Host (Summer Finke): Welcome back to Lane One. I’m your host, Summer Finke, and today I’m incredibly honored to have with us Nancy Hogshead, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a civil rights lawyer, and the CEO of Champion Women. Nancy, thank you so much for joining us.
Guest (Nancy Hogshead): Thanks for having me. I love what you’re doing with ISCA and how you're supporting coaches. It’s crucial work.
Host: Let’s start at the beginning. You’ve had such a diverse and impactful journey. Can you tell us how your competitive swimming background led you into advocacy and law?
Guest: Sure. I was the top recruit in the country when I went to Duke University, and shortly after arriving, I was sexually assaulted by someone affiliated with the athletics department. I ended up suing Duke and leaving the school. The legal process and seeing how institutions handled—or mishandled—situations like mine sparked my interest in law.
Host: That’s powerful. You turned such a painful experience into a force for good. What was your path like after that?
Guest: I went on to finish my education at Florida State, then got a law degree from Georgetown. Over time, I realized there was a real gap in legal support for female athletes. That’s why I founded Champion Women—to provide legal advocacy and to push for accountability in sport.
Host: And you’ve done just that. Champion Women has helped shape policies around Title IX and sexual abuse prevention. For our coaching audience, what are the most pressing legal or ethical issues they should be aware of right now?
Guest: One big issue is retaliation. Coaches may fear speaking up when they see abuse or unfairness. Another is misunderstanding Title IX—it’s not just about equal scholarships; it’s also about preventing hostile environments. Coaches need to be proactive about training and reporting.
Host: That’s such an important point. Many coaches think of Title IX as an administrative rule rather than something that protects athletes’ day-to-day experience.
Guest: Exactly. It’s about equity and safety. Coaches are often the front line. They can either perpetuate harm or be part of the solution.
Host: And part of being that solution is education. At ISCA, we emphasize continuing learning. What advice would you give coaches who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start when it comes to these issues?
Guest: Start small, but start. Read up on the basics of Title IX. Champion Women has free resources. ISCA’s doing great work too. Even a 15-minute conversation with athletes about respect and boundaries can change a culture.
Host: That’s encouraging to hear. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being committed.
Guest: Absolutely. We don’t need heroes. We need people who show up every day with integrity and humility.
Host: I love that. Before we wrap up, what gives you hope about the future of sport?
Guest: Young people. They are bold and informed in ways we never were. If we support them with honest conversations and good policy, the future is bright.
Host: Nancy, thank you again for being here. Your work inspires us, and we’re grateful to share your voice with our coaching community.
Guest: Thank you. Keep up the good work. We’re in this together.