In honor of Women’s History Month this March, USL has highlighted women in a variety of roles across the league. On Tuesday, in support of their mission this month – to inspire the next generation of female leaders and continue the strive for equity in sports organizations – a panel of women across all reaches joined to answer questions and talk about their experiences reaching their current posts as front office staff, executives, and critical first-team members.
The event consisted of a five-person panel, including Republic FC Physical Therapist Katy Norton, who shared her unique experiences with other women looking to break into the business. Norton has served the club since its inaugural season, providing high-level treatment to every player that has worn Old Glory Red in addition to serving athletes of all ages from the Sacramento region in recovery, injury prevention, and more.
Norton voiced her own personal experience on how she got to this point in her career. As an athlete throughout her life, an interest in physical therapy came naturally. When Republic FC launched in 2013, she jumped at the opportunity to join the club immediately, reaching out to members of the club to make connections and find her way in. While daunting, she acknowledged that risk is what landed her in a role she’s been in for nine seasons now.
Members of the panel also offered their advice to women building confidence in a male-dominated industry. “When I was in school, I didn’t feel like I was good enough. Instead of focusing just on what you can do better, focus on what you do well, too,” said Norton. “You have to be able to step up and make your voice heard.” “…People will respect you if you be yourself.”
While the experiences of each member of the panel were unique, they all shared some common advice on breaking into careers in sports – and reinforced their belief that the industry could benefit from more talented women. “Anyone you meet, you don’t know how that relationship will go” said Norton. “Talk to as many people as you can. Express your passion for what you’re doing – you can see it in people who are trying to break in. It’s a small world.”
