Leading by Example: Kaitlyn Sisler, Rush Women’s Alliance Scholarship Winner

The Rush Women’s Alliance is proud to spotlight Kaitlyn Sisler, coach at Montana Rush, Girls ODP, the University of Providence women’s program, and this year’s Rush Women’s Alliance Scholarship recipient.

Kaitlyn’s coaching journey started in high school when she co-coached a 6th grade basketball team. With strong leadership skills and a deep love of sport, coaching became a natural way to stay connected as her own playing career wound down. College soccer further shaped her path, where she discovered how rewarding it was to see the game through a coach’s eyes.

For Kaitlyn, nothing compares to watching players grow. “It’s powerful to see the difference from the start to the end of a season,” she shared. Even small moments, like a hug from a less-confident player who said, “That was so much fun,” remind her what success looks like; creating safe, positive environments where kids want to come back.

Like many women in coaching, Kaitlyn has faced assumptions that her male assistants were in charge. “You have to be confident in your role and keep showing up with consistency and credibility,” she said. Her resilience is fueled by the constant challenge of soccer itself: “There are so many right ways to play it. Coaches have to be students of the game.”

Coaching, Kaitlyn explained, comes with challenges that many don’t see. The hours are long, and the job extends far beyond the 90 minutes of a game. “Most people don’t realize the behind-the-scenes work, or how many jobs you have to piece together just to make a living,” she said. “With coaching, you’re always on call for your players. It’s a lifestyle.”

Kaitlyn credits icons like Pat Summitt, mentors such as Heather Blanford and Lindsay Smith, and her father’s example as a coach for shaping who she is today.

Looking ahead, Kaitlyn dreams of a future with more women in head coaching roles. “I never had a female head coach growing up. I’d love to see that change. It’s not about checking a box, it’s about impact.”

Grateful for the opportunities Rush has provided, Kaitlyn reflected: “Thank you to Rush for investing in coaches like me and creating these platforms for us to grow and share our stories.”