mentor to guide them. Tina Rose, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, said the program is designed to be accessible. "We provide an accessible, inspiring environment where girls can discover sports and build the confidence they need to succeed," Rose said. The launch of the program follows other regional efforts to expand youth opportunities, such as a recent carbon-neutral orchard expansion at a school in nearby Poway.
Paralympic medalist to lead track clinic
As part of the roll-out, Beatriz Hatz has been named a "Game Changer" for the organisation. Hatz, who won a bronze medal in the long jump at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, will lead an interactive track and field clinic for participants. She will demonstrate her jumping technique and share her personal history of overcoming physical challenges. Hatz underwent 11 surgeries during her youth and did not begin her track career until later than many of her peers. She said she joined the program because she wanted to provide the representation she lacked as a child. "When I was younger, I didn’t always see someone who looked like me or understood my journey," Hatz said. The athlete said that having a support system is vital for development both on and off the field. She noted that her own success was built on a foundation of mentors who encouraged her through periods of doubt. The program allows girls to see these world-class training facilities first-hand while learning about the resilience required for high-level competition.
Funding and regional expansion
A grant from the Alex Morgan Foundation has provided the financial backing necessary to get the initiative off the ground. The foundation, established by the professional football star, focuses on equity and expanding access to sports for girls. Leadership at the foundation said the partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters was a natural fit for their mission. "By supporting the Sports Bigs Sisters program, we are helping provide local girls with role models and memorable experiences rooted in sports," said Laura Wolf Stein, Executive Director of the Alex Morgan Foundation. The funding is intended to remove barriers to entry, making the clinics free for those enrolled in the program. The focus on mentorship mirrors similar corporate and non-profit shifts across the Pacific. Business leaders in Australia have recently highlighted how governance pressures are changing how organisations manage these types of large-scale social programs. For San Diego, the focus remains on the one-to-one relationship between the "Big" and "Little" sisters.
Addressing the confidence gap
Research provided by the organisation suggests that 86 per cent of girls feel more confident across all areas of life when they have a mentor. The Sports Bigs Sisters program specifically targets low-stakes participation. This allows girls to try new activities without the pressure of joining a formal league or high-pressure travel team. The initiative comes at a time of increased interest in female athletics across the county. This mirrors other large-scale events in the city, such as upcoming cultural festivals in City Heights, which often use sports and performance to engage local youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated in the region for more than 60 years, traditionally focusing on general youth mentorship. Organisers are now inviting families to enroll their daughters in the program. Those interested in becoming a "Little Sister" can apply through the official Big Brothers Big Sisters website to receive an invitation to the upcoming track and field clinic. The organisation is also seeking adult female volunteers to serve as mentors. The first round of clinics will focus on track and field fundamentals before expanding to other sports later in the year. The schedule for future events and additional sport offerings will be released following the initial pilot phase.
