Celebrating Women in Sports During Women’s History Month
By: Misty Buck, Athlete Mental Health Coach, and Contributor to HOFH
Each March marks the celebration of Women’s History Month. At Hall of Fame Health (HOFH), it’s a particularly important time to honor the women in our organization who are doing incredible work in sports and beyond. As leaders, advocates, mentors, and unifiers, these women are blazing a trail in closing the gaps that affect all individuals regardless of race or gender.
Although we work with an innumerable number of magnificent women, this month we would like to honor three special leaders and their contributions to our organization, sports, and our society as a whole.
Letha Atwater, MS, LPC, LAC, MFTC, RPT, CSST, CSAT - HOFH Ambassador, HOFH Player Transition Committee, Fund Recovery Board Member
“There are so many benefits of having women in sports. For instance, when women participate in sports, this helps to break down harmful gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, close education and economic gaps, improve self-efficacy and self-esteem, and improve physical and mental well-being. It also contributes to the development of important skills that will be used in other areas of life, such as resilience, confidence, leadership, problem-solving, and learning how to work with a team.” - Letha Athwater
Letha brings clinical knowledge, training, and practice to the Fund Recovery Board. She is a licensed professional counselor and a licensed addiction counselor in Colorado, and works with diverse individuals, couples, and families to improve mental health and overall functioning. She is also a registered play therapist and is certified as a clinical systemic art therapist, clinical systemic sand play therapist, and clinical supervisor. Her areas of expertise include addiction, depression, anxiety, adjustment, identity, mindfulness, post-career transition, and understanding the culture of sports. Her professional experience includes her work at schools, in-patient treatment facilities, homeless shelters, The American Red Cross, and the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Besides devoting a great deal of time and energy to counseling, Letha continues to be involved with several community initiatives, including being a member of the Denver Mayor’s Behavioral Health Steering Committee, the Denver DA’s Justice Programs Foundation, and the Bridging the Gap: Kids & Cops Program. Letha is also a board member for the Colorado School for Family Therapy. She currently works with the Denver District Attorney’s Office - Diversion Unit and the Denver Youth Detention Continuum - Youth Services Program. Letha also participates in events around the country helping to address stigma and raise awareness of mental illness.
Peggy Duggan, MD - Hall of Fame Health Medical Advisory Board, EVP, and Chief Medical Officer at Tampa General Hospital
“As a physician leader in healthcare for more than 20 years, I have witnessed the importance of representation at every level of the organization, but particularly in leadership. We get our best results with a big tent and from many different perspectives. Sports naturally develops champions on and off the field, so women in sports is a critical component and effective avenue to advance females across the board. Sports in general, incorporates the spirit of teamwork, winning and losing gracefully. Hall of Fame Health is a great partner in this development and celebration of sports leadership.” - Dr. Peggy Duggan, TGH EVP & Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Duggan serves as executive vice president and chief medical officer for Tampa General Hospital. She oversees the functions related to physicians and patient care at the 1,041-bed facility in Tampa, Fla., including medical staff services, patient satisfaction and quality of care measures. She also is a senior member of the breast oncology program at the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute.
Rebekah Sharpe - Hall of Fame Health Ambassador, Fund Recovery Advocate
“I never quite considered myself ‘a woman in sports'’; but as I reflect on the distinction, I realize this industry chose me. I feel immensely privileged to have access to a legendary tradition, woven into the fabric of our nation, where I can amplify pertinent causes and raise awareness of issues impacting society. It has been remarkable to share my life experiences through various channels and have a captive audience simply because of my affiliation to this iconic institution. I stand in the intersection of service and significance; representing the voices of many that go unheard and collaborating with others, like HOFH, to ultimately produce impact that will reverberate throughout future generations. My vision is to see sports fully leveraged as a force multiplier of unity, a beacon of light, and a stratosphere of hope. A short-term goal in achieving this aspiration is to capture stories that crystallize the strength of the human spirit through the lens of this most revered sport in the form of a film.” - Rebekah Sharpe
Rebekah A. Sharpe is a Speaker, Author, Ordained Minister, Corporate Marketing Manager and Player/Family Advocate with Hall of Fame Health. Rebekah is extraordinarily passionate about transforming culture through the eternal power of God's incontestable word. Her chief desire is to invoke healing, inspire hope and invite others into the infinite goodness that comes with receiving the love of God. She co-hosts a legacy podcast entitled "Sharpe Talk" with her father, former All Pro Arizona Cardinal, Luis Sharpe to magnify these endeavors.
For more information on Hall of Fame Health Leadership, please click here.
About the Author: Misty Buck is an athlete mental health and mindset coach and contributor to Hall of Fame Health. She can be reached at https://purposesoulathletics.com.