Thanks to the generosity of the 2024 WCA Class #53, we are proud to offer a Tuition Scholarship for a deserving participant in the 2025 WCA Class #54 or Class #55. This scholarship is designed to support women coaches who are passionate about advancing their careers and empowering others in the coaching profession.

To be considered, applicants must demonstrate in their application a compelling reason for wanting to attend the Academy and a clear plan for how they will “Pay it Forward” to inspire and uplift the next generation of coaches. Examples of this commitment may include active involvement with WeCOACH programming, such as facilitating WeCONNECT Huddle Groups, or motivating their Academy Class to contribute toward scholarships for future participants.

This opportunity is open to women coaches across all sports and levels of collegiate athletics. WeCOACH is excited to support a coach who exemplifies leadership, collaboration, and the desire to make a lasting impact in the coaching community.

The 2024 Academy 2.0 Class #7 has exemplified the spirit of giving back by creating a Tuition Scholarship for a deserving participant in the 2025 Academy 2.0 Class #8. This scholarship aims to support a coach who embodies a lifelong dedication to learning, growth, and advancing the coaching profession.

Applicants must demonstrate in their application a clear commitment to personal and professional development, along with a passion for continuous improvement. Included in the application is a clear plan for how they will “Pay it Forward” to inspire and uplift the next generation of coaches. Examples of this commitment may include active involvement with WeCOACH programming, such as facilitating WeCONNECT Huddle Groups, or motivating their Academy Class to contribute toward scholarships for future participants.

WeCOACH is honored to continue this tradition of paying it forward, empowering women coaches to lead and inspire within the coaching community.  This scholarship is open to women coaches across all sports and levels of collegiate athletics who have graduated from WCA.

Our partner Hudl, has generously provided 10 tuition scholarships (valued at $725 each) for women coaches to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy.  Recipients will be selected from the pool of WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February. 

Eligibility
Five (5) Hudl tuition scholarships will be awarded to a woman of color who is a coach, strength-conditioning coach, or director of operations at an HBCU institution.

Five (5) Hudl tuition scholarships will be awarded to coaches from the following Hudl priority sports: football, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, baseball, rugby, & ice hockey.

Our longtime partner Athlete Assessments, has generously provided one (1) full scholarship for a woman coach to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, cost free! This scholarship includes Academy tuition, round-trip flight (up to $500), two nights hotel accommodation, and on-site meals.

The scholarship recipient will be selected from the pool of WCA applications. The selected coach will also have the opportunity to connect with Liz Masen, CEO of Athlete Assessments and a valued member of our Academy Faculty for many years.

This scholarship is open to coaches of all sports, any level of collegiate coaching, any position and level of experience. The only requirement is a commitment to prioritizing the people side of coaching. In your application, please share how focusing on this aspect has enhanced – or could enhance- your performance as a coach.

Created in memory of Brianna Barry—an assistant volleyball coach at George Washington University and a 2016 NCAA Women Coaches Academy graduate—this scholarship honors her legacy by supporting the growth and development of assistant volleyball coaches.

The memorial scholarship will be awarded annually to an assistant woman volleyball coach at the NCAA Division I, II, or III level to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. It includes full tuition and a travel stipend to ensure accessibility for the recipient.

The scholarship recipient will be selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

In partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco Family, this tuition-only scholarship supports the development of early-career assistant softball coaches. It is awarded to a woman assistant softball coach within the first five years of her career at the NCAA Division I, II, or III level to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy.

The recipient will be selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Dr. Christine Grant and Dr. Charlotte West were nationally renowned leaders in athletics, influential advocates for Title IX, and trailblazers who championed respect, opportunity, and equality for women in sports. Both were instrumental in shaping the Women Coaches Academy from its inception in 2003, with Dr. Grant presenting on Title IX and Dr. West sharing the history of women’s sports. Their work enlightened coaches about the progress made before and after the passage of Title IX in 1972 and highlighted the ongoing need for equality efforts. Their legacy inspires us to continue blazing the trail they began.

In their honor, multiple Academy tuition scholarships (valued at $725 each) and/or travel stipends (up to $500) are available to collegiate women coaches with financial need. These scholarships are designed to support coaches who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to gender equity and the mentorship of the next generation of athletes and women in athletics.

The Dr. Christine Grant & Dr. Charlotte West Honorary Scholarships are open to collegiate women coaches who demonstrate financial need, a strong dedication to advancing gender equity, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes and women in athletics. Applicants should embody the values championed by Dr. Grant and Dr. West, showcasing a passion for fostering inclusivity and equality within the sports community. Recipients will be selected from Women Coaches Academy pool of applicants.

Scholarship provided by Judith M. Sweet—WeCOACH Co-Founder, former UC San Diego Director of Athletics, NCAA Membership President, NACWAA (Women Leaders in Sports) President, gender-equity advocate, and volunteer wish granter for Make-A-Wish—for her generous support of this scholarship.

The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) proudly offers a tuition scholarship to support the professional development of a woman lacrosse coach. This scholarship is awarded to a current IWLCA member to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. The IWLCA is dedicated to fostering excellence in coaching and empowering coaches to mentor others with the same level of support and commitment.

The scholarship is open to intercollegiate women’s lacrosse coaches who are current members of the IWLCA.

Elizabeth M. King, former WeCOACH Board Member and President (2021), generously provides one full Academy scholarship each year for a woman coach to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy cost-free. This scholarship covers Academy tuition, round-trip airfare (up to $500), two nights of hotel accommodation, and on-site meals.

Elizabeth is the managing partner of Elizabeth M. King Consulting, LLC, specializing in HR management consulting, leadership, and coaching. A retired Vice President of Human Resources Solutions and Services for Starbucks Corporation, she played a pivotal role in Starbucks’ growth from 1,100 to over 24,400 locations in more than 74 countries. Elizabeth is a proud graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and The Pennsylvania State University, where she competed in softball. A passionate advocate for advancing women, she continues to mentor Nittany Lion student-athletes and actively participates in the WeCOACH Mentor Program.

The Elizabeth M. King Scholarship is awarded to a collegiate woman softball coach who selflessly dedicates her time and talents to serving and positively impacting others. Recipients are selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Legends of the Ball, Inc. is proud to sponsor two (2) Academy Tuition Scholarships (value is $725 each). As multiple trailblazers of Title IX, the AIAW, and the WBL (1st women’s professional basketball league in the United States), we have had a close-up view of the growth of women and girls in sports at every level over the past fifty years, and particularly in our sport of basketball.  Even more significant is the impact our trailblazer group has had as coaches. Collectively we have over “1000 Plus” years of coaching. Our LOB, Inc. board alone has one hundred and fifty years of coaching experience. Our mission is to promote the historic and social relevance of the WBL to inspire future generations to break through barriers, realize their potential, and become leaders for positive change. Sponsoring established or aspiring coaches is one way we embrace our mantra of “Passing it on … Paying it forward.

The LOB, Inc. Tuition Scholarships will be awarded to African American coaches at NCAA Division I, II, or III institutions. Priority will be given to women’s basketball coaches.  Recipients will be selected from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Maria Lopez, a former collegiate tennis coach and current Senior Director of Memberships & Inclusion for WeCOACH, generously provides a tuition scholarship for a woman coach to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. A 2022 graduate of WCA Class #51, Maria is committed to empowering women coaches to thrive in the profession.

This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving coach from any sport and level of collegiate athletics who is currently facing unique challenges in the profession and is seeking inspiration, community support, and a transformational experience to continue and excel in their coaching journey.

The recipient will be selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Rachelle Manning, WeCOACH Board Member and Director of the Sporting Goods Channel at SanMar, generously provides an Academy tuition scholarship for a woman coach to attend the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. A former softball and basketball player at Sacramento State University, Rachelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Business and later obtained a master’s degree in Marketing and Administration from the University of Tennessee. Her 1995 master’s thesis, Marketing Intercollegiate Women’s Softball: Important Considerations, was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the University of Tennessee’s softball program and other SEC programs.

The Rachelle Manning Tuition Scholarship is awarded to a woman coach with financial need who provides a compelling response about what they hope to gain from attending the transformational Academy experience. Recipients are selected from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

The Lauren McLelland Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Lauren McLelland, a former captain and women’s soccer player at Lees-McRae College who exemplified the qualities of a true Servant Leader. Lauren lived out three defining attributes—loving, serving, and caring—both as a student-athlete and later in her service with the Navy. Tragically, Lauren died by suicide in August 2023. Her impact was felt deeply  by everyone who met her, and this scholarship seeks to celebrate her remarkable spirit while raising awareness of the importance of mental health in the coaching profession and athletics community.

Generously provided by Renee Lopez, this tuition scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate soccer coach who embodies Lauren’s attributes of loving, serving, and caring in their work and life. Recipients are selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Ms. Waunita Small began her teaching career at East H.S. in Kansas City, MO in 1962 and served in the KCMO Public School District (KCPS) for 43 years. The first 10 years of her career, KCPS did not have interscholastic sports programs for girls. Seeing the inequity, Ms. Small started AAU girls basketball and softball teams that competed in the KCMO/KCKS park districts. She provided transportation, tournament fees, meals and secured practice space, including the Thornberry Boys and Girls Club. Her AAU basketball teams were the first girls sports group to practice in the Thornberry facility. Ms. Small continued her career at Northeast H.S. as a P.E. teacher, coach and AD. She was inducted into the NEHS Athletic HOF in 2017.  She enriched the lives of girls through sports, including me, my sister and many more. She provided us the opportunity to play sports prior to Title IX law, paving the way for us to earn college scholarships. I often give thanks to Coach Marian Washington for changing my life with a scholarship to the University of Kansas. Coach Waunita Small put me in a position for her to make that change. We are honored to provide this scholarship in Coach Small’s name. (Kevin & Adrian Newell Charitable Gift Fund).

This Waunita Small tuition scholarship will be awarded to an African American collegiate coach. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified February 23, 2024. 

The C. Vivian Stringer Honorary Tuition Scholarship celebrates the unparalleled legacy of Coach C. Vivian Stringer, a trailblazing pioneer, visionary, and leader in women’s college basketball. Over her remarkable four-decade career, Coach Stringer cemented her place as one of the most influential and successful coaches in NCAA history. She holds the distinction of being the first coach in NCAA history to lead three different women’s programs to the NCAA Final Four: Cheyney State College (1982), the University of Iowa (1993), and Rutgers University (2000 and 2007). Notably, her 1982 Cheyney State Lady Wolves remain the only HBCU program—women’s or men’s—to compete in an NCAA Division I Final Four and National Championship game.

Coach Stringer’s achievements are unmatched. In 2018, she surpassed 1,000 career victories, becoming the fifth NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach and the first African American coach to reach this milestone. She retired with 1,055 career victories, ranking fifth all-time in NCAA women’s basketball history, and set a record with 37 seasons of 20 or more wins. A two-time Naismith National Coach of the Year honoree (1982, 1993), she also received the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award in 2020. Her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2001), the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2009), and a WeCOACH Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2024) underscores her extraordinary influence as a coaching legend and her unwavering commitment to advancing women in sports.

In honor of Coach Stringer’s legacy and mission to uplift and empower women in coaching, this scholarship is funded by her Rutgers Women’s Basketball Program alumni. The C. Vivian Stringer Honorary Tuition Scholarship will be awarded to a woman of color basketball coach who demonstrates the passion, leadership, and resilience exemplified by Coach Stringer throughout her career. Recipients are selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

The Michael Taub Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Michael Taub, a devoted father who inspired his daughters, Allison and Shannon Taub, to pursue their passions in sports and coaching. Michael’s unwavering support and encouragement shaped their athletic careers and fueled their commitment to continue making an impact as coaches. This scholarship celebrates his enduring influence and commitment to empowering others through sports.

The scholarship reflects Michael’s dedication to fostering growth, excellence, and opportunity in athletics while honoring the next generation of women coaches who embody those values.

This full scholarship will be awarded to a female coach in the sport of track and field or strength and conditioning. It covers Academy tuition, round-trip airfare (up to $500), two nights of hotel accommodation, and on-site meals. Recipients are selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.

Ann Walker, WeCOACH Board Member and President, generously provides multiple scholarships each year to support women coaches attending the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. These include two (2) full Academy scholarships and one (1) tuition-only scholarship. A full scholarship covers Academy tuition, round-trip airfare (up to $500), two nights of hotel accommodation, and on-site meals.

Ann is a passionate and accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in coaching, administration, and the non-profit sector. Although semi-retired since 2019, she remains deeply committed to advancing women in leadership roles within coaching, teaching, and administration. A lifelong athlete and advocate for women in sports, Ann was an All-American basketball player and All-District softball athlete at Northwestern College (Iowa), where she earned her B.A. in 1987. She later completed her M.A. in sport psychology at the University of Iowa in 1995. Today, she continues her love of sports as an avid golfer and resides with her partner Lisa in Vancouver, WA, and Palm Desert, CA.

The Ann Walker Academy Scholarships are awarded to collegiate women coaches who demonstrate financial need and provide compelling responses about what they hope to gain from the transformative experience of attending the Academy. Recipients are selected from the Women Coaches Academy applicant pool.