Today for If You Can Hear Her, You Can Be Her, I spoke with Ann Freeman and Emily Lesher, co-owners of The Sports Bra Maine, an upcoming women’s sports bar set to open in Portland!
Ann shared how the idea came from a simple frustration – struggling to find consistent coverage of women’s sports in traditional sports bar settings. Wanting a space where women’s athletics could take center stage, she saw an opportunity to bring something new to Maine.
Emily, a chemistry professor and lifelong sports fan, joined Ann in turning that idea into reality. The two first connected while supporting their daughters at soccer games and later became teammates themselves, building a strong foundation that would eventually lead to this partnership!
The Sports Bra Maine will be part of a growing movement, expanding on the original concept and bringing a dedicated space for women’s sports to the local community. The goal is to create an environment where women’s athletics are always the focus and easy for fans to access.
While details like the exact location and opening timeline are still being finalized, Ann and Emily shared their vision for a welcoming, community-driven space. They also plan to highlight women-owned businesses as part of their offerings, further supporting their mission.
At its core, their work is about more than just watching games. It’s about building a space where women’s sports are prioritized, celebrated, and shared!
Their message to young women is to trust their instincts and stay open to new opportunities. What started as an idea has quickly grown into something much bigger, with strong community support already building around it.
Listen to the full interview below!
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