Kim Russell: Standing Strong for Women’s Sports #InTheDugout– February 10, 2025

On this episode of #InTheDugout, host Mike Stenhouse sits down with Kim Russell, a former Oberlin College women’s lacrosse coach who became a national figure after standing firm in her beliefs about protecting female-only sports. With 27 years of coaching experience and a reputation for compassionate leadership, Russell was beloved by her athletes, earning the nickname “hippie love coach.” However, her career took a dramatic turn when she expressed support for fairness in women’s sports on social media. What followed was a series of disciplinary hearings, administrative pressure, and ultimately, her removal from coaching—an ordeal that exposed the growing intolerance for dissent in higher education.

Now an ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, Russell refuses to back down. She continues to advocate for equal opportunity and fairness in women’s athletics, sharing her powerful story in the IWF documentary Burned at the Stake. In this conversation, she speaks candidly with Sten about the personal and professional fallout from her stance, the broader implications for women’s sports, and why she remains committed to speaking the truth despite the consequences. Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering dedication to the principles of fairness and integrity in athletics.

Don’t miss this compelling conversation with Kim Russell, as she and Sten discuss the cultural battle over women’s sports, the dangers of ideological conformity, and the price of standing up for one’s convictions. Tune in now to #InTheDugout and hear firsthand how Russell is fighting for the future of female athletes everywhere.