#HERSTORY

Inspiring Women in Sport

Changing the narrative by amplifying women’s stories in sport.

Women working in sport are shaping sport in powerful ways, on the field, behind the scenes, and in leadership roles across the industry. Yet too often, their stories go unheard, under-represented, or undervalued.

Her Story is a CTN initiative dedicated to spotlighting women working in sport. It shares real experiences, career pathways, and perspectives that reflect the diversity of the sport industry today.

This is about visibility, representation, and ensuring more women can see themselves and their futures in sport.

To nominate an inspirational woman in sport or learn more about the story of #HerStory, checkout the buttons below.

Meet the women changing sport

Her Story features women from across the sport ecosystem. Each story offers insight into the realities of working in sport — the challenges, the opportunities, and the moments that shape a career.

These are real, honest reflections from each woman on what it means to build a life and career in sport.

Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

PRITTI LAMAISON

“I aim to illustrate a journey defined by countless re-starts, moving each time into a new field, building from the ground up a new strategic innovation in the sports industry. The message I want to leave behind is one of resilience and the power of strategic vision, demonstrating how cultivating strong relationships and optimising resources can lead to remarkable achievements and lasting impact.” - Pritti Lamaison

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South America Changing the Narrative in Sport South America Changing the Narrative in Sport

GABRIELA VEGA BRUCH

"We must set aside gender, social class, nationality, abilities, and disabilities. The sky's the limit, and to reach it, you only need dedication and love." - Gabriela Vega Bruch

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Oceania Changing the Narrative in Sport Oceania Changing the Narrative in Sport

CLARE HANLON

“Have fun and enjoy the ride; there is no straight path along your journey” - Clare Hanlon

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REBECCA WARDELL

“You don't necessarily have to have studied sport or have been an athlete in order to work in sport. If you're passionate about sport and the benefits it can have in society, then any transferable skills can be applied in the sport industry.” - Rebecca Wardell

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

GAME MOTHIBI

“My journey has been challenging, hard, yet incredibly fun and amazing. From being a shy table tennis player and a passionate teacher who left her job with no fall back plan, to pursuing her love for sports, to thriving as a woman in a male-dominated sports administration, I've never stopped pushing forward.” - Game Mothibi

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CATHERINE CANALES

“Our self-imposed limitations often hold us back from extraordinary experiences.” - Catherine Canales

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LILAMANI de SOYSA

“My parents and sports teachers in school (in Sri Lanka) encouraged my passion and need for sport and physical activity, as well as all the men and women who have supported me in myriad ways.” - Lilamani de Soysa

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

LÉNA CURTET

“Because men and women have different sensitivities, it's important that all genders are represented to try to achieve the most balanced and fair leadership possible.” - Léna Curtet

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

ANA JELUSIC, OLY

“Time after time, women have proven that gender is just one piece of the puzzle that makes them who they are. It doesn't set the boundaries for what you can achieve.” - Ana Jelusic, OLY

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

SARAH CRUMBACH

“Successful women support each other and build strong networks. Having more than one woman in a meeting room is a crucial step to going beyond individual success and building a better sports industry for all.” - Sarah Crumbach

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

SOPHIA PAPAMICHALOPOULOS

“There's always a path; you just need the determination and creativity to discover it, and the courage to walk it. Once you reach your destination, you pave the way for other women to follow.” - Sophia Papamichalopoulos

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

LOMBE MWAMBWA

“Be ungovernable in the face of unfair stereotypes or biases wielded to exclude you from a space you wish to be in.” - Lombe Mwambwa

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

ALYSSA LAGONIA

“I saw women playing football on television. I knew who the players were. I collected all the memorabilia and during the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final, a decision crystallised within me: I wanted to make playing football my life's pursuit.” - Alyssa Lagonia

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

ANNA SEROVA

“To get anything you have to fight for it.’ That’s the path of almost all women. But I sincerely hope that soon we will have to fight less.” - Anna Serova

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Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport Europe Changing the Narrative in Sport

MARELY FLORES

“Prepare as best as you can and capitalise your resources to achieve your goals, persevere and be patient.” - Marely Flores

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NADINE BLANCHARD

“Anything is possible when you know what you want to do, and give yourself the means to achieve it” - Nadine Blanchard

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THAYSSA PLUM

“We need to keep believing in ourselves, continue to fight for more opportunities, and always support each other.” - Thayssa Plum

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MARGA RICO-JIMÉNEZ

“There is no failure if your objectives were clear, you went for them and you tried your best with the tools that you had at that moment” - Marga Rico-Jiménez

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North America Changing the Narrative in Sport North America Changing the Narrative in Sport

VALERIA SORRENTINO

“Women are going from backstage to the front stage of the game in every area of sport. We are breaking barriers and achieving in the spaces that were ours to be achieved. It is time to celebrate and encourage more women to shine and take the places they deserve.” - Valeria Sorrention

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THE STORY OF #HERSTORY

Herstory is a digital campaign that was created in the lead-up to our Changing the Narrative in Sport Summit in May 2024 in Lausanne. This event focused on “Harnessing the Power of Storytelling for Women’s Sports”. We explored how athletes are portrayed in the media, strategies to enhance their exposure, the role of digital transformation, and ways to overcome bias.

As part of this event, we decided to share the stories of women working in sport. Our goal was simple: to challenge stereotypes, increase representation, and celebrate the achievements of women in sport around the world. We issued a call for nominations on our channels, inviting people to nominate inspirational women in sport. Within 36 hours, we received over 80 nominations, and we knew we were on to something — people want to hear from women in sport.

From March to May 2024, we received 152 nominations and shared the stories of 26 women. To further amplify these women’s stories, we organised an exhibition at our Changing the Narrative event. The response was so positive that we realised HerStory needed to grow beyond a single event.

With the support of England football legend Jill Scott, we opened HerStory to international nominations. Since then, we’ve received nominations for 400+ women across 40+ countries, and we continue to reach out to every woman nominated to see if they would like to share their story and perspective.

We love hearing these stories and learning from these journeys. If you know an inspirational woman working in sport, please nominate her using the button below — thank you for being part of the change.

Get involved

There are many ways to be part of HerStory:

Read & share

Explore the stories and help amplify women’s voices by sharing them within your networks.

Tell your story

If you are a woman working in sport and would like to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Partner with us

We collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to inclusion, representation, and meaningful change in sport.