Barb Anthony, a former basketball player and current social worker, has spent the last six years building a brand called Play Gap. As the co-founder of Play Gap, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting equity and accessibility in sports for adult women, Anthony has worked tirelessly to create a space where women can easily access sports opportunities in their area.
The organization initially started as Cleveland Women’s Sports and then evolved into the Northeast Ohio Women’s Sports Alliance. However, Anthony soon realized that the gap in women’s sports was not limited to northeast Ohio alone. This led to the decision to rebrand the organization as Play Gap, with a goal to reach a wider audience beyond the local region.
Anthony and the other founders of Play Gap have committed their time and effort as volunteers to advance the organization’s mission. With the vision of making women’s sports a more visible and accessible sector, Anthony hopes to transition Play Gap into her full-time job to provide more opportunities for women in sports.
In recognition of her dedication and hard work, Barb Anthony was honored as one of the NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award recipients ahead of the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Cleveland. Being recognized by such a prestigious organization has provided Anthony and Play Gap with a platform to promote their cause and expand their reach far beyond northeast Ohio.
Play Gap is committed to making sure that every woman has equal access to quality sports opportunities regardless of age or location. The organization strives to provide resources, support and mentorship for young athletes who are interested in pursuing their passion for sports.
Through its programs, Play Gap aims to bridge the gap between young athletes who may not have had access to high-quality coaching or facilities before. The organization also provides mentorship from experienced coaches who understand what it takes to succeed in competitive athletics.
With its focus on equity and accessibility, Play Gap is helping young athletes achieve their dreams while also inspiring them to be leaders both on and off the court.
