Author: kelsey.erwin

New Feature: Introducing Cross-Divisional Scheduling to Elevate Your Game Management

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

September 26, 2024 | 1 minute, 20 seconds read

We’re excited to introduce the cross-divisional scheduling feature, allowing you to effortlessly create games between teams in different divisions. This feature opens up new opportunities for competitive matchups while simplifying the scheduling process. By selecting teams from different divisions, like the Junior Hoopsters and Little Dribblers shown in the video above, you can schedule games with just a few clicks, and these games will seamlessly integrate into your existing schedule.

Additionally, for those tracking standings, the feature allows you to include or exclude cross-divisional game results in the division records. You can adjust your settings to customize which records (total or divisional) are shown on your season site, embedded team pages, or automated team pages. This enhancement streamlines operations and makes managing multi-division leagues easier than ever!

Learn more about SportsEngine's latest features in our two-part season management webinar series:

New to SportsEngine and want to see cross-divisional scheduling in action? Schedule a demo today and explore how this feature can simplify your game management!

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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Youth Sports Facilities: How to Drive Traffic to Your Livestreams

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

September 18, 2024 | 2 minutes, 22 seconds read

Livestreaming youth sports events is a great way to engage your community and give everyone—whether at home, at work, or out of town—the ability to support their favorite teams. But getting people to tune in takes more than just turning on the camera. Here’s how to successfully market your live streams, boost your viewership, and show off your facility to your community.

1. Promote Early Across Channels

To maximize viewership, start promoting your livestreams well in advance. Use your social media channels, email lists, and website to build hype. Consistent reminders and exciting previews can help get more eyes on your event. Dive into our Recap on Streaming Live Games to learn more about planning pre-event promotions that will increase audience engagement significantly.

Pro Tip: Create a live stream countdown on social media to build excitement, similar to how the Frisco Independent School District kept their community engaged by promoting their broadcasts early.

2. Use Your Website as a Hub

Your website should be a central hub for your livestreams. Include dedicated sections where visitors can easily find upcoming game streams or replays. SportsEngine’s website builder makes this simple, helping organizations like Frisco ISD expand their broadcasts.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use pop-ups or banners to alert visitors about upcoming events—it’s an effective way to grab attention.

3. Leverage In-App Notifications

Use in-app notifications and push alerts to send reminders just before your livestream starts. Apps like SportsEngine allow you to notify fans right on their smartphones, which helps boost real-time viewership. Mobile alerts increase last-minute tune-ins by reminding users of the perfect moment.

4. Engage with Viewers During the Event

Real-time interaction during live streams keeps your audience engaged and boosts their overall experience. Use live chat, polls, and shout-outs to encourage interaction and personalize the viewing experience. Frisco ISD saw viewership increase when they integrated engagement tools during their games, making fans feel more connected.

5. Promote Replays

Not everyone can watch live, but offering replays ensures that no one misses out. Share replay links via email or social media after the event. As highlighted in our livestreaming recap, promoting replays extends the life of your content and keeps your community engaged even after the final whistle.

Ready to enhance your livestreaming efforts? 

Request a demo form below to learn more.

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

About Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck is a marketer, writer, and podcast producer for SportsEngine, Inc. She currently works to provide solutions across various digital platforms to help increase youth sports participation, and share the love of sport. Kelsey grew up playing golf, softball, and dance in southeastern Minnesota. In her spare time, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota Wild players, fulfilling her need for speed at a racetrack, or getting out for a trail run.

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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Webinar Recap: Season Management Enhancements Part Two

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

September 10, 2024 | 1 minute, 9 seconds read

Thanks to fantastic customer feedback, the SportsEngine team was able to roll out new features and enhancements to our season management tools to streamline your season better. Dive into part two of this webinar series to learn how SportsEngine is: 

🗓️ Mastering Season Management

Dive into the essential tools and strategies for streamlining your sports organization’s operations. From scheduling games and events to managing member communications, part two features Marie Fitzgerald and Jessica Christensen showcasing new features like cross-divisional scheduling, granular permissions for team admins, and a powerful new import tool. This webinar is packed with practical advice to save you time and effort as you prepare for your upcoming season.

Watch the Replay

Watch the full webinar replay for a deeper dive into these enhancements that will help streamline your season. Want to learn more? Schedule your free demo today >

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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3 Reasons SportsEngine Motion is Best For Your Studio

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

September 9, 2024 | 3 minutes, 4 seconds read

Are you searching for a new software for your gym or studio? At SportsEngine, we know gym and studio owners take great pride in their business and develop a sense of loyalty throughout their community. That's why we want to pair you with the right set of tools to run your business without adding any unnecessary challenges that will muddy the relationship between you and your customer. Let us show you how the right technology tools can help you stand out.

1. Greater work/life balance

The Harvard Business Review states, "If you want to be happy at work, have a life outside of It." For anyone running a dance, fitness, or gymnastics studio, time is a critical resource. You must divide it between focusing on growth, organization, and communication. In addition, you may have other priorities in your life outside of your gym or studio. With SportsEngine Motion, we have simplified communication and administration, giving you more time to yourself. One of the standout features of SportsEngine Motion is its intuitive communication system. You can send announcements, reminders, or updates to your community with just a few clicks, making communication seamless between coaches, parents, and athletes.

Class Sign-ups

"SportsEngine Motion helps make everything run smoothly and efficiently for our program!" —Tina M. 

2. Easily automate payments

Financials are the core of running a studio. Don't ever miss a payment, attendance, or registration. SportsEngine Motion combines all these functions into one platform, with the added benefit of easy-to-generate reports for both financials and attendance. Whether it's setting up one-time or recurring payments, you can ensure transactions are handled on time, securely, and, perhaps most importantly, automatically. This simplifies your workload while ensuring your business remains financially healthy.

Billing Manager

"Having the ability to keep everything in one place—classes, payments, and communication—has made managing our program a breeze!"  — Rebecca T.

3. Access on-the-go

A big differentiator for SportsEngine Motion is its mobile-friendliness, allowing both staff and parents to access schedules, payments, and updates while on the go. The mobile app delivers the same robust features as the desktop version, enabling parents to register their kids for classes, manage payments, and stay in the loop on upcoming events or class changes—all from their phones. On the business side, studio owners can oversee operations no matter where they are, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This automation can ensure that your studio sees long-term success.

Attendance

"Our families appreciate how easy it is to register and pay for classes directly from their phones. It’s so convenient!" —Lisa D.

Ensure long-term success

Running a successful gym or studio is no small feat; it requires the right tools to make everything run smoothly. SportsEngine Motion is designed to help you balance business growth and personal life, by streamlining your communication, financial management, and operations. It’s more than just software—it’s a partner in helping you build a thriving, well-organized, and efficient studio. With these tools, you can focus on what matters most: creating an excellent experience for your athletes and families. Let SportsEngine Motion make your journey more accessible and rewarding!

Want to learn more? Dive into our demo form below >

 

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

About Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck is a marketer, writer, and podcast producer for SportsEngine, Inc. She currently works to provide solutions across various digital platforms to help increase youth sports participation, and share the love of sport. Kelsey grew up playing golf, softball, and dance in southeastern Minnesota. In her spare time, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota Wild players, fulfilling her need for speed at a racetrack, or getting out for a trail run.

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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Webinar Recap: Season Management Enhancements Part One

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

August 15, 2024 | 4 minutes, 59 seconds read

Thanks to amazing customer feedback, the SportsEngine team was able to roll out new features and enhancements to our season management tools to streamline your season better. Dive into part one of this two-part webinar series to learn how SportsEngine is: 

🗓️ Streamlining Schedules

Dive into season pages—an improved way of creating season, division, and team pages on your organization’s Sitebuilder website.  In addition to streamlining your season, SportsEngine has created public calendar views, auto-syncing schedules, and conflict checking so you don't have to worry about overlapping games or events. 

Watch the Replay

Watch the full webinar replay for a deeper dive into these enhancements that will help streamline your season. Want to learn more? Schedule your free demo today >

Dive into Part Two

Gain the next set of insights in Part Two of our Season Management Webinar >

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with Season Management?

You can contact your account manager or send a note to our support team via the “Need Help?” tab, and they will work to turn on the functionality.

Can I manage multiple seasons at the same time?

Yes, you can have multiple seasons active at the same time! Additionally, the new season site creation process makes it easier than ever to generate team pages on your website and maintain one master calendar page using tags.

Is it possible to integrate schedules from different organizations into our season management?

Yes, you can import schedules from anywhere—here's how >

We also offer the capability to establish an affiliate network with shared schedules and rosters through our Pro subscription.

What improvements have been made to Season Management in comparison to its previous version?

  • Automated Season Pages
  • Auto-sync Schedules
  • Updated Public Calendar
  • New Game Modal View
  • Conflict Checking Across Seasons (All games and events)
  • Custom Time Zones in Mobile

Learn more about each of these updates in our latest article >

How do I handle overlapping events or activities in different seasons?

With the recent updates to our scheduling assistant, you will have visibility into any conflicts or issues that need your attention—here's how >

Is there a way to automate the rollover of settings, schedules, or teams from one season to the next?

Yes, you can copy seasons from one season to the next, including the previous settings. Learn more >

How do I communicate updates or changes made to the season schedule to all relevant participants?

Within Season Management, you can turn on auto-sync and enable auto-notifications to update participants on schedule changes automatically. Encourage participants to check their notification settings and subscribe to team emails for timely updates.

How can I set up and manage different communication channels for a team?

  • You can chat with your team through the mobile app.
  • You can create specific groups and send messages and invoices to these groups from the desktop application.
  • On the desktop application, you can also message by division or team within a season.
  • In the future, we will add the ability for you to select groups or individuals to communicate within the mobile app.

What options are available to support smaller clubs with limited resources?

By downloading the mobile app, you can use SportsEngine HQ to create a team and communicate for free. Here's how >

How do I manage and update team rosters, including adding or removing players?

You can manage your team rosters most effectively by using our comprehensive rostering tool in SportsEngine HQ. Here's how >

How does the “Team Status” affect how it can be viewed on desktop and in the mobile app by participants and families?

The team statuses directly correspond to the level of access to view and communicate with each team.

The Team Status options are:

  1. Inactive – ONLY visible to the administrator
  2. Private – ONLY visible to coaches, and rostered players for that team in the SE mobile app
  3. Public – anyone can view on mobile or desktop

If you choose to generate Season Pages on your website, you will also have the option to set these pages to Disabled, Private, or Public

How do I get involved in testing new features or accessing beta versions?

Sign up to be part of our community forum! SportsEngine is always looking for individuals to participate in beta versions, focus groups, and more.

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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What Makes A Great Teammate? Here Are 12 Qualities

by Guest Post

Positive Coaching Alliance

March 30, 2024 | 2 minutes, 14 seconds read

Good teammates can turn a good sports experience into a great sports experience. Every player has the ability to provide the support necessary to be a great teammate. Great Teammates: 


1. Give relentless effort: You cannot control many things that will happen during your season, but you can control how hard you play. The only way to get better is to give your maximum effort. This not only makes you better, but pushes your teammates to get better as well.

2. Are unselfish: Put the team first. Your job is to do what it takes to help the team be successful. This isn’t always easy, but great teammates and a way to put the success of the team above their own success.

3. Are honest: All great teams and relationships are built on honesty. Your coach and teammates need to know that they can trust you during the ups and downs of a season.

4. Are humble: You may be the star of your team or you may be a role player, either way, remember that the team comes first. Put your individual accomplishments aside and give praise to your teammates. Teams succeed when no one cares who gets the credit.

5. Hold themselves and their teammates accountable: You should have high standards for yourself and your teammates. If a teammate is not fulfilling their duty to the team, engage them in a supportive conversation to help get them back on track. You might need to help them buy into a particular strategy, help them accept their role on the team, or simply hear them out. Be the player that reaches out to your teammates to help the team as a whole.

Read the Original Article at Positive Coaching Alliance

 

2022 Positive Coaching Alliance Logo

About Positive Coaching Alliance

PCA’s vision is to build a world where every child benefits from a positive youth sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. PCA trains coaches and partners with youth sports organizations, parents, sports leaders, and communities to make youth sports more positive, equitable, and accessible to all kids regardless of social or economic circumstances. For more information, go to positivecoach.org >
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Think Big! 3 Ways to Grow Your Youth Sports Organization

by Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

March 20, 2024 | 4 minutes, 25 seconds read

Thinking outside the box for fundraising, online presence, advertising, and your ever-expanding fan base is the key to growing your organization. Here's how–inspired by some of your favorite Olympians:

1. Be like Eddie–Resilient

In 1988, Britain had their first Olympic ski jumper in over 50 years - his name, 'Eddie the Eagle.'  Although Eddie landed in last place in both competition events, he is most noted for his perseverance and one-liners that made an impact. 

"Resilience can go an awful long way," Eddie stated, which is what you need when you're assigned the hefty duty of fundraising and sponsorships for your team.

As a parent, being assigned the job of going door-to-door to pool money for your team can be overwhelming. Especially if you're inheriting old files from the stone age. However, a sponsorship guide can be critical when pitching to local businesses. Creating the framework can create a holistic guide that clearly states the price range and what sponsors get in return (like their name on the team jersey). This guide can help fund your team for years to come once in place. 

[Guide] Find out how you can create your own sponsorship guide

We know what you're thinking ––  "but how do I invoice? That's a lot of paperwork to keep track of." Well, let us introduce you to SportsEngine HQ's financial tools. If you're not using them yet, they're going to make your life easier and more productive. Invoice, collect payments, and track everything all in one place. 

Not interested in pitching to local businesses? Keep it simple by having friends and family help you fundraise in their day-to-day activities with programs like AmazonSmile and FlipGive. Earn cash back in a matter of clicks. 

2. Master the hardest tricks like Shaun White

The triple cork in snowboarding is no easy feat. As a matter of fact, it's the trick that landed Olympic snowboarding legend Shaun White in the hospital. The triple flip snowboarding trick was so difficult, he shelved it back in 2013. By 2018, Olympic silver medalist Ayumu Hirano had landed the first triple cork, clean. White saw it from the sidelines. Determined, he's now taking on Beijing with a vengeance. 

This is precisely the way your team should look at online presence –– like the competition might be passing you by. We're here to provide the framework for entering the game and mastering the most complex tricks –– Search Engine Optimization (SEO). 

Mastering the "Google Machine" isn't a walk in the park. That's why we've created an SEO series surrounding the topic. Let's start with the basics, though, like creating a mobile-friendly site.  In 2015, Google announced that its latest algorithm update would rank mobile-friendly sites higher than anyone else. This means your team or club's page could be buried under other listings. 

[Article] Get your club's website to rank higher in Google 

In a world where everyone is on their phones, it is critical for your athletes and parents to quickly access schedules, news, and signups on the go. We live in a demand generation, and if your team's site is stuck in 2002, you may be left in the dust. Additionally, learning the basics of keywords, on-page SEO, and an internal linking strategy can get your site ahead of more families for years to come.

3. Inspire a crowd like Mikaela Shiffrin

It's no surprise we want you to align with this extraordinary Olympic skier. Despite the tragic loss of her father, Mikaela Shiffrin lined up 26 World Cup races in 2018/2019 season –– and won 17 of them! She ended the season as slalom, giant slalom, and super-G World Cup champion. Shiffrin's creativity, mental and physical strength are what keep her showing up time and time again. 

Having the tenacity to figure out what your judges (or, in this case, target audience) will most engage with is critical to driving in more athletes and families to your club. By developing a social media presence during, before, and after your season, you can make your programs more well-known to your community.

[Article] Create effective Facebook Posts for your organization

Share your biggest wins, team highlights, and upcoming program registrations with compelling graphics. Boost posts through ad manager to create walking advertisements for your brand. Soon, your fans will be celebrating with you.

Additionally, an online apparel store for your team can be the final touch your team needs to raise more awareness. With SportsEngine Gear powered by SquadLocker, we've made it easy to select, order, and ship custom apparel direct to the families who love you. 

After all, what's not to celebrate about your team! You're impacting a community, providing a home for youth sport, and inspiring future athletes to achieve their dreams.

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

About Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck

Content Contributor at SportsEngine

Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck is a marketer, writer, and podcast producer for SportsEngine, Inc. She currently works to provide solutions across various digital platforms to help increase youth sports participation, and share the love of sport. Kelsey grew up playing golf, softball, and dance in southeastern Minnesota. In her spare time, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota Wild players, fulfilling her need for speed at a racetrack, or getting out for a trail run.

Schedule your free demo

Not on SportsEngine, yet? Fill out this form, and one of our experts will show you how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
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An Informed Response to Abuse and Misconduct Can Help Protect Athletes

by Guest Post

U.S. Center for SafeSport

March 20, 2024 | 3 minutes, 16 seconds read

We all have a role to play to keep sport safe for youth. The conversation has already begun around injury prevention, concussion awareness, updating training methods, nutrition, and more.

Learning how to recognize abuse and misconduct in sport settings—and taking steps to prevent it—are foremost in creating a safer sport culture. But it’s still not enough. Having the knowledge and understanding to respond effectively if harmful behavior arises is a skill that everyone involved in sport should possess.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Emotional & Physical Abuse & Misconduct Toolkit was created for coaches, volunteers, administrators, and others who work directly with athletes. A key component of the toolkit lays out thoughtful and constructive ways to respond to abuse and misconduct.

Have a plan

Being prepared if emotional or physical abuse or misconduct is disclosed is crucial to responding effectively. These considerations should be top-of-mind when developing a response protocol:

  • Knowledge—Be well versed in organizational and legal requirements; know what behavior to look for, expectations on how to respond, and where to report.
  • Preparation—Discuss acceptable and unacceptable behavior with athletes.
  • Time—Respond quickly to prevent behaviors from escalating and harm from continuing.
  • Consistency—Respond consistently to misconduct, because responding to some situations but not others erodes athlete confidence in the process and fosters further inappropriate behavior.
  • Appropriateness—Consider the age and developmental level of those involved; acceptable behaviors, and appropriate responses to those behaviors, may vary.

How to respond

It can be hard to know what to say when someone tells you they have experienced misconduct or abuse, especially a child. But one thing is for certain: they trust you with this important information. Responding to disclosures with care and compassion—and the proper language—can set the tone for an effective response:

  • Listen with empathy
  • Be supportive
  • Know your role
  • Remind them you are here to help
  • Lay out what you will do next

Reporting misconduct

As highlighted in the toolkit, ignoring abuse and misconduct or assuming someone else is taking care of it is not an option. Those who observe or have knowledge of harmful behavior must do something. Report any known or suspected abuse and misconduct according to applicable laws and policies. This can mean reporting to organizational leaders as well as local law enforcement, depending on severity.

Steps for reporting abuse and misconduct include:

  • Reviewing applicable legal reporting requirements
  • Determining where to report
  • Preparing information
  • Making the report

A word on retaliation

It’s common for people to be afraid to report abuse and misconduct for fear of retaliation from coaches, organization leaders, and peers. It’s important that programs or organizations prohibit and monitor this type of toxic behavior. Examples of retaliation against those making a report include an administrator demoting a coach, an athlete threatening a teammate, or a coach dropping a player from the team.

Retaliation can have a cumulative negative effect by causing further harm to those who have experienced abuse; erode trust within an organization; discourage others from reporting misconduct; and contribute to a culture that tolerates abuse and misconduct.

Download the toolkit or visit uscenterforsafesport.org for more information and resources.

Read the original article at U.S. Center for SafeSport
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About The U.S. Center for SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.  Learn more >

 

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Dive into Safety: Ensuring Fun and Secure Registration for Youth Sports

by Kristin Weingarden

Account Manager at SportsEngine

March 7, 2024 | 2 minutes, 45 seconds read

Securing information on registration platforms in the digital era is a must, especially when it comes to fun-filled activities like gymnastics or swimming. Whether you're managing events, lessons, or any registration-driven adventure, implementing security measures is key. Here's a guide on keeping things secure while making a splash in the world of youth sports, including the crucial importance of choosing a provider that is PCI Level 1 compliant. 

1. Choose a Splash-Proof Registration Platform 

Dive into security by selecting a registration platform that not only loves fun but also prioritizes safety. Look for platforms compliant with industry standards, ensuring a high level of data protection that rivals the precision of a perfect gymnastic routine. 

2. Dive Deep with PCI Level 1 Compliance

Choose a provider that is the Michael Phelps of compliance – PCI Level 1 compliant. This gold standard ensures that the platform meets the highest security requirements, giving you the confidence of a perfect 10 dive when handling payment information. 

3. SSL Encryption: Unlock the Safety Vault

Implement SSL encryption to create a safety vault for data transmission. It's like wrapping sensitive information in a pool of security, ensuring it's protected against potential eavesdropping – no cannonballs allowed! 

4. Admin Superstars: Creating Role-Based Heroes

Make your admin accounts the heroes of your platform. Assign roles, granting access only to necessary functionalities. Regularly update permissions based on roles and responsibilities – every hero needs their unique cape and powers! Each admin should have an account with the correct permissions for additional security measures.  

5. Educate Admin Explorers: Safety Boot Camp

Train your admin users with a safety boot camp that rivals Olympic preparations. Educate them on the risks of phishing attacks, securing devices, and the importance of sticking to security protocols. After all, a well-trained team ensures a flawless synchronized swimming routine. 

Conclusion: Make Waves in Safety 

Choosing a registration platform provider that's PCI Level 1 compliant is like having the best lifeguard at your pool – it ensures the highest standards of security. By integrating these tips and prioritizing security, you're not just creating a fortified environment but also making waves in the world of youth sports. Regularly update admin accounts to stay ahead of potential splashes, maintaining the trust of your young athletes and their families. Remember, a secure registration platform is the springboard for a successful and trustworthy journey in the exciting world of youth sports! 

 Check out SportsEngine Safety Measures here. Want to learn more about how SportsEngine Motion can keep your business secure? Request a demo >

Kristin Weingarden

About Kristin Weingarden

Account Manager at SportsEngine

Kristin was a competitive gymnast for 15 years and an NCGA Qualifier from 2002-2005 while at Hamline University in Minnesota. She has coached at Mahtomedi High School since 2005—winning Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2012, 2014, and 2019—and also coached at Hamline University from 2012-2014. Kristin is a current USAG judge. Kristin now lends her experience as an Account Manager for SportEngine Motion.

Connect with Kristin Weingarden


Request your demo

Fill out this form for a personalized demo of SportsEngine Motion. We'll show how we can take your organization to the next level.

 
 
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