When Alexandria native Callie Brownson was named the offensive quality control coach for Dartmouth College’s football team, she became the first woman full-time coach at a NCAA Division I program. But her appointment was just the latest in a successful football career, first as a player—including time as part of the D.C. Divas in the Women’s Football Alliance—and coach.
What is the one piece of advice you wish you had heard when you were starting your career?
Trust the process. I think my generation is so focused on instant results that we neglect the process. Starting the process that is “what you want to be when you grow up” takes a lot of hard work, time and persistence—remember why you started and enjoy the ride.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I think my current opportunity is my greatest achievement so far, but I hope in a couple years the answer to this question will be that we did such a good job setting an example here at Dartmouth that it opened the door for many more women to have coaching positions in college/pro football.
When did you feel you had “made it”?
As excited and honored as I am to be in this position, I wouldn’t necessarily say I’ve made it. Truly, this is just the beginning for me.
How do you define success?
Success is an individual thing in my opinion. I think being successful is continuing forward momentum toward your goals and ensuring you’re growing and adapting through the process. I think we tend to attribute success with monetary or superficial accomplishments, but I believe truly labeling yourself as “successful” is much deeper than that.
What job or position have you previously had that helped you get to where you are today?
Being a high school coach prepared me the most for this position. It allowed me to learn some of the grassroots skills and duties that are required at this level.
What do you do after a disappointment?
Assess and evaluate. It goes against our human nature to say, “wow, I really sucked at that!”—but it’s so important to assess your weaknesses and faults in order to grow. After disappointment, I try and take a positive approach at assessing where I went wrong and how I could have been better.
Give us an idea of your work/life balance philosophy?
In the football world there isn’t much of a balance, but my greatest passion in life is football, which happens to also be my line of work now, so I guess that’s plenty of balance for me.
What is the one thing you do for yourself every day, or at least once a week?
Working out, even for 10 minutes when I can. Getting moving and challenging yourself physically when you’ve been challenging yourself mentally all day is essential.
What’s the one thing you still want to do with your life?
I want to do whatever I can to make sure that in the near future more women are coaching on the sidelines of college and professional football games.
Any advice for those who are going into your field?
Be persistent. You’re going to be told no. Stay with it anyway. You started this journey for a reason, and it’s on you to see it through. People are always going to find a reason why you cannot do it, but you have to show them why you can.