The 10th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes was honored at last week’s espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. Jessica Carter, a former college basketball player, founded the nonprofit organization HER Sports in her Virginia community to ensure that the current generation of girls has the same opportunities and benefits that she experienced through sports. Amberly Klam, meanwhile, founded Texas Fury with the mission to create an outlet for local girls to learn and play competitive flag football in an inclusive environment.
“The power of being seen, not for the spotlight, but for the impact,” said Carter of the honor. “It means that the long days, quiet sacrifices and behind the scenes work truly matter … I am proof that purpose and passion hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
The Heroes each received grants of $15,000 for their organizations. HER Sports addresses challenges and barriers that keep girls from taking part in sports. There are four core programs, which focus on both development and fun competitive basketball and flag football. Carter noted that the grant provides more resources for the participants to attend sporting events and gain exposure to the sports world.
“From their first moments of uncertainty and hesitation to the point where they begin to open up and truly participate, the safe space that we provide allows girls to be themselves,” said Carter.
After going to the NFL Flag Nationals, Klam saw boys intently competing and wanted to see the same for girls. The coach of her daughter’s team was retiring and asked if she wanted to take over. Texas Fury began with one team in 2017. Klam has strategically overseen the organization’s growth into a year-round program expanding across the Central Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio areas.
Klam has watched the sport of flag football significantly increase girls’ participation. Earlier this year, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics officially recommended that flag football join the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. Klam noted that 17 Texas Fury alumnae currently play collegiate flag football.
“This is something that these girls are now shifting their interests to playing flag, instead of basketball or soccer,” said Klam. “Flag football is no longer just a rec sport they can play for fun. It’s giving them opportunities that they dreamed of.”