On March 28, 2026, the Douglasville community came together for something bigger than a single-day event. The She Belongs: Girls In Sports Summit wasn’t just about sports—it was about creating a space where young girls could feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Designed for girls ages 12–18, the summit focused on empowerment through physical activity, mentorship, and shared experiences. But what truly made the event special was the community behind it—local leaders, coaches, parents, and organizations all showing up with a shared purpose: to help girls build confidence, stay active, and recognize their potential both on and off the field.
Building Confidence Through Connection
Throughout the day, participants engaged in activities that encouraged both movement and meaningful connection. A standout moment included a yoga session alongside the University of West Georgia volleyball team, giving girls the opportunity to interact directly with collegiate athletes in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The event also extended beyond the participants themselves. Sessions like “Parent 101” created space for families to learn how to better support their daughters’ journeys in sports, reinforcing that confidence and success are often built through strong support systems at home and in the community.
Learning from Those Who’ve Been There
A powerful panel discussion brought together women from across the sports landscape to share their stories, challenges, and advice. From collegiate athletes to professionals working in sports organizations, each speaker offered a unique perspective on what it means to grow through sport.
Their message was consistent: representation matters, and when girls can see what’s possible—and are supported along the way—they begin to believe in their own potential.
As shared during the event:
“This event’s theme was surrounded by ‘If she can see it, she can be it,’ but when she’s invited into it, supported through it, and celebrated within it, she begins to believe it. This event is more than access to sport; it’s access to confidence, community, and possibility… helping shape voices, leaders, and futures where she knows she belongs anywhere.” – John Penn, CPRP, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, City of Douglasville
This idea resonated throughout the summit. It wasn’t just about exposure to sports—it was about belonging.
A Community Committed to Opportunity
The success of She Belongs is a direct reflection of Douglasville’s commitment to its youth—but it’s also a testament to the power of collaboration between community organizations and national partners working toward the same goal.
The RCX Sports Foundation played an active role in supporting and enhancing the event experience. Through a dedicated vendor presence, the Foundation connected directly with families and participants, sharing resources and opportunities to stay engaged in sports beyond the summit.
Kim Soltis, Senior Development Coordinator for RCX Sports Foundation, was a key contributor throughout the day—serving as both a panelist and a featured speaker in the “Parent 101” session. Her involvement helped bridge the gap between athlete experience and parent education, offering practical insight into how families can better support their children’s development in sports.
Together with the City of Douglasville—recipient of the 2024 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation—these efforts highlight what’s possible when communities and organizations align around a shared mission. From operating youth programs like NFL FLAG and MLS GO to hosting impactful events like this summit, Douglasville continues to lead in creating inclusive, high-quality opportunities for the next generation.
The growing recognition of this work is clear. Douglasville’s inaugural 2025 summit was recently featured in a national parks and recreation publication, underscoring the city’s leadership in building community through sport.
More Than a Moment
What made She Belongs truly impactful wasn’t just the programming or the speakers—it was the environment. It was the feeling of being encouraged, celebrated, and supported not only by peers, but by an entire community invested in seeing young girls succeed.
Because when a community shows up like this, the impact doesn’t end when the event does. It carries forward—in confidence, in ambition, and in the belief that every girl belongs wherever she chooses to go.
And that’s what makes this more than an event. It’s a movement.