Area nonprofit leader committed to breaking barriers for girls in sports

As the Toledo Library celebrates Women’s History Month by sharing stories of women in sports, our Small Business & Nonprofit department sought to interview ambitious entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals whose athletic background helps them to keep their organizations healthy, competitive, and always pushing forward.

Enter Taylor Kervin, executive director of the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation (AWYF):

“I’ve been a woman in sports my entire life, and every chapter of my career has been shaped by that identity. I grew up as an athlete, which taught me discipline, resilience, and how to thrive as part of a team. I went on to become an Athletic Trainer and eventually became the first woman ever hired in the athletics department at St. Francis de Sales School, an all‑boys school with a long, proud sports tradition. Stepping into that environment as the only woman wasn’t always easy, but it strengthened my voice, sharpened my leadership, and deepened my commitment to creating spaces where girls and women feel seen, valued, and capable.”

As AWYF approaches year 20, the Foundation serves children both within and beyond the Anthony Wayne school district via programs for grades K–12. “Our mission is to provide accessible, positive, and development‑focused sports experiences for every child, regardless of background or ability. What makes AWYF unique is the sheer range of opportunities we offer.”

Alongside traditional sports families expect—soccer, football, baseball, softball, and basketball—AWYF also embraces emerging, fast‑growing sports like lacrosse and rugby. But the innovation doesn’t stop there, “We go even further by offering programs that many communities don’t have access to, such as ski/snowboard and fishing.”

For any business or organization, getting to 20 years is no small feat. According to the National Center on Charitable Statistics, more than 12% of organizations don’t make it to year five, and another 30% shutter within the first decade.

AWYF has grown tremendously over their 19+ years, and Kervin attributes some of that success to sticking true to their mission and vision by existing to give kids a place to belong, to grow, and to discover what they’re capable of.

“Organizations who avoid mission-creep (moving outside of the scope of their core goals and work) tend to have greater success,” explained Lindsay Williams, Small Business & Nonprofit specialist librarian with Toledo Library. “AWYF is a great example of how remaining focused increases sustainability.”

As the organization looks toward the next 20 years, Kervin and teammate Alyson Zdunczyk (AWYF Development Director) have been utilizing the department’s drop in hours and other Library resources to help them shape ambitious yet achievable goals – especially when it comes to fundraising.

“The Library has been an incredible resource for both me and the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation,” explained Kervin. “We’ve leaned heavily into what they offer—attending classes, accessing online databases, and taking advantage of the tools in their Small Business & Nonprofit Center. Their resources have helped us strengthen our operations, expand our knowledge, and make more informed decisions as we continue to grow.

One of the most impactful parts of our relationship with the Library has been the guidance we’ve received from Lindsay. Her support has helped us build a fundraising plan that is not only realistic but truly sustainable. Because of her direction, we now have access to more donors than ever before and a clearer understanding of how to steward those relationships. It’s been a game‑changer for our organization.”

With expanded funds will come even greater growth, and Kervin offered us a peek at what’s next for AWYF:

“One of our biggest goals is to expand recreational sports opportunities all the way through 12th grade. Right now, many rec programs naturally taper off as kids get older, but we know there is a real need—and a real desire—for accessible, low‑pressure, community‑based sports for teens…

We’re also exploring opportunities to add new sports in the coming years… Another major focus is the future of the Blue Creek Recreation Area, which is home to many of our programs. We have several capital improvements planned to make the space safer, more functional, and more welcoming for families.”

No matter what the future holds, Kervin remains committed to presenting an encouraging environment full of equal opportunities for every kid. “All of our programs at the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation are open to both boys and girls, and we actively encourage everyone—youth and adults alike—to get involved in whatever way feels meaningful to them. Because we offer such a wide range of sports and activities, there are opportunities for girls and women to participate, volunteer, coach, mentor, or support programs across every season.”

We talked with Kervin about what may hold girls back from participating in sports, and how AWYF breaks those barriers. She shared that the barriers faced by girls looking to enter into or remain with a sports program are unique, and many of them have nothing at all to do with ability. Some of the most common challenges she witnesses include:

• Confidence gaps — Many girls underestimate their abilities or worry about not being “good enough,” especially when trying a sport for the first time.
• Fear of judgment — Concerns about how they’ll look, whether they’ll fit in, or how others might perceive them can hold girls back more than the sport itself.
• Late entry into sports — Girls who didn’t start young sometimes feel like they’ve “missed their chance,” even though youth sports should be open to beginners at any age.
• Lack of visible female role models — When girls don’t see women coaching, leading, or participating, it’s harder for them to picture themselves in those spaces.
• Competing pressures — School, social expectations, and the desire to avoid failure can all influence a girl’s willingness to try something new.

At AWYF, we work intentionally to break down these barriers and create an environment where girls feel supported, welcomed, and excited to try new things.

• We emphasize development over perfection. Girls are encouraged to learn, grow, and make mistakes without pressure.
• We highlight fun, community, and belonging. When girls feel connected to their teammates and coaches, confidence follows naturally.
• We celebrate trying something new. Whether it’s soccer, lacrosse, rugby, skiing, or fishing, we make it clear that beginners are not only welcome but they’re celebrated.
• We elevate female leadership. Having women in coaching and organizational roles shows girls that they belong in every part of the sports world.
• We create safe, encouraging spaces. Our coaches and volunteers are trained to support athletes emotionally as well as physically, helping girls feel comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones.

The most rewarding part is watching girls discover strengths they didn’t know they had. Once they take that first step, their confidence grows quickly and often spills into every other part of their lives.”

For girls, women, or anyone looking to increase their confidence and leadership ability both on and off the field, Kervin has shared a list of her favorite reads on these topics – all available to borrow from Toledo Library.