49ERS COACH COMES OUT

San Francisco 49ers assistant coach Katie Sowers publicly came out in a story with Out-

sports, becoming the NFL’s first openly LGBT coach — male or female. She’s also the first LGBT coach in all of men’s pro sports. Weeks earlier, Sowers became the second female coach in the league when she was hired full time by the 49ers. She joined Buffalo Bills assistant Kathryn Smith. “No matter what you do in life, one of the most important things is to be true to who you are,” Sowers told Outsports. “There are so many people who identify as LGBT in the NFL, as in any business, that do not feel comfortable being public about their sexual orientation. The more we can create an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, the more we can help ease the pain and burden that many carry every day.” Sowers, 31, was hired as a 49ers offensive assistant working with the wide receivers. She built a rapport with head coach Kyle

Shanahan during his time with the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator. She got her start in Atlanta, thanks to assistant general manager Scott Pioli, who also helped ex-Kansas City Chiefs player Ryan O’Callaghan come out as gay. Sowers played pro football in the Women’s Football Alliance and helped the U.S. win the women’s world title and gold medal in 2013.