Strong Girls United Celebrates Grand Opening of The Hub – A First-of-Its-Kind Empowerment Center for Girls and Women

York, ME – September 2025 – Strong Girls United proudly announces the grand opening of The Hub, a groundbreaking new community space designed to empower girls and women through sport, mentorship, and mental skills programming. Led by York native Lani Silversides (Boardman)—a York Athletics Hall of Fame and New England Basketball Hall of Fame inductee—the initiative brings a nationally recognized nonprofit’s mission home to the local community. The first-of-its-kind center in the region, The Hub brings together fitness, leadership, and community under one roof, creating a model for innovation in youth development and women’s wellness.

The grand opening celebration drew over 100 people, with families and community members enjoying smoothies from Smoodi, artisan pizza from Stone & Fire, Kona Ice shaved ice, custom logo cookies from The Beach Rose, prizes from Seacoast Pickleball, custom t-shirts and hats from Micah Dreams Studio. The evening was a joyful reflection of Strong Girls United’s mission: building strength, confidence, and connection.

A Space Designed for Every Age and Stage

Programming at The Hub will serve PreK–12th grade girls with after-school multi-sport sessions, mentorship, mental skills coaching, and strength training for middle and high school athletes. The center will also host a Strong Women’s daytime fitness class for adult women, creating space for health and empowerment at every life stage.

In addition, The Hub will welcome mission-aligned partners such as Baby Booty, offering programs that support new and expecting moms.

Community Support Making It Possible

The Hub’s launch was made possible through generous community support, including:

• YorkWise – A local org supporting drug- and alcohol-free youth programming and events, whose grant funded the purchase of fitness equipment for The Hub.
• Eldredge Lumber – A donation that fueled remodeling of the space.
• Founders Circle Families – Early supporters who joined Strong Girls United’s Founders Circle to help bring this vision to life.
  
• Local Community Members – Countless hours of sweat equity from supporters including Chris Ramsey, Chris Welch, Michael Muñoz, Mary Lynne Boardman, and many others who helped bring the vision to life.
  

The Hub is continuing to grow its Founders Circle, inviting additional families and supporters to join and make a lasting impact in empowering girls and women. If you are interested in joining the mission, please reach out to Kate Cole at [email protected]. 

Building a Movement

“The Hub is more than a gym—it’s a place to bring together community, social connection, physical activity, mental skills, and holistic human development all in one space. It’s about empowering girls and women in every aspect of their lives,” said Lani Silversides (Boardman), Founder & Executive Director of Strong Girls United.

Silversides, a longtime member of the York community, emphasized that while Strong Girls United’s work has grown nationally—through university-based mentorship programs, female athlete leadership conferences, and national partnerships—she is especially excited to bring this mission home to York through The Hub.

Looking Ahead

Beyond regular programming, The Hub will host monthly community events open to the public, including women’s sports watch parties, leadership and performance retreats, movie nights, nutrition nights, and mental health nights—furthering its mission to build community, connection, and empowerment.

For more information about The Hub, upcoming events, and how to join the Founders Circle, visit sgunitedfoundation.org/hub.

Media Contact:
Lani Silversides | Strong Girls United
📧 [email protected] 
🌐 sgunitedfoundation.org