Our Mission
Fill The Stands supports and celebrates young female athletes, supercharging attendance at girl’s sporting events, bolstering confidence and building community.
Who we
Are
By age fourteen, girls are twice as likely to quit sports teams than boys.*
We’re focused on changing the statistics by supporting this unique age group. We fill cheering sections at targeted middle and high school home games — and then get loud.
Fill The Stands is more than a mission; it’s a game plan for the future of sports. We’re building a world where girls’ athletic competitions are must-see events. Where the collective energy of female athletes and fans fuels and empowers endless possibilities.
*Women’s Sports Foundation Report
By age fourteen, girls are twice as likely to quit sports teams than boys.*
We’re focused on changing the statistics by supporting this unique age group. We fill cheering sections at targeted middle and high school home games — and then get loud.
Fill The Stands is more than a mission; it’s a game plan for the future of sports. We’re building a world where girls’ athletic competitions are must-see events. Where the collective energy of female athletes and fans fuels and empowers endless possibilities.
*Women’s Sports Foundation Report
A letter from the Founder
"Growing up in the Midwest, sports were the cornerstone of my childhood. Weekends filled with tournaments, summers spent at sports camps—it was my world. By high school, I couldn’t wait to play varsity basketball, the sport I loved most."
But once I made it, and looked up at the stands, the contrast was impossible to ignore: the boys' games were packed, standing-room-only, full of loud, enthusiastic fans. Our girls' games, however, were quiet, with far fewer people showing up—just parents, the occasional band. “That’s just how it is,” I’d hear. But even as a young player, I could feel the difference in how our community showed up for us—and it always bothered me.
At 15 years old, those empty seats felt heavy. Did our community take us seriously? Did our efforts even matter? We poured everything we had into the game, yet our stands were empty. Years later, as a parent and journalist, I returned to my alma mater and found the same subdued attendance, plus a missing freshman team. Coaches explained that too few girls were trying out. The problem hadn’t just persisted—it had deepened, and something had to change.
That’s why I created Fill The Stands—to build a vibrant, electric community that uplifts girls on the court and unites “grown girls” like me through a powerful, women-led volunteer network.
As I spoke with other women, I realized my experience wasn’t unique. We had all felt that silence. We had all wanted change.
So, through Fill The Stands, we’re bringing generations of female athletes together, supercharging game attendance for middle and high school sports—the critical years when girls are twice as likely to drop out than boys.
Our goal is simple: packed stands, sky-high energy. Imagine the atmosphere of a college or WNBA game: surprise guests, intergenerational music that connects players and fans, joyful halftime shows, and all-around great vibes. We’re here to keep girls encouraged!
Our ultimate goal is to make our organization obsolete.
Fill The Stands isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about empowering girls to dream fearlessly. When we create standing-room-only crowds, we’re giving them the chance to feel the excitement, the energy, and the support they deserve.
And down the line, when they face a “buzzer-beater” moment in life—whether at work, at home, or beyond—they’ll know how to step up. How to take that game-winning shot. No big deal.
They'll say: "Pass me the ball. I've got this!"
As a sports journalist dedicated to amplifying women’s stories, I believe we can flip the script on these statistics. Together, we can show these young athletes the support they deserve and spark a movement that’s long overdue.
Game on!
Elizabeth Sweet
Founder
The FTS Team
Elizabeth Sweet
Founder & Chief Kickstarter
Elizabeth Sweet, Founder & Chief Kickstarter, is dedicated to transforming the game-day experience for girls' sports. Drawing from her own experiences playing basketball in sleepy field houses, Elizabeth is committed to ensuring young female athletes receive the recognition, support, and visibility they deserve. With a background in sports journalism, design, and digital storytelling, she brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to each event, working tirelessly to make every home game an impactful, memorable experience. Elizabeth's passion for the cause fuels the Fill The Stands movement, with the ultimate goal of empowering young athletes to realize their limitless potential.
Outside of her work with Fill The Stands, Elizabeth serves as a 6th-grade girls' basketball coach and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sports Leadership at the University of Wisconsin.
Emily Krall
Advisory Board: STRATEGIC ACCELERATOR
Emily Krall is a strategic powerhouse who excels at turning bold ideas into actionable results, driving Fill The Stands forward with precision and focus. With her experience at Gatorade and her current role as a venture capitalist in sports, she navigates complexity and streamlines initiatives that fuel growth.
Emily’s ability to push boundaries, refine strategies, and foster clear communication energizes the team, ensuring the organization remains agile and impactful as it works to empower young female athletes.
An avid golfer, mother of two, and passionate advocate for women’s sports equality, Emily brings a personal commitment to her work, championing causes she believes in both professionally and personally.
Bonnie Block
Advisory Board: BRAND INNOVATOR & EQUITY CHAMPION
Bonnie Block, Chief Brand Innovator & Equity Champion at Fill The Stands, leverages her Gatorade experience in sports equality to forge impactful brand partnerships that align with the organization’s mission. With a passion for creating opportunities for girls in sports, Bonnie ensures each initiative drives meaningful change and amplifies Fill The Stands’ visibility. Her innovative approach to branding and commitment to equity make her essential in advancing the organization’s goals.
A mother of two, Bonnie is often found cheering on the sidelines of her daughter’s flag football games, where her dedication to youth sports and equality shines through in all aspects of her life.
Chloe Marotta
Advisory Board: Chief Media Mentor & Broadcast Specialist
Chloe Marotta is a seasoned sports broadcaster and basketball analyst for the Big East Conference, with a deep passion for both women's and men's college basketball, as well as the NBA G-League. A proud Marquette University alum, Chloe made her mark as an All-Big East player in NCAA Division 1 basketball, earning her degree in Journalism and Public Relations and a Master’s in Business Administration.
At Fill The Stands, Chloe and Elizabeth team up to inspire and mentor the next generation of female sports journalists. Together, they encourage young women to cover their school’s women’s sports competitions, giving them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and amplify the stories of female athletes.
Chloe is passionate about creating pathways for future journalists, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed and showcase the excitement of women’s sports.
Samantha Block
Junior Advisory Board: Student Leadership & Community Engagement
Samantha Block, a junior at Deerfield High School, is passionate about empowering young female athletes and encouraging them to participate in and stay committed to sports. An elite soccer and flag football player, Samantha is a 2024 Illinois High School Flag Football All-Conference honoree and a member of the 2023 and 2024 Illinois State Soccer U17 Championship Team. Her journey in both sports began in kindergarten, and her love for athletics has only grown since.
Beyond her own athletic achievements, Samantha serves as a youth sports coach with Shine on Sports for Girls in the northern Chicago suburbs, where she teaches elementary and middle school girls flag football, soccer, and basketball. In her coaching role, Samantha fosters a positive, supportive environment that emphasizes sportsmanship and enjoyment.
As Fill The Stands’ inaugural Junior Advisor, Samantha is thrilled to help empower the next generation of female athletes through community support, mentorship, and engagement initiatives.
Jack Sweet
Chief Fun Officer
Jack, our Chief Fun Officer and biggest fan, brings boundless creativity and energy to Fill The Stands. At just 6 years old, he leads a team of young minds tasked with dreaming up the most exciting, kid-friendly ideas to make every game unforgettable. Whether it's planning game-day activities or finding new ways to make our youngest fans feel special, Jack ensures every event is packed with joy and excitement.
A Lego enthusiast and devoted Caitlin Clark fan, Jack is always cheering loudest for his favorite players—and for his mom’s 6th-grade basketball team!