The 67th episode of DEB-Podcasts “Coach the Coach” begrüßt Karl Schwarzenbrunner the experienced trainer and sports scientist Kerstin Dudichum-KieneShe's not only an A-level volleyball coach and yoga instructor, but also a member of the ACES Womxn 4 Volleyball project team. It becomes clear right from the start: This episode isn't just a technical discussion about training methods, but rather an insight into a movement that aims to sustainably change volleyball, toward more diversity, fairness, and female leadership.
As a result: COACH THE COACH, EPISODE 67 WITH KERSTIN DUDICHUM-KIENE
ACES is an international platform founded by Elena Kiesling and Christy Swagerty that advocates for increased female visibility and leadership in volleyball. Its starting point is a grievance: In the German Volleyball Bundesliga, women currently only make up around 4,8% of head coaches and 15,2% of assistant coaches. The majority of female players leave the sport after their active careers without finding other ways to participate.
The platform has three key focuses:
Visibility
Women in volleyball should become visible: their stories and experiences will be told on a digital, collaborative platform to promote mutual support.
Mentorship
ACES brings together current managers and experts with future leaders to impart knowledge and transform it into sustainable leadership skills.
Opportunities
Learning opportunities, job opportunities, and training options are provided for women in volleyball to extend careers and strengthen female leadership.
With this clear focus on mentoring, storytelling, and opportunities, ACES not only aims to inspire, but also to create concrete opportunities for action so that more women can take on positions of responsibility and the sport of volleyball as a whole benefits from greater diversity and new leadership styles.
Karl and Kerstin then analyze together the reasons why there are so few female coaches in volleyball despite a large female player base. They discuss structural obstacles, traditional role models, and a lack of networks, as well as individual decisions. The conversation doesn't just focus on problems, but opens the eyes to possible solutions and potential.
This podcast episode impressively demonstrates how Kerstin Dudichum-Kiene and ACES founders Elena Kiesling and Christy Swagerty are rethinking volleyball. Anyone who wants to learn how values, mentoring, and opportunities can bring more women to the top should definitely listen.
The complete episode There are many other exciting topics and personal stories that you shouldn't miss.