EMPOWERED ATHLETES
Where girls build confidence, leadership, and skill through sport.
At Empowered Athletes, we believe sports are powerful tools for developing strong, confident, and capable young women.
Our camps are designed to empower girls through movement, mentorship, and meaningful experiences that go far beyond the field.
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Founded by Coach Cole Richardson, Lakewood Ranch High School’s head varsity girls soccer coach, our programs are rooted in over a decade of youth coaching expertise, a passion for leadership, and a belief in the strength of the next generation of female athletes.
Our Signature Camps
An introductory sports camp for girls, by girls
Athletes learn up to 7 popular sports in a welcoming and safe, yet competitive environment with their friends.
Featuring volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, track & field, and intro to weightlifting (at most locations) athletes will learn the skills and rules of each sport and get to compete for team points!
All girls 1st - 8th grade are welcome.
Hands-on Leadership Experience and Career Certifications
Giving girls equal opportunity and access in the world of sports; this CIT Program offers leadership training, hands-on coaching experience, and real career certifcations that will shine on resumes and college applications.
Open to all high school female athletes who see themselves as Leaders within the field of athletics.
Individual Footskill & Strength Training for the Serious Soccer Player
Technical skill & strength training for the serious soccer player who wants to up her game. This camp has a heavy emphasis on indivudual skill moves to win 1v1 situations while getting hundreds of touches on the ball each day through skill set pattern challenges and small sided games. Athletes also learn proper form and progression for strength training.
Open to the serious female soccer player, grades 6-12.
Upcoming Camps
Event | Dates | Location | City/State |
|---|---|---|---|
College Soccer ID Camp | TBA | Berkeley Academy | Santa Ana, Costa Rica |
CIT Cultural Camp Program | June 20 - June 28, 2026 | Berkeley Academy | Santa Ana, Costa Rica |
All Girls Sports Camp | June 22 - 25, 2026 | Berkeley Academy | Santa Ana, Costa Rica |
Coaches-in-Training Camp | TBA | John H. Marble Gymnasium | Bradenton, FL |
All Girls Sports Camp | TBA | John H. Marble Gymnasium | Bradenton, FL |
Indoor Soccer & Strength Camp | July 20 - 23, 2026 | Lakewood Ranch High School | Lakewood Ranch, FL |
Coaches-in-Training Camp | June 15 - 18, 2026 | Lakewood Ranch High School | Lakewood Ranch, FL |
All Girls Sports Camp | June 15 - 18, 2026 | Lakewood Ranch High School | Lakewood Ranch, FL |
Host an Empowered Athletes Camp at your School or Facility! Contact us today.
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WHY EMPOWERED ATHLETES?
Because every girl deserves a space to grow as an athlete, as a leader, and as herself.
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Empowered Athletes was created to do more than teach sports skills. We’re here to help girls build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through positive, intentional coaching.
Our camps give girls of all levels the opportunity to try new things, improve their game, and discover just how powerful they really are.
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Each of our camps offers something different, but they’re all rooted in the same purpose:
Confidence Comes First
Whether they’re learning how to dribble for the first time or leading a group as a CIT, every girl is encouraged to show up bravely and be herself. We prioritize effort, celebrate progress, and create a judgment-free space where confidence can grow.
Skill-Driven, Fun-Focused
From multi-sport play to technical indoor soccer training, our sessions are structured to build real athletic skill without the pressure of play time. Girls leave our camps stronger, faster, and more excited about being active.
Leadership at Every Level
Leadership isn’t just for older athletes. In every camp, we create opportunities for girls to take initiative, work as a team, and speak up. In our Coaches-in-Training program, teens take it even further, earning certifications and coaching experience they can carry into high school and beyond.
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An All-Girls Community That Lifts Each Other Up
There’s power in an all-girls space. Our campers feel safe to try, fail, lead, and cheer each other on without fear of judgment. It’s not just about building athletic skills, it’s about building friendships, community, and self-worth.
ABOUT COACH RICH
COLE RICHARDSON, AKA COACH RICHARDSON
Cole founded Empowered Athletes in 2021, determined to give girls equal opportunity and equal access to sports. As a multi-sport athlete growing up, Cole saw the value of cross-training first hand. She went on to pursue Track & Field in college, competing at the University of Florida and Wingate University, where she still holds the school record in the 400m Hurdles. She went back to her first love (soccer) and began coaching right out of university in 2016. After years of coaching and professional licensure, she is now aiming to close the gaps for female athletes, through exposure and high level training for soccer and beyond. She is also the Head Girls Varsity at Lakewood Ranch High School, where she led her team to District and Regional Championship Titles, and a State Final Four appearance in just her second season as Head Coach in 2025. She was named 2025 Coach of the Year by Herald Tribune Sports, and a Top 3 Finalist for the 2025 USA TODAY SPORTS AWARDS Coach of the Year.








