Editor’s note:

Kim Skanson was due on a staff Teams meeting. She couldn’t take it on camera like she does most Fridays, because she was on her way to New Ulm and wearing her baseball uniform.

Skanson, a former Cargill executive who lives in the Twin Cities, joined pharmaceutical distributor Cencora last year as senior vice president of global business services. The company is based in Philadelphia. She’s just getting to know her team, and remotely at that, so most of her colleagues don’t know she played Division II college softball for Augustana College or that she’s coached baseball teams for her three sons for 13 years.

But it’s tough to conceal that you’re conferencing into a meeting from the road (someone else was driving!), so Skanson fessed up to colleagues that she was on her way to a baseball tournament and couldn’t be late. She’s the head coach.

“I think they assumed I meant t-ball,” Skanson says, explaining that no, she actually coaches American Legion, a competitive baseball league for boys age 13 to 19. She’s got the Maple Grove 15-16 team. “I had to explain these are high school kids, all bigger than me. My colleagues were dumbfounded.”

Indeed there aren’t many—or, it seems, any—women in Minnesota coaching at the American Legion level. Frankly, you don’t find many parents coaching at that level, period—unless they’ve played college ball or made to the minors. And there aren’t a lot of women coaching boys baseball teams in little league, either. Skanson recalls one of her first time coaching, when her oldest son, now 23, was just nine and even at that age, the boys greeted her with skepticism. She stepped up to the plate at a practice and drove the ball straight to the outfield fence. “Then the boys looked at me with awe. I had to earn my stripes, even then,” Skanson says. And still, every season, umpires and coaches from the other team will push past her, looking for the head coach.

It’s not all that different than being a woman working in STEM fields for large companies.

Skanson doesn’t let it bother her. She’s focused on building the confidence of her players, and in the process, helping them evolve their ideas of what a baseball coach might look like.

Let’s play ball

Thirteen years ago, I took up coaching baseball to spend more time with my three boys and to share my love for the game. As a former college softball player, what started as a way to stay connected to a sport I loved turned into a profound journey of inspiring the next generation and learning the power of being passionate about what you do.

This past season, as I reflect on the summer spent coaching our American Legion team of 15 and 16-year-old boys, I am reminded of the impact such experiences can have. Initially, it was all about quality time with my youngest son and giving back to the community. However, it quickly evolved into so much more—building confidence, tenacity, and imparting life lessons to these young men.

One of the most touching moments came from a text I received from one of my players after our last game. He didn’t mention our win/loss record or his individual performance; instead, he shared how I had helped him become a better teammate and how he’s eager to use his newfound confidence next season. It was at that moment that I realized what a ‘home run’ really means. Moments like these reaffirm all those countless hours spent at the field were beyond worth it!

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth

Believing in yourself can have a powerful ripple effect on others. When I stepped onto that baseball field for the first time, I had my doubts. Transitioning from coaching softball to baseball was not without its challenges. But my passion for the game and my belief in my abilities pushed me through. This confidence not only helped me grow as a coach but also inspired my players to believe in themselves.

Seeing the transformation in my players has been incredibly rewarding. They started to see the importance of teamwork, resilience, and self-belief. It’s amazing how a shared passion can unite a group and drive them towards common goals. These young men learned that with dedication and hard work, they could achieve more than they ever thought possible.

“When you’ve learned to believe in yourself, there’s no telling how good a player you can be.” – Rod Karew

This experience has reminded me that we all have the power to shape future generations positively. It’s not just about teaching them the skills of the game; it’s about equipping them with the tools they need for life. Confidence, determination, and the ability to work well with others are invaluable lessons that extend beyond the baseball field.

Even though you don’t often see women head baseball coaches I never considered that an obstacle, it’s all about finding your passion and pursuing it relentlessly. Breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes can inspire others to do the same. When young people see someone who looks like them succeeding in roles they never thought possible, it opens up a world of possibilities.

Being passionate about what you do is contagious. It ignites the same fire in others and motivates them to pursue their dreams with equal fervour. Whether it’s in sports, arts, sciences, or any other field, passion is a powerful driver of success and fulfillment.

If there’s one piece of advice I can offer, it’s to find what you love and go after it with everything you’ve got. Believe in yourself, even when the path is uncertain. Your passion and dedication can inspire others to follow their dreams and make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

More than a game; “It’s about preparation, courage, understanding, and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.” – Joe Torre.

Coaching baseball has been more than just a pastime; it’s been a journey of personal growth and a testament to the power of passion and belief in oneself. It has taught me that inspiring the next generation is one of the most rewarding endeavors you can undertake. By believing in ourselves and sharing our passions, we can create a positive impact that resonates far beyond the field.

So, here’s to all the coaches, mentors, and passionate individuals out there—keep inspiring, keep believing, and keep making a difference. The future is brighter because of you.