Colleen Finney, Founder
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Colleen Finney, Founder ~
I grew up as a young girl who found confidence, direction, and community through sports. I explored many sports before discovering volleyball, thanks to my mother.
I went on to compete for five seasons at the NCAA Division I level. I began my collegiate career at Clemson University before completing my graduate years at The University of Missouri. Across 125 matches, I recorded 755 kills, 297 blocks, and 934 total points. I currently rank third all time in University of Missouri history with a .374 career hitting percentage. Alongside my athletic achievements, I earned multiple academic honors, including selections to the SEC and ACC Honor Rolls and the 2022 All ACC Academic Team.
In January 2025, I took my talents overseas to play professional volleyball in Greece through April 2025. Following my professional career, I transitioned to the business side of sports and now work as a coordinator for brand partnerships at the NIL agency, Every True Tiger. Having experienced firsthand what access, confidence, and strong role models can create, I am now committed to giving back to the sport that shaped my life.
This initiative focuses on empowering the next generation of young women athletes through confidence, education, wellness, and leadership, with the goal of ensuring more girls experience the same support and opportunity that changed my path.
University of Missouri, 2023 - 2024
AO Lamias 2013, Greece, 2025
Clemson University, 2020 - 2022
The Mission
To help every girl build the confidence, skills, and support she needs to stay in sports.
When girls feel prepared, valued, and connected, they are more likely to develop, thrive, and unlock their full potential.
The Audience
Ages 5–10 are the years when girls begin to form identity, build confidence, and learn how to be part of a team.
Ages 11–14 are when many start to question their abilities, feel less confident, and leave sports at high rates.
Focusing on this full window allows us to build a strong foundation early and help girls stay engaged during the years they are most likely to drop out.
The Model
The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) has been a national leader in girls’ and women’s sports since 1974.
Their research, curriculum, and athlete-centered tools give our programs a strong and proven structure.
Aligning with WSF allows us to use evidence-based confidence lessons, mentorship models, and access-driven approaches that truly help girls stay involved in sports.
Community Engagement
YMCA
The YMCA introduced me to sports, and it remains a key access point for young girls today. I grew up right down the street from my local YMCA in Blythewood, South Carolina. It was the first place I played soccer (see pictured below), took swim lessons, and even tried basketball. The Y introduced me to sports, and it remains a key access point for young girls today.
Girls on the Run
I participated in Girls on the Run and ran my first 5K in fourth grade. You can even see a photo and certificate from that day in the images! That experience showed me how empowering movement can be and how important it is for young girls to hear positive messages about confidence early on.
Girl Scouts
As a former Daisy, Brownie, and Junior, I chose to work with the Girl Scouts because those early experiences helped shape my confidence and sense of community. Being part of the Girl Scouts helped shape who I am, and now I want to give back by helping current scouts earn badges and grow their own skills.
Day Dreams Foundation
The Day Dreams Foundation plays a vital role in providing accessible and affordable programs for youth. It is a strong partner for reaching athletes who may not have consistent access to sports.
Primary & Secondary Education
Schools are where our youth spend most of their time. Bringing confidence lessons, mentorship sessions, and sport-based programs into schools ensures we can reach girls who may not have outside opportunities to get involved.