Creating Connections and Confidence: Girls At Bat in Calgary
In the spring and winter of 2023, the City of Calgary brought Jays Care Foundation's Girls At Bat program to life under the leadership of Coach Imandi Attanayake and Program Supervisor Izaha Cochran. For Imandi, coaching Girls At Bat was more than a job; it was an opportunity to create a supportive space for girls to learn new skills, build confidence, and form genuine connections through sport. Each Sunday became a moment she eagerly anticipated, knowing it was a chance to empower young athletes to grow together.
From day one, the inclusive nature of Girls At Bat shone through. While the program focuses on teaching softball skills, it quickly became clear that the connections formed went well beyond the game. Imandi recalls the powerful transformation, "Initially, the girls were shy and unsure, hesitant to interact with each other. By the second or third session, something magical happened—the girls began cheering for each other, encouraging teammates, and genuinely celebrating each other's successes. For one participant, receiving a ribbon on the last day marked the first time she felt like part of a sports team—a moment that encapsulates the program's impact."
This camaraderie extended even to moments of challenge. As Izaha Cochran, a program supervisor, noted, "It blew me away that there was NEVER a girl sitting out—even after a faceplant. The camaraderie and encouragement among participants created a sense of belonging, ensuring every teammate felt valued." At the program's end, one participant even shared, “It felt like this was my team.” For another, receiving a ribbon marked the first time she felt part of a sports team—a moment that encapsulates the program’s profound impact.
The all-girls environment created a space where participants felt free to try, fail, and succeed without fear of embarrassment or being overshadowed. Imandi emphasizes that, unlike some mixed-gender experiences, the girls in this program constantly encouraged one another, ensuring every teammate felt supported. This sense of belonging and camaraderie turned the program into a community—a place where the girls were not only learning softball but were also learning the value of teamwork and mutual respect.
One of the biggest challenges Imandi faced was the varying skill levels among participants. Some girls had never picked up a bat, while others had a basic understanding of the game. Instead of sticking rigidly to a prescribed curriculum, Imandi and her co-coach made real-time adaptations to ensure everyone could participate fully. They used larger balls, broke down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps, and made on-the-spot adjustments based on the needs of each participant. This adaptability ensured every girl could learn, feel successful, and have fun.
“One size does not fit all,” Imandi explains. By embracing this philosophy, she created a positive experience for all participants—a space where learning was paced according to each individual, and the entire group was uplifted by the progress. Her willingness to modify activities ensured that every participant experienced growth and had fun during each two-hour session.
The impact of Girls At Bat went beyond softball skills. For Imandi, coaching this program was an "aha!" moment that cemented her passion for working with youth. Despite having no formal coaching background related to her academic degree, she found joy and fulfillment in seeing the girls progress, and she hopes to continue coaching as a part-time pursuit. The program gave her the tools to develop as a coach and provided her with the rewarding experience of watching young girls grow in confidence and capability.
The program was equally transformative for participants. They experienced what it meant to be part of a team, learned to trust and cheer for one another, and overcame challenges together. The staff's enthusiasm for the program was evident, with one coach noting that her confidence tripled as a result of coaching. Staff loved working with Girls At Bat, often looking forward to getting up early on the weekends because of the joy and fulfillment it brought them.
One participant summed it up perfectly: despite the focus on skill development, it truly felt like a team—a testament to the supportive and empowering environment cultivated by the Girls At Bat program. The program also had a lasting impact, with some girls moving on to join other baseball leagues, demonstrating the confidence and skills they gained.
Imandi's story highlights how Girls At Bat can transform a group of shy individuals into a thriving, supportive team. For municipalities considering adopting this program, the adaptability of the curriculum and the emphasis on inclusion make it an invaluable addition to community recreation offerings. As Izaha Cochran suggested, providing more marketing materials and “swag” could help raise awareness and increase participation, ensuring more girls benefit from this incredible experience.
It shows that, with the right support and approach, every child can have a chance to learn, grow, and experience the joy of sport.
