By: Kim Russell “The Hippie Love Coach”
As a lifelong advocate for women and girls in sports, I find myself in a battle I never anticipated at 58 years old—a battle to protect women’s sports from the inclusion of biological boys and men. For over three decades, I have proudly embraced my identity as an athlete, mother, and coach. My journey through women’s sports, particularly as a lacrosse coach for over 30 years, has been filled with triumphs and heartfelt moments, celebrating my players’ achievements and listening & crying with them during challenging times as if they were my own children. Throughout this journey, I have always held a deep commitment to women’s rights, voting on issues that directly affect us.
Women’s sports have always been my passion. I played at the Division I level in college, have coached at every level from youth to international, and have had the honor of being inducted into three halls of fame for my contributions to the sport of lacrosse. As a coach, I strive to create safe and nurturing environments for my players, affectionately known as the “Hippie Love Coach” for my intuitive, supportive coaching style. Yet, at this stage of my life, I find myself in a position of having to fight for rights that were established over 50 years ago.
When I accepted the role of Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach and Wellness Instructor at Oberlin College in 2018, I was thrilled to join an institution celebrated for its commitment to free expression and academic rigor. However, I quickly learned that this commitment only extends to those whose values align with the institution’s. My decision to speak out against biological males competing in women’s sports led to my own cancellation—a stark reminder of the challenges we face.
I refuse to apologize for advocating for the rights of women and girls to compete in single-sex sports. It is my hope that my voice will encourage others to join this vital conversation. We cannot continue to tell young women to accept losing opportunities or titles to biological males or to tolerate their presence in locker rooms and bathrooms.
The reality is alarming: young girls are being conditioned to accept discrimination against them, groomed not just to compare their bodies to those of males, but led to believe that undressing, using the bathroom and showering in front of a naked (or dressed) male in the locker room should feel normal, and placed in situations (on the playing field and in private spaces) that jeopardize their safety. Many girls now hesitate to use bathrooms due to the presence of boys, risking serious health issues as a result. Not only are some developing UTIs, others are putting themselves at risk of toxic shock syndrome and other infections by choosing to not change their tampons all day when they are at school and competition for fear that there will be a male in the bathroom or locker room. The message that males are “normal” in girls and women’s bathrooms and locker rooms is not only teaching girls to ignore their instincts – its silencing them and grooming them to be victims of sexual assault and human trafficking. Girls are afraid to say anything for fear of being cancelled. This raises an important question: where is the #MeToo movement now?
This issue transcends sports; it’s about preserving the safety, dignity, and dreams of female athletes. It’s about reaffirming the original intent of Title IX and ensuring that women and girls are not silenced or sidelined. I urge you to stand with me in this fight. Together, we can protect the future of women’s sports and advocate for the rights and safety of all female athletes. Your voice matters—let’s make it heard.
