Partner Spotlight: Girls in the Game
October 29, 2025
by Annie Thompson
Girls in the Game is a Chicago nonprofit that helps girls build confidence, health, and leadership skills through sports and mentorship. This year, the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation (CYCF) joined that mission––creating new opportunities for girls to learn, grow, and build confidence both on and off the water.
The partnership began this summer at 31st Street Harbor, a unique setting for learning to sail and swim. Over three days, 35 high school girls from Girls in the Game spent time on Lake Michigan and in the pool, working with CYCF instructors to build comfort around the water. For many, it was their first time on a sailboat. Participants sailed J/100s during morning and afternoon sessions, learning to steer the boat, trim the sails, and work together as a team. In the pool, small-group lessons focused on floating, breath control, and basic strokes. The girls played sharks and minnows, practiced handstands, and laughed as they grew more comfortable in the water.
This fall, the partnership continued with a one-day swim session at the McCormick YMCA on Indigenous Peoples’ Day for younger participants, starting at age ten. The pool echoed with laughter as 51 girls rotated between lessons and free swim, two sections reserved for instruction and one left open for play. “I am so excited for swimming!” said Mariah, grinning after jumping in. Around her, students practiced floating on their backs and kicking, some wearing lifejackets and taking things step by step at their own comfort level.
“It’s wonderful to see the joy on these girls’ faces,” said Abby Tzinberg, Girls in the Game coordinator. “These girls come from communities that haven’t historically had access to pools, so being able to offer swim lessons for these kids is amazing.” Katie, age ten, was nervous at first, sitting at the edge of the pool and watching the others take their turns. By the end of the session, she was beaming. “I learned how to swim today!” she said as she climbed out of the water.
Parents shared that pride from the sidelines. “I’m very thankful for these lessons,” said Lilliana G., parent of a Girls in the Game participant. “My daughter never had swim lessons before, and now she can learn, so we can go to the beach and be safe.” CYCF and Girls in the Game plan to continue hosting swim sessions in the months ahead, helping students build confidence and water safety skills before next summer’s programs begin.
Building on this momentum, CYCF also hosted a College Readiness Symposium organized by Girls in the Game, bringing together 25 high-school students to learn about the college admissions process. CYCF Education Program Manager Paul Hansen will be among the presenters.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared goal: helping Chicago youth discover new skills, build confidence, and see new possibilities––whether they’re at the helm of a sailboat, in the pool, or preparing for college.