May 15, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is jumpstarting the next generation of women in sports across Washington D.C. with the MSE Girls Empowerment Program, announced today to support girls’ participation in sports and female coaches in the region. The program anchors MSE’s larger District of Play youth sports platform and combines a groundbreaking partnership with Coach Across America with team-led programming from the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics, along with support from the MSE Foundation.

As a cornerstone of the Girls Empowerment Program, Monumental has launched a new partnership with Coach Across America’s She Changes the Game® initiative, dedicated to supporting and strengthening the roster of female coaches in the District. As She Changes the Game®’s first national partner, MSE will establish Washington D.C. as the program’s inaugural hub city, committing nearly half a million dollars to developing the program and region’s coaching pipeline. This investment will support the hiring and placement of at least 40 women coaches for D.C. sports programs over the next four years, as well as develop internship and training programs for young D.C. women interested in coaching.

She Changes the Game® D.C. will engage coaches to reach more than 1,000 K-12 D.C. youth over four years and is actively seeking their inaugural Washington D.C. director. Those interested in learning more and applying for the role can do so here.

“Sports equip girls with confidence, community, and a clear runway for who they can become,” said Monica Dixon, President, External Affairs, Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation Board Chair, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “By investing in and supporting a pipeline of trained female coaches, Monumental is building the foundation that keeps girls engaged in sport and positions them to lead, both on and off the field.”

“Monumental’s deep-rooted community engagement and shared vision align perfectly with Coach Across America’s mission to create transformative coaching experiences for young people,” said Tony White, Vice President of Development, Coach Across America. “This partnership will help us amplify our impact and provide even more female athletes with the support and guidance they need to succeed both on and off the field.”

In partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and Leveling the Playing Field, Monumental will formally kick off the Girl’s Empowerment Program with a sports clinic and free sports bra distribution for students at Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC) on June 11, 2025, ahead of DCPS summer break. Further event details will be released in coming weeks.

The MSE Foundation will also provide additional support for both programs, furthering its mission to increase access and opportunity for youth in sports throughout the D.C. region.

Team Initiatives

In addition to the new company-wide initiatives, MSE’s Capitals, Wizards and Mystics also lead a slate of programming and activations focused on girls’ empowerment, including:

Continued amplification of the Capitals’ award winning ALL CAPS ALL HER platform, which has provided access to hockey and elevated the game for over 2,000 women and girls in the Washington D.C. area since its launch in 2021 through adult and youth hockey programs, professional development opportunities and coach/referee trainings.
The Mystics’ annual Her Time to Play game presented by CarMax on Sun. Aug. 17 against the Los Angeles Sparks. This annual theme game inspires young girls to participate in youth sports, sparking next generation of female athletes in the DMV through in-game activities, inspiring messages from female athletes, a sports bra donation drive and fun giveaways.
A “Power Plays & Conversations” event series on women in sports hosted by the Wizards, beginning with an event on May 29, 2025, at Hotel Zena in Washington, D.C. held in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance.
Dedicated girls basketball clinics, mental health workshops, and female coach/referee education led by Wizards and Mystics staff.
Monumental Sports Network’s multi-year partnership with Flag Star Football, which includes a dedicated focus on expanding opportunities for girls through enhanced programming and access.
More initiatives to be announced.

The teams also host several activations during their regular seasons focused on engaging young female athletes and elevating women in the sports industry including annual Women’s Night games and pre-game/in-game activities.

About District of Play

Launched in September 2024, the public-private partnership between Monumental Sports and the District to create a new Capital One Arena included a robust Community Benefits component which MSE Founder & CEO Ted Leonsis labeled “District of Play.” The program aims to create positive and accessible spaces for youth to play, grow, and develop lifelong skills in sports, all while engaging parents, coaches, and local communities.

The multi-million-dollar District of Play includes dozens of programs and commitments, including the highlights below. More information and a full list of District of Play initiatives can be found at www.monumentalsports.com/DistrictOfPlay.

MSE along with the Wizards and Mystics recently completed the “District Dribble” campaign that delivered a new basketball to every PreK – 5^th grade student at 80 D.C. Public Schools, totaling over 29,000 balls distributed.
MSE has expanded access to sports through Capitals Rink Pass, Wizards and Mystics Jr. NBA League support, and Flag Star Football scholarships.
MSE has strengthened DC’s coaching ecosystem with a free Coaches Workshop at Care First Arena, sponsoring USA Basketball licenses for 415 DCPS coaches, and sponsoring Flag Star’s sports business and leadership internship for high school and college athletes.
MSE has helped build community connection through a 3v3 tournament at historic Barry Farm, Midnight Basketball in Ward 8, and a new playground at Huntwood Courts.

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.

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