Bawsi Bay Area Women'S Sports Initiative

Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative mobilizes the women’s sports community to Engage, Inspire, and Empower girls in under-resourced neighborhoods and children with disabilities. BAWSI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2005 by soccer legends Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy, and former general manager of the San Jose CyberRays professional women’s soccer team Marlene Bjornsrud, on the principles of paying it forward. We take pride in our acronym’s pronunciation — BAWSI is pronounced “bossy” — and we are enthusiastic, collaborative and aware of our capacity to improve the world one person at a time. Women in sports who embody these qualities (and more!) make up our community of athletes who choose to matter via authentic and impactful service within their communities. The heartbeat of our work is the understanding that service is reciprocally transformative, positively impacting those serving as well as those served. The reflective component is key; as athletes choose to matter, they become more aware of their capacity to make a difference. Coaches and Athletes: you can realize the powerful impact you have on the world by just being yourself and seeing your potential as a leader. Visit us online and get involved! Individuals and Companies: your thoughtful gift will make a difference in the lives of those served by athletes who engage in service nationwide. For information on how to provide financial support, visit us online.