Breaking Barriers In The Weight Room Strength Coaching As Women, Leaders, And Moms | Valerie Hale @valeriegeorgia and Kathy Wagner @KathyCroweWagner | CEO Strength Coach Podcast | Ep. 18

Episode 18 brings together two powerful voices in strength and conditioning: Valerie Hale and Kathy Wagner. In this roundtable, we dig into representation, leadership, motherhood, career evolution, and the realities of being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Val and Kathy share honest stories about entering the field, earning credibility, navigating bias, raising families while coaching, and mentoring the next generation of female strength coaches. This episode is packed with career guidance, life lessons, and tactical advice for anyone building a meaningful, sustainable career in strength and conditioning.

00:00 Breaking Barriers In The Weight Room

01:40 Kathy on early challenges and representation

04:46 Val’s path into strength and conditioning

06:43 Women rising into leadership roles

10:07 Coaching football as a female strength coach

14:27 Building credibility in a male dominated space

27:25 Balancing motherhood and strength coaching

48:52 Advice for the next generation of female coaches

• Representation for women in S and C has grown dramatically over the last 25 years
  

• Credibility comes from results, knowledge of the sport, and consistent presence
  

• The ceiling for women in football strength and conditioning is higher than ever
  

• Communication, humility, and situational awareness remain essential coaching skills
  

• Motherhood and strength coaching can coexist with support and planning
  

• Young coaches must develop networks early and diversify their skill sets
  

• Technology and sports science matter, but coaching is still a people business
  

• Documenting lessons learned accelerates growth and builds future opportunities
  

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