OBERLIN, OH – Oberlin College Athletics has been selected to receive the Women's Sport Foundation's (WSF) Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching, as announced by the WSF on Wednesday afternoon.

Inspired by legendary Stanford University women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer, the Fund honors her extraordinary legacy by providing fellowships for aspiring women coaches in all collegiate sports. Oberlin is one of 11 colleges and universities to receive the grant this year, and marks the second time that the department has been selected. This year, Assistant Women's Soccer Coach, Lydia Mitchell, will join a cohort of 11 coaches from various sports as a WSF VanDerveer Fellow. 

"The work that the WSF and Tara VanDerveer Fund does is crucial to supporting women in athletics." Mitchell continues, "I feel so honored to be a part of this amazing organization that prioritizes the representation of women and girls in sport. I can't wait to learn from all my peers and mentors who have also been accepted to this impactful opportunity."

Mitchell, who enters her fourth season with the Oberlin College women's soccer team, has been an integral part of the team's success. To date, the rising star has helped the Crimson and Gold to 25 wins, eight All-NCAC selections, and a slew of regional and national academic and athletic awards. 

Notably, her work as an offensive-minded mentor helped to guide Heather Benway to three-straight NCAC Offensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the NCAC All-Decade Team.

"We are incredibly proud that our assistant coach has been selected as a recipient of the Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching. This award is not only a testament to her dedication and potential, but also a tremendous opportunity for our school and women's soccer program." Head Women's Soccer Coach Taylor Houck adds, "Through the professional development, mentorship, and leadership training this grant provides, Coach Lydia will continue to grow as a coach while bringing new knowledge, connections, and perspectives back to our team. The impact of this grant will extend far beyond her own journey- it will strengthen our program and help shape the next generation of women in coaching."

The WSF aims to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, WSF is one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. The organization is an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for the next generation of leaders.  

"For more than 50 years, the Women's Sports Foundation has championed opportunities for women to lead- on the sidelines and beyond," said WSF CEO Danette Leighton. "Expanding the presence of women in coaching is essential not only to equality in sport, but to inspiring the next generation. When young women see a WSF VanDerveer Fellow coaching, they believe they can lead too- and that is the legacy we are committed to building and sustaining with this Fund."

To learn more about the Women's Sport Foundation, the Tara VanDerveer Fund, and the 2025 grant recipients, fans can check out WSF Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching.