One of the most impactful ways to uplift the women breaking barriers in the athletics, fitness and recreation industries is to inspire the next generation to follow in these game changers’ footsteps. That is exactly what Women in Sport Helping the Next Generation (WISHING) aims to do.
“Our goal is to get more women in the sports industry, especially women who may not have the resources or opportunities,” said Kristen Nett, director of recruitment at WISHING.
WISHING exposes high school girls to female professionals working in sports through monthly meetings and seminars that highlight different career opportunities. Some of the mentors work as coaches, athletic trainers or in human services behind the scenes. The program matches young sports industry hopefuls with the women who have gone before them for mentorship, offers scholarships to seniors in the program and connects the students with job-shadow opportunities.
As the school year begins, WISHING is preparing to work with high school girls virtually across the country, and also in person in both Wisconsin and New Jersey in the 2025-26 school year. “We’re expanding in our third year,” said Nett. “We’re opening one in Middleton, Wis., now too, because they heard word of the program that we’re offering.”
Mentors with WISHING come from 36 states and are employed by some of the most recognizable sports organizations in the country, such as the MLB, NFL and NBA. These women in sport guide the high school students through crafting a resume and cover letter, building a social media presence, and finding what career paths fit them best.
"A lot of people think you have to get a sports management degree, or an athletic training degree, but I went a totally different way," said Nett. "I went the human services route, interned with the athletics department in college. It just goes to show that no matter what path you pursue in college, you can still end up wherever you want as long as you work hard and make connections."
Nett emphasizes that even for girls who may not compete in a sport, but enjoy watching sports, they could still pursue a career in the sports industry. "Or, if you’re an athlete who really wanted to get to that next level and play in college, or professionally, but you didn’t, you can still work in sports," said Nett.
