Networking with Purpose: 10 Tips for Coaches in Sports Leadership

Navigating a male-prevalent space in sports isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up with purpose. And for me, that purpose has always started with God. He’s the center of my passion, the root of my resilience, and the reason I continue to step into rooms that weren’t originally built for someone like me.

Ashley Cornwell engages in a discussion with fellow participants at the 2024 NCAA/NFL Coaching Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Networking in this industry requires confidence and intention. The relationships you build, the conversations you start, and the way you present yourself all carry weight. This isn’t about collecting business cards or chasing opportunities. It’s about forming genuine connections, honoring your calling, and walking with a sense of direction that comes from something bigger than the industry itself.

These 10 tips are the tools, mindsets, and reminders that have kept me grounded and moving forward. They’re for anyone trying to build a life in sports that actually aligns with their calling, not just their job title. If you see yourself in any part of this article, I hope they remind you that you’re not walking this path alone. No one is perfect, embrace the opportunity to grow.

1. Be Able to Communicate Your Why

This was one of my first articles for a reason. Your purpose is rooted in something bigger than titles or access — for me it’s rooted in God. He is the center of my passion, my direction, and my endurance. When you walk into any room, your “why” becomes your anchor. It reminds you that you’re not there by accident. When you communicate your purpose, let people feel the depth of it. Your calling is God-given, and when you speak from that place, people pay attention. 

2. Tell Your Story - Network with Purpose by Expressing It

Knowing your why is rooted in your story. Your testimony matters. The reason you’re in sports, the doors God opened, the moments you had to be carried — all of it shapes who you are today. Sharing your story with honesty creates connection. People are drawn to authenticity, and your willingness to talk about the hard chapters shows your resilience and faith. If it is hard to share, start to practice alone or with those you trust.

3. Lead With Confidence - Get Comfortable Hearing "No"

Confidence is different. Your players can sense it, everyone in a room knows if you have it. I get mine from God. I get it from preparation. It’s not loud or forced — it’s steady, because I am taking the time to know what I need to know, grow where I have too, and discover how I can be better. Put in the preparation. Speak with clarity. Stand tall. Trust that you are equipped because you are called.

Get used to hearing “no.” In this industry, it’s not a matter of if but how often. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong sense of who you are and what you bring to the table. Your confidence can’t be something other people hand to you, because rejection will try to chip away at it over and over again.

4. Shoot the F***ing Shot

Boldness isn’t recklessness; it’s obedience. When God opens a door, you walk through it — even if you’re nervous. Reach out. Ask the question. Request the meeting.

During my first experience with the NFL Women's Forum, we attended all the sessions over zoom. We broke off several times, and I remember there were so many rooms where no one asked a question, or I was the only one who spoke. This put me in a great position, but some women did not seize the moment. What's the worst they can say? Fear holds more people back than failure ever will. Boldness says: If God put this opportunity on my heart, I’m not shrinking from it.

5. Body Language is a Premium

Your presence can shift a room. I remember grabbing drinks with a few coaches I had worked with during my first internship. One pointed out to me that my body language was part of the reason I was not being taken seriously. Eye contact builds trust, a smile softens the space, and an open, tall posture shows self-assurance. People read your energy before they hear your voice — let that energy reflect strength, warmth, and purpose.

6. Showcase Your Knowledge

God gave you gifts for a reason — don’t hide them. When you speak on what you know, do it boldly and without apology. You’ve studied, prepared, learned, and lived in this industry; your experience and knowledge are earned. In male-prevalent spaces, expertise commands respect. Own your lane and let your work speak for itself.

7. Be Concise

Clarity is powerful. Be direct about what you’re asking for — guidance, insight, a connection, feedback. People appreciate purposeful communication. Straightforward doesn't mean harsh; it means confident and respectful.

This is still something I am working on. Shrinking causes me to over apologize, stammer, and ask questions the long-about way. But I made a plan, and I am working on that every day. 

8. Plan 

Preparation honors both your time and the other person’s. Before every conversation, ask yourself: What do I want to walk away with? What questions will help me grow? Your preparation reflects discipline, intention, and excellence — values aligned with your faith. Planning helps prevent aimless conversations and elevates your presence in every interaction.

9. Find Mentors & Champions

The most important relationships in your career won’t always be transactional. Some people are meant to guide you, sharpen you, pray for you, challenge you, and push you forward. Seek out those who pour into you. Mentorship is a gift from God, and the right voices can shift your entire path.

10. Give Back to Others

Football is about serving people. Lead with generosity. Offer help. Share opportunities. Make introductions. Give wisdom. Be the person who lifts others the way God and your mentors have lifted you. Giving builds legacy. It also builds trust and community — the foundation of real networking.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, networking isn’t just about who you meet — it’s about who you are when you meet them. When God is the center of your purpose, you move differently. You show up with confidence, you speak with clarity, and you build relationships that go beyond career advancement.

Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn, to connect, to grow, and to reflect the grace that’s carried you. And as you rise in this industry, never forget to reach back. Give generously. Share freely.

You belong in every room you’re called to. Walk in boldly. Network with intention. And trust that God is aligning the right people, the right moments, and the right doors in your path.