About Coach D

Hi! I’m Erica Lynn Douglas, but my athletes call me, Coach D.

I am the Founder and President of She Plays.

She Plays grew out of my personal experiences as an athlete from childhood through college, as well as my decade of coaching high school girls track and field.

I spent my youth trying to be “one of the guys.” I’d beat them in the school mile, took them on head to head in gym class or the playground. I asserted myself into discussions about how hard I worked and the amount to which my sport needed more attention and accolades than the boy counterpart. I was determined to PLAY.

But I grew. My body changed. I (slowly) matured to appreciate that I, a girl, am different from all those boys I used to be faster than.

I know now that those differences are what set me apart and make me unique. A Female Athlete.

Coaching girls, I know their struggles. I understand where their minds wander and worry. I also know I get “it” but not everyone does. In fact, I didn’t get “it” years ago when I so badly needed to.

So that’s why I am here. For the Girls who Play to have a voice. To hear someone say, “It’s normal. You’re OKAY.”

Whether you are like me, fifteen years ago, lacing up your shoes and getting ready to play, please be encouraged to grow and blossom and play your heart out.

If you are me now, watching on the sidelines, cheering your butt off, remembering that it was easier to just do it yourself, please be encouraged to pass on your experience and enthusiasm.

If you are me, the has-been, the day-dreamer, please remember that you are still that girl. That girl that played with grit and gusto. You are still that girl. You just play on a different field now.

Thanks for believing in me. I am cheering for YOU!

XO, Coach D.

Stay in touch by following along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Erica brings a genuine approach to her mission of creating a positive and successful environment to athletes and coaches alike. Listening to her speak on impact of positive coaching, and specifically empowerment of female athletes, I was beyond encouraged by her vision. Not only did I hear an uplifting message, I was given the support and tools to help me become the best I can be for my coaches and my student-athletes.~Erin Ambrose. Activities Director Panorama High School

Coach D gave me the best coaching advice I have ever received. ~Scott Prickett. Youth Softball Coach.

Erica is so real and down to earth. She is genuine in her approach and keeps things realistic. You aren’t taking a chance on Erica because she is a God sent gift. ~Roberta Hoyt. In His Light Ministries

Coach Douglas gave two great presentations on the hurdle events to the coaches who attended the Missouri Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Annual Convention. The coaches were able to come away with fresh ideas and techniques. ~Matt Candrl President 2017 MTCCCA

Professional Biography

Erica Lynn Douglas began her coaching career in 2007 at Waukee High School, in Waukee, Iowa, where she continues as an assistant on the girl’s track and field team. During this time, Waukee has won five Iowa State Team Titles. Personally, Erica has coached 6 state champions, 4 Drake Relays Champions, and every Waukee school record in the hurdle and jump events. in 2017, her hurdle team set the Iowa All-Time Record and placed third at the New Balance High School Nationals.

While competing at Iowa State, Erica was an NCAA Division 1 Qualifier in the Heptathlon in 2006. She was a multi-time Big 12 Conference performer in the combined events and high jump throughout her career. In 2005 and 2006, she earned Academic All-American honors. As a prep, Erica competed in cross country, track and field and soccer for Ames High School in Ames, Iowa.

Erica graduated from ISU with a degree in Elementary Education and later received her Master’s from Drake University. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Erica was a fourth grade teacher. She and her husband, Tony have four children.

Erica is the proud daughter of Steve Lynn, the former Iowa State Men’s Track and Field coach. Along with her husband, mother and brother, they founded the Coach Lynn Memorial Scholarship.

Start a Conversation with Coach D