Women in Sport: Shaping the Next Generation, One Girl at a Time

13 August 2026 | Ntsikelelo Jonga | Kraaifontein

For the girls of Shooting Stars Netball, the person standing on the sidelines is more than just their coach.

Jessica Van Der Berg may be the one giving instructions, encouraging the team and blowing the whistle, but to many of the young players, she is also a mentor, role model and someone they can turn to when things get tough.

As a parent herself, Jessica understands that young girls need more than sporting skills to thrive. They need someone who believes in them, listens to them and reminds them that a difficult game or a disappointing result does not define who they are.

Under her guidance, the players say they feel excited and happy to be part of the team. Jessica celebrates their successes with them, encourages them after losses and keeps an eye on their wellbeing both on and off the court.

For many girls, having a woman in a leadership position in sport can make a lasting difference. Seeing a woman coach a team helps young players understand that leadership is not limited by gender and that they too can dream of becoming coaches, professional athletes, leaders or anything else they set their minds to.

But perhaps one of the most important roles Jessica plays is creating a safe environment where the girls can grow. Between school, family pressures and the expectations that often come through social media, young people face challenges that are not always visible on the court.

Sport gives them a place to belong, while coaches like Jessica help turn that space into a place where they can build confidence, discipline and resilience.

The lessons do not end when the final whistle blows. The girls are learning about teamwork, respect, responsibility and how to handle both victory and disappointment. They are learning that supporting one another matters just as much as winning.

Jessica’s experience as a parent also helps her understand the realities young athletes face as they try to balance school, family and sport. By working alongside parents and supporting the girls emotionally, she helps create a stronger support system around each player.

Her story is a reminder that women in sport are not only shaping athletes. They are helping to shape the women these girls will become.

As Women’s Month is celebrated, coaches such as Jessica Van Der Berg deserve to be recognised for the quiet but powerful work they do every day.

Because sometimes changing a young girl’s future starts with something as simple as having one woman in her corner saying, “You can do this.”