WISH Programme hailed as ‘transformative’ by US Sailing’s rising star Sophia Reineke

Sophia was the only US representative and the first American woman to participate in WISH, adding to her growing reputation as a leading high performance coach in sailing. As part of the latest cohort of 26 female coaches from a diverse range of sports, the week-long residential course at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK underlined that there are still many barriers facing women in sport – both as coach and as athletes – but also showed how that narrative is changing. 

“It was empowering to hear everyone’s story and path in sport; what lead them to this moment. Coming home from WISH, I stand firm in my belief that regardless of the sport, gender should never be a factor in opportunity. Success should be determined by the hard work, merit, and dedication we all put in every day. Thank you WISH for an experience and friendships I will never forget, and most importantly for reminding me that my future is my choice,” she said in an Instagram post. 

First organised as a pilot in 2019, the WISH Programme has been developed in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, ASOIF, AIOWF and several International Federations already engaged in projects to increase opportunities and pathways for high performance women coaches. 

In addition to the residential training, participants take part in 16 leadership and mentoring sessions, as well as four sport-specific mentoring sessions. By combining these three elements, WISH has been designed to equip female coaches with skills specific to their sport so that they can succeed in gaining roles at elite level. 

“I would first like to thank World Sailing and US Sailing for nominating and selecting me to join this elite group,” said Sophia. 

“Working side-by-side with Olympians, Olympic Coaches, Olympians transitioning to Coaches, Federation leaders, and International Program Directors was a masterclass in leadership and high-level strategy that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I feel honoured to have been a part of something so big. 

“I would also like to thank Olympic Solidarity for supporting this extraordinary programme and creating athlete development opportunities worldwide. Lastly, I would like to thank my team at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club for standing behind me and pushing me to be all I can be.”  

The WISH Programme has been designed for female coaches who are already a part of, or have the potential to be a part of, a national delegation to the Regional and/or Continental Games, World Championships, Youth Olympic Games or Olympic Games in a sport on the Summer or Winter Olympic Games Sport Programme. 

More information about the WISH Programme can be found on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

To support the development of women in sailing at all levels, World Sailing’s annual Steering the Course women’s sailing festival is being held this year from 22-31 May and 25 September to 4 October under the 2026 International Women’s Day theme of ‘Give to Gain’ – a reminder that everyone benefits when we offer support, mentorship and opportunities. 

World Sailing is accepting applications from Member National Authorities interested in hosting a Steering the Course technical course for coaches, race officials, judges, umpires, and measurers. The deadline for applications is Friday 10 April. 

Find out how you can be part of Steering the Course on the World Sailing website.