The Arizona Cardinals just made history by hiring the first female coach the NFL has ever had. Dr. Jen Welter, 37, will be an assistant coaching intern (opens in new tab) working with inside linebackers for training camp and the preseason—and she is the fist woman ever to hold a coaching title of any kind in the NFL.
This isn't just a big moment for female sports fans—it's a big moment for all of us: More women in men's sports means more women everywhere. And as Welter aptly expressed after the news broke, not every Cinderella story has to be about a dress:
"She came for an OTA [organized team activity] and I met her, and I thought she was the type of person that could handle this in a very positive way for women and open that door," Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said of his new hire.
Welter has a long history of dominating in her sports career—she's played on both men's and women's professional football leagues, and became the first woman to hold a non-kicking position when she was a running back with the Revolution last year. According to Sports Illustrated (opens in new tab), she also served as a linebackers coach for the team.
And she's not the only woman making history in sports this year. In April, Sarah Thomas was hired as the first female full-time on-field official for the NFL (opens in new tab), and Becky Hammon became the NBA's first female coach (opens in new tab).
Times—they are (thankfully) a changin'.
-
Princess Charlotte Doesn’t Look to Older Brother Prince George to “Take the Lead”She “knows her own mind,” an expert says.
-
Kate Middleton Wants Prince Harry to Come to the U.K. for Prince William’s 40th Birthday Party
“Birthdays are a time, as she’s pointed out, of celebration, families, and having loved ones around you.”
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Started Plotting Royal Exit Far Sooner Than We Thought
Discussions began just six months after their wedding, an expert says.
-
Join #ReadWithMC: Marie Claire's Virtual Monthly Book Club
Never feel guilty about skipping book club again.
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
-
The 80 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time
Where does your fave fall on the list?
-
The 15 Best Comedy Movies on Hulu
For when you just need a good laugh.
-
90 Must-Watch Movies: The Best Movies of All Time
The essentials. (Netflix password not included.)
-
The 79 Best '90s Movies That Are Modern Classics
Truly the golden age of cinema.
-
The 50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Curl Up With
PJs, a glass of wine, and these films.
-
The 51 Best Musical Movies to Get You Singing
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
