Katie Sowers’ name was already in the books as a pioneer, becoming only the second full-time assistant female coach in NFL history (joining Buffalo Bills coach Kathryn Smith). In a recent interview with Outsports, the San Francisco 49ers assistant confirmed that she will also be the league’s first openly LGBT coach.
“No matter what you do in life, one of the most important things is to be true to who you are,” Sowers, openly lesbian, told Outsports when asked why she is discussing her sexual orientation publicly for the first time. “There are so many people who identify as LGBT in the NFL, as in any business, that do not feel comfortable being public about their sexual orientation.
“The more we can create an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, the more we can help ease the pain and burden that many carry every day.”
The 31-year-old Sowers works with wide receivers for the Niners. A former player who led the U.S. to a gold medal in the Women’s World Championship in 2013, her first NFL stint was as a scouting intern for the Atlanta Falcons. When Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan became the head coach in San Francisco, he brought Sowers with him.
As 49ers wideout Marquise Goodwin told KNBR, Sowers isn’t there as a token hire.
“Katie is a baller, 100 percent. She understands the game. She’s very familiar with the game. She played in a women’s league and it may be a little different, but she definitely has the attitude it takes to be in that room. She brings a great vibe and she understands so I’m happy that she’s on staff.”
Sowers is a real trendsetter and role model who says her goal is to become a head coach at either the college or pro level. Meanwhile, the 49ers are hopefully setting the tone for more hires around the NFL like her.
