April 10, 2025
CONTACT:
Malkia Hutchinson, National Center for Lesbian Rights | 202-734-3548 mhutchinson@nclrights.org
National Center for Lesbian Rights LGBTQ Sports Consultant Helen Carroll Inducted into LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame
The National Center for Lesbian Rights congratulates Helen Carroll on her induction into Sports Equality Foundation’s LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. A former NCAA coach, Helen in 2001 launched NCLR’s Sports Project, the first-ever national legal advocacy program for LGBTQ athletes, coaches, and staff, which she led until 2017. As NCLR’s Sports Project Director, Helen helped LGBTQ athletes and coaches obtain pro bono legal representation, conducted educational conferences and panels around the country, and worked alongside NCLR’s attorneys on legal cases involving LGBTQ student-athletes.
Helen was also instrumental in the founding and development of the Common Ground program, an NCAA/NCLR initiative created to bridge the gap between LGBTQ athletes, faith-based colleges and universities, LGBTQ organizations, and individuals of faith at NCAA member schools. Through her efforts, dozens of colleges and universities have worked towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ student athletes within campus life. Currently, Helen continues to lead NCLR’s participation in Common Ground and to provide expert testimony in impact cases involving LGBTQ athletes and coaching staff.
We’re so proud of Helen’s achievements and groundbreaking advocacy to create greater fairness and inclusion in sports and for her critical role in the work NCLR continues to do.
“Helen Carroll is a legend in the world of women’s sports and one of the most selfless, inspiring, and dedicated advocates I have ever known,” said Imani Rupert-Gordon, NCLR’s President. “For decades, Helen has tackled the most pressing and difficult issues facing LGBTQ people in sports, from the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ athletes of color to new challenges facing transgender athletes and LGBTQ people of faith struggling to find their place in religious colleges and universities. Helen ‘s patience, persistence, and fearless advocacy for dignity and equality for all are guideposts for our work. We are thrilled to see her contributions recognized and look forward to continuing to work with her for many more years.”
