“It’s about wanting to put a bigger spotlight on female coaches. I’ve accomplished a lot, but maybe in this stage of my career I can give other female ski coaches more of a visual of something to strive for. This coaching decision was something that got my wheels turning. This feels important.”
- Mikaela Shiffrin
Winningest alpine skier of all time, on hiring Karin Harjo as her coach
It’s Our 20th Anniversary!!!
Celebrating the Shelley Glover Foundation’s Impact & Legacy…
Empowering Lives
Promoting athletic activities and competition for youth of all ages and abilities. Investing in Shelley’s dream that all kids have a chance to play sports.
Building Community
Supporting youth athletic opportunities and competition through innovative programs and community partnerships that expand access to sports.
Changing Futures
Collaborating with diverse community partners to prepare youth for the future’s complex problems through education and athletics.
Two decades of making a difference…
We lost our lovely Shelley on May 8, 2004, but her spirit and strength have lived on through our Foundation’s work.
Cultivated strong relationships over the years, building credibility and a wide network of support with groups like the Boys & Girls Club and U.S. Ski Team.
Leveraged these important relationships to continuously and successful fundraise over the years.
200+ ski scholarships to talented young athletes in both Michigan and Wisconsin.
Provided broad support of swim programs for low-income youth throughout Madison, WI.
Invested in additional special projects such as a new weight room at Madison West High School.
Looking Ahead to the Next 20 Years…
We’re Ready to Raise the Bar!
In light of the 20th anniversary of Shelley’s passing and the subsequent birth of the Shelley Glover Foundation, we’ve revisited our mission, vision, and values in order to brainstorm about where we want to go next. In doing so, some fascinating facts have surfaced:
Throughout history, female athletes have grappled with disparities in popularity when compared to their male counterparts. They have endured unequal funding, as well as open discrimination and even sexism. Furthermore, women have been glaringly underrepresented in pivotal sport institutions, decision-making bodies, and leadership positions in sports. (AISTS, Nov 2023)
Experts attribute these challenges to the unequal support for girls’ and boys’ participation in sports from a young age. Research reveals that girls between the ages of 6 and 9 exhibit equal interest in sports as boys. However, by age 14, girls drop out of sports at a rate six times higher than boys.
Conversely, other studies underscore the profoundly positive effects of practicing sports on girls, enhancing their confidence, self-esteem, and critical skill development. Accordingly, support for young female athletes proves as important for their development, just as it is for boys.
It’s true more women play sports now, but only 3% of sports leadership positions are occupied by women, while the Olympic Movement sets that goal at 30%. (Women Lead Sports) We desperately need more female coaches in ALL sports. Many of these women will go on to become powerful leaders in their chosen careers & communities as well!
It’s been proven that when girls and women have access to team sports, they are able to cultivate critical skills — confidence, leadership, and problem-solving — that also serve them well in their personal and professional lives.
Did you know that girls who participate in sports are likely to do better in school? Graduate from high school at higher rates? And enjoy lifelong health benefits? For all these reasons and more, we need to keep girls playing!
As such, the Shelley Glover Foundation’s NEW funding priorities will be:
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Developing ATHLETES
SGF will fund organizations that are advancing the lives of girls and women through sports & physical activity, especially in underserved communities.
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Developing LEADERS
SGF will fund organizations that are developing, connecting, and championing girls and women to become a powerful influence in sports, especially as coaches.
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Developing PARTNERS
SGF will fund and collaborate with sister organizations doing similar work in this sphere, helping to advance their innovative programs and research.
Let’s work together
Interested in collaborating? Fill out some info, and we’ll be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
We can’t do this alone. We need YOU! Please make a donation of any size and help us level the playing field by increasing participation, support, and investment in girls’ and women's sports. Together, we can empower more young female athletes and women coaches to succeed in both sports and LIFE!