USA Swimming Announces Participants in Women Coaches in Governance Program
Congratulations to the 54 participants selected for the 2025 Women Coaches in Governance (WGIC) program. Developed by women coach leaders in our sport, the WCIG program seeks to identify, educate, support, and mentor women coaches who wish to be more involved in organizational governance. View the full list of participants here.
“We are excited to be in our third year of Women Coaches in Governance,” said co-founder of the program Mary Liston. “We are here to show women they have options to have a voice, have a seat at the table, or position on a committee. It is our plan to show them a path to new friends and new connections for a productive future within USA Swimming.”
Starting Tuesday, September 2, women coaches will start their nine-week fellowship focusing on a variety of topics to assist in their professional development. This program will include eight virtual opportunities and one in-person meeting at the USA Swimming Annual Summit in Denver, Colorado. This year, 45 Local Swimming Committees nominated participants, and nine individuals were self-nominated. Earlier this year, all three of the female coaches at the 2025 National Diversity Select Camp were alumni from the 2024 WCIG class. The coaches were Emily Altier, Iliana Bitis, and Ana Pizarro-Gonzales.
“This program is geared towards helping us all grow, lead, and celebrate in our sport,” continued Liston. “We will honor our common grounds and explore areas for growth. These coaches should expect a positive, interactive experience where they can perfect new tools as they move forward in their careers. We are all in this together, and together we are better.”
Congratulations to all the coaches selected for the WCIG program. Thank you to leaders Julie Bachman, Allison Beebe, Olga Espinosa, Mary Liston, Shelly Rawding, Cathy Sheafor, and USA Swimming Team Services Lead Senior Advisor Beth Winkowski for creating this opportunity for women coaches.
Learn more about the WCIG program, and view fellowship topics, here.
