WeCOACH is proud to offer Academy Scholarships to a limited number of NCAA Women Coaches Academy participants each year to help offset expenses.  Full and partial Academy scholarships are outlined below.  Scholarship recipients are selected from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy applicant pool based on financial need, compelling Academy application responses, and satisfying the eligibility criteria specified by the donor (if applicable).

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Attention WeCOACH Donors!  Please help us fund full and/or partial Academy Scholarships to send a current woman coach to our Academy cost-free. Donors may name the scholarship in honor or memory of a woman coach or male ally coach who has impacted your life (see “Legacy Coach Academy Scholarships” below). If desired, donors may name the scholarship in honor or memory of a woman coach or male ally coach who has impacted your life and recipient conditions may be specified such as: sport, title/position, athletic affiliation, ethnicity, etc. The goal is to fund these Academy Scholarship opportunities in perpetuity. Monthly, quarterly & annual recurring payment options are available. After payment is submitted, complete this form to have your Scholarship posted on this webpage. If you have questions or would like more information, please email admin@wecoachsports.org.


Pricing: Women Coaches Academy Scholarships
 (for collegiate coaches): 
  • Full Scholarship: $1,972
  • Tuition = $725
  • Hotel (2 nights) & Meals = $750
  • Travel Stipend = $500

WeCOACH Academy Scholarships

These scholarships cover full or partial Academy expenses.

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2023 WCA Class #52 Tuition Scholarship

2023 WCA Class #52 made personal contributions to establish a Tuition Scholarship for a deserving participant in our 2024 WCA Class #53.  The recipient selected for this scholarship must demonstrate in her application a compelling explanation for why they want to attend the Academy.  This scholarship is open to women coaches in any sport and level of college athletics.

2023 Academy 2.0 Class #6 Tuition Scholarship

2023 Academy 2.0 Class #6 came together to pay it forward with the establishment of a Tuition Scholarship for a deserving participant in our 2024 Academy 2.0 Class #7.  The recipient selected for this scholarship must demonstrate in her application a lifelong commitment to learning and improving. This scholarship is open to women coaches in any sport and level of college athletics.

Hudl Scholarships

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.

Athlete Assessments Scholarship


Our longtime partner Athlete Assessments, has generously provided one (1) full Academy scholarship for a woman coach to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, cost free! This scholarship covers Academy tuition, round-trip flight (up to $500), two nights hotel accommodation, and on-site meals. The recipient will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024. The selected scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to meet scholarship donor Liz Masen, CEO of Athlete Assessments, as she continues to serve on our Academy Faculty for the 15th year.

Eligibility
This scholarship is open to coaches from all sports, levels, positions, and experience, the only thing we ask is that you value and put emphasis on developing the people side of your coaching. In your application, please share how developing the people side of your coaching would or has enhanced your performance as a coach.

Brianna Barry Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship created in memory of Brianna Barry, who was an assistant volleyball coach at George Washington University, and a 2016 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Graduate, 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. The memorial scholarship includes full tuition and a travel stipend.

The recipient will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February.

Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship

The partial scholarship, presented in partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco Family, is awarded to a woman assistant softball coach in the first five years of her career at the NCAA Division I, II, or III level.

The recipient will be selected from the 2023 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February.

Dr. Christine Grant & Dr. Charlotte West Honorary Scholarships

Dr. Christine Grant & Dr. Charlotte West were nationally renowned athletics leaders in both the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and the NCAA, influencers and advocates for Title IX, and passionate and persuasive trailblazers who sought respect, opportunity and equality for women in sports. From the beginning of the Women Coaches Academies in 2003, Dr. Grant served as a faculty member presenting on Title IX, and Dr. West presented on the history of women’s sports. Both enlightened coaches on the progress made before and after passage of Title IX in 1972, and the equality efforts still needed. They blazed a trail we need to follow. Sadly, we lost Dr. Grant on December 31, 2021.

Multiple Academy tuition scholarships (valued at $725 each) and/or travel stipends (up to $500) will be awarded to women coaches with financial need who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to gender equity and the importance of mentoring the next generation of athletes and women in athletics. Recipients will be selected from WCA applications based on the eligibility criteria below and will be notified at the end of February.

(Judith M. Sweet, scholarship donor, WeCOACH Co-Founder, UC San Diego Director of Athletics 1975-2000, NCAA Membership President 1991-92, NACWAA (Women Leaders in Sports) President 2000-01, current gender-equity advocate, and volunteer wish granter for Make-a-Wish.)

Eligibility
The Dr. Christine Grant & Dr. Charlotte West Honorary Scholarships will be awarded to collegiate women coaches with financial need who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to gender equity and the importance of mentoring the next generation of athletes and women in athletics.

IWLCA Tuition Scholarship


The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has generously provided a tuition scholarship (valued at $725) that will be awarded to a current IWLCA member to participate in the 2024 Women Coaches Academy. The IWLCA believes in coaching at its highest level, and supporting those we mentor in the same way. Recipients will be selected from WCA applications based on the eligibility criteria below and will be notified at the end of February.

Eligibility
Recipient must be an intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coach who is a current member of the IWLCA.

Elizabeth M. King Scholarships

Elizabeth M. King, former WeCOACH Board Member and President (2021), has generously provided two (2) full Academy scholarships for women coaches to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy cost free! A full scholarship covers Academy tuition, round-trip flight (up to $500), two nights hotel and on-site meals.

Elizabeth is the managing partner of Elizabeth M. King Consulting, LLC, specializing in HR Management consulting, leadership, and coaching. In 2017, she retired as the Vice President of Human Resources Solutions and Services for Starbucks Corporation. During her tenure, Starbucks grew from 1,100 to 24,400 coffee shops in 4 countries to now 74 plus countries. Elizabeth is a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and The Pennsylvania State University where she competed in softball. A champion for supporting and advancing women, she still serves as a mentor to Nittany Lion student-athletes and is an active participant in the WeCOACH Mentor Program.

The Elizabeth M. King Academy Scholarships will be awarded to collegiate women coaches in softball who gives tirelessly of their time and talents to serve and impact others. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024. 

Legends of the Ball, Inc. Tuition Scholarships

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 2024 Academy applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024.

Maria Lopez Tuition Scholarship

Maria Lopez, a former collegiate tennis coach is providing a tuition scholarship for a woman coach to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy.  Maria currently serves as Senior Director of Memberships & Inclusion for WeCOACH and is a 2022 WCA Class #51 graduate.  This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving coach from any sport and level of college athletics currently facing unique challenges in the profession and seeking inspiration, community support, and a transformational experience to continue in the profession.

The recipient will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and notified at the end of February.

 

Rachelle Manning Tuition Scholarship

Rachelle Manning, WeCOACH Board Member and Director–Sporting Good Channel at SanMar, has generously provided an Academy tuition scholarship for a woman coach to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy! Rachelle played softball and basketball at Sacramento State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business. She also holds a master’s degree in Marketing and Administration from the University of Tennessee. Her 1995 master’s thesis entitled Marketing Intercollegiate Women’s Softball: Important Considerations was used to support the newly formed softball program at the University of Tennessee and other SEC programs.

The Rachelle Manning Tuition Scholarship will be awarded to a woman coach with financial need who provides a compelling response to what they hope to gain from attending our transformational Academy. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024. 

Lauren McLelland Memorial Scholarship

Lauren McLelland was a former captain & women’s soccer player of mine at Lees-McRae College who exemplified a Servant Leader to her team and everyone who met her.  She lived out 3 attributes as a student-athlete for four years and then later in the Navy: Loving, Serving, & Caring. We lost her to suicide in August of 2023.  (Renee Lopez Academy, Scholarship Donor)

 This Lauren McLelland tuition scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate soccer coach who lives out the attributes of loving, serving, & caring just as Lauren did. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified February 23, 2024. 

 

Coach Waunita Small Tuition Scholarship

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. 

 

C. Vivian Stringer Honorary Tuition Scholarship

Coach C. Vivian Stringer has been a pioneer, visionary, and leader during her four decades on the hardwood and her extraordinary achievements in women’s college basketball solidify her as one of the most influential and successful coaches in NCAA history. Stringer holds the distinction of being the first coach in NCAA history to lead three different women’s programs to the NCAA Final Four. She achieved this milestone with Rutgers in 2000 and 2007, the University of Iowa in 1993, and Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in 1982.  Her Cheyney State Lady Wolves team remains the only HBCU program, women’s or men’s, to appear in an NCAA Division I Final Four or National Championship game. She surpassed the monumental 1,000 career victory mark in November 2018, the fifth NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach and the first African American coach to reach the milestone. She retired ranked fifth all-time in NCAA women’s basketball history with 1,055 career victories and became the NCAA record holder with 37 seasons of 20 or more victories. She was honored as the Naismith National Coach of the Year for women’s basketball in 1993, and in 2020 received the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award. Additionally, Coach Stringer has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2001) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2009), further solidifying her legacy as a coaching legend. (Dr. M. Dianne Murphy, Scholarship Donor, former WeCOACH Board Member, Senior Partner, The PICTOR Group)

The C. Vivian Stringer Honorary Tuition Scholarship will be awarded to a woman of color basketball coach. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024. 

 

Ann Walker Academy Scholarships

Ann Walker, WeCOACH Board Member and President-Elect, has generously provided two (2) full Academy scholarships as well as one (1) Tuition Scholarship for women coaches to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy! A full scholarship covers Academy tuition, round-trip flight (up to $500), two nights hotel and on-site meals. Ann is a passionate and experienced leader who spent over 30 years leading in the world of coaching, administration, and in the non-profit sector.  She semi-retired in 2019 but still pursues her personal commitment to help grow women in leadership positions in coaching, teaching, and administration.  Walker has participated in sports her entire life and is currently an avid golfer.  She was an All-American basketball and All-District softball athlete at Northwestern College (Iowa,) where she received a B.A. in 1987.  She also holds a M.A. in sport psychology from the University of Iowa (’95).  She and her partner Lisa reside in both Vancouver, WA and Palm Desert, CA.

The Ann Walker Academy Scholarships will be awarded to collegiate women coaches with financial need who provide compelling responses to what they hope to gain from attending our transformational Academies. Recipients will be selected from the 2024 WCA applications and will be notified at the end of February 2024. 

Legacy Coach Academy Scholarships

These Tribute scholarships cover Academy tuition, hotel, air travel (up to $500), meals, & annual WeCOACH membership dues.

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In Honor of Margueritte Aozasa

Margueritte Aozasa, UCLA Head Women’s Soccer Coach, made history in 2022 by becoming the first rookie head coach and first woman of color ever to win the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer championship. I had the honor of working with Margueritte during that historic first season and now have the privilege of calling her a friend. She is a phenomenal coach, an exceptional human being, and deeply committed to providing the best quality sport experience for her student-athletes. (Betsy Butterick, The Coaches’ Coach & Communication Specialist, scholarship donor).

This Margueritte Aozasa Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be awarded to a woman of color who is in their first or second year as a head coach in their respective sport.

In Honor of Coach Sandy Barbour

Sandy Barbour is one of the most reputable Athletic Directors ever to serve within intercollegiate athletics. Her legacy of impact began as a Women’s Field Hockey Coach and finished as one of the most influential female leaders in all of sport. Along the way, with stops at Northwestern, Tulane, Notre Dame, Cal, and Penn State, Barbour has been etching her legacy and supporting women in college athletics at every level. Whether it was her student-athletes in the classroom and on their competitive battlegrounds, or advancing administrators to the highest levels of leadership, Sandy has enthusiastically supported all who surrounded her and epitomized the ideals of a servant leader.  This Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship is in honor of Sandy who has been recognized by numerous entities with accolades such as the SBJ Athletic Director of the Year, SI’s List of Most Powerful, Influential and Most Outstanding Women in Sport, Forbes Top 25 Powerful People in College Sports, and NACDA Under Armour AD of the Year.  WeCOACH is proud to offer an Academy scholarship in honor of a woman who started it all as a Coach!  (Teresa Gould, scholarship donor, Pac-12 Deputy Commissioner, 2022 & 2023 WeCOACH Board of Directors President)

The Sandy Barbour Academy Scholarship may be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who demonstrates the same ideals as the description of Sandy outlined above.

In Honor of Coach Marlene Bjornsrud

Marlene is simply an extraordinary human being and salt of the earth. She has been a mentor in my life for over 40 years, and now a dearest friend. As a coach, there is no experience that compares to having played for and later served as an assistant coach under her leadership. Her level of compassion, authenticity and love is second to none. She builds community in the most beautiful ways, even in the competitive realm. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on the planet to know Marlene and count her as a dearest friend. What an honor to be able to provide an academy scholarship in her name. (The Rev. Dr. Joanne Sanders, scholarship donor, retired Senior Associate Dean for Religious Life at Stanford University, WeCOACH Board of Directors member)
 
The Marlene Bjornsrud Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship may be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who demonstrates the same ideals as the description of Mar outlined above.

In Honor of Coach Linda Dollar

This Legacy Coach Scholarship is in honor of long-time Missouri State University volleyball coach, the legendary, Linda Dollar.  With a career record of 758-266-21 in 24 seasons at Missouri State, Linda Dollar ranked second at the end of her coaching days on the all-time list for wins in women’s college volleyball history.  She became the first women’s collegiate volleyball coach to reach 700 career victories in 1992.  In 24 seasons, she took Missouri State to 20-win seasons on 20 occasions.  Dollar was named the 1986 and 1990 Gateway Coach of the Year and the 1993 MVC Coach of the Year.  Dollar guided MSU to six finishes among the nation’s top-10.    Linda Dollar has served as a leader and mentor to many women involved in all areas of sport today.  I was honored to play volleyball under Linda and have benefited from her wisdom throughout my career. She gave me the passion for coaching and inspired me to care about people, support women coaches, and to give back to the sport.  (Dr. Cecile Reynaud, scholarship donor, retired women’s volleyball coach & former WeCOACH President).

This Linda Dollar Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be given to a collegiate coach in any sport who inspires others to remain people-centered, supportive, and continually gives back to their sport.

In Honor of Coach Jo Evans

This Legacy Coach Academy Scholarship is in honor of Hall of Fame Softball Coach Jo Evans, who is an exceptional softball coach and servant leader.  Evans’ success began early at the University of Utah where she led the Utes to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) as a player and again as a head coach. Greatness followed with a career that has included over 1,300 wins, 22 NCAA postseason appearances and 3 more trips to the WCWS. She ranks 11th in all-time NCAA wins for softball. Beyond the hardware and accolades, Jo Evans’ lasting legacy is her selfless spirit and countless inspiration given to all of the student-athletes she has led along the way.  Undeniably considered one of the most humble and gracious coaches by her peers, Jo Evans positively embodies the WeCOACH mantra: WeTEACH. WeINSPIRE. WeMOTIVATE. WeLEAD.  (Samantha Huge, scholarship donor, RealResponse Executive Vice President of Collegiate Partnerships, 2023 WeCOACH Board of Directors President)

The Coach Jo Evans Academy Scholarship may be awarded to a collegiate woman softball coach who demonstrates the same ideals as the description of Coach Evans outlined above.

In Memory of Coach Cathy Inglese

Cathy was the head women’s basketball coach for 27 years at Vermont, Boston College and the University of Rhode Island. Her relentless drive as a coach and person made her unforgettable for everyone who played and worked with her. I worked with Cathy for 10 years and she was also a mentor for many more. (Pam Borton, scholarship donor, CEO & Founder of ON Point: Next Level Leadership, WeCOACH Board of Directors member)

This Cathy Inglese Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be given to a collegiate basketball coach who is driven, passionate, has the love of the game and someone who gives of themselves to their teams and program like Cathy did.

In Memory of Dr. Billie Jo Jones

As head coach of the Lady Seminole volleyball (1970, 1972-75) and softball (1971, 1972-74) programs, Dr. Billie Jo Jones played a major role in paving the way for the success of women’s intercollegiate athletics at Florida State University (FSU).  An FSU Professor of Physical Education, Billie took on the additional duties of coaching for little to no pay, assuring young women had the opportunity for quality coaching in the early years of varsity athletics for women at FSU. She was a pioneer in fighting for intercollegiate athletics for women not only at FSU, but nationally.  Dr. Jones’ vision, dedication, persistent leadership and mentorship helped lead FSU women’s athletics from humble beginnings to championship success. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Jones also co-authored four books on coaching and fitness, and a scholarship is awarded annually in her name by the FSU College of Education to a female student who intends to teach and coach. (Chrissy Barber, scholarship donor, COO of All Pro Landscaping.)

This Dr. Billie Jo Jones Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who both teaches and coaches at their institution.

In Honor of Coach Cecile Reynaud

Dr. Cecile Reynaud was the head women’s volleyball coach at Florida State University for 26 years and a faculty member in Sport Management for 14 years. Currently, Dr. Reynaud serves as the Vice President of Volleyball Operations for the Pro Volleyball Federation. One glance at her résumé and its clear why Reynaud has been inducted into 5 Halls of Fame, and in 2016, she was honored with the “Friar Award,” USA Volleyball’s highest award. A life-long learner, leader, and advocate for advancing women to the highest levels of sport, she has served in numerous national and international coaching and administrative leadership positions including: the USA Volleyball and AVCA Board of Directors, World ParaVolley Judicial Commission, 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, 2012 Paralympic Games (USA Volleyball Women’s Sitting Team) and many more.  She is a founding member and served as the President of the WeCOACH Board of Directors.  Dr. Reynaud has published several books, including Winning Ways of Women Coaches, released in May 2022 featuring chapters authored by 20 of the world’s most remarkable women coaches—Cecile generously donated all proceeds to WeCOACH. Reynaud attended Missouri State University where she played volleyball and field hockey.  (Helen Levine, Corcoran Partners, Scholarship Donor)

This Cecile Reynaud Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who gives tirelessly of their time and talents to not only advance their sport, but also empowers women like Coach Reynaud continues to do.

In Honor of Coach Sue Semrau

Coach Sue Semrau, FSU’s all-time winningest women’s basketball coach and 2015 National Coach of the Year, retired in March 2022 after 25 successful years at the helm.  At the time of her retirement, Sue had two of her former players coaching on her staff (Brooke Wyckoff & Morgan Toles), and Coach Wyckoff was named Sue’s successor—someone Sue mentored since her playing days at FSU from 1997-2001.  While she did a lot of winning at FSU, Coach Sue’s legacy will forever be cemented for how she treated people, united the Tallahassee community, and has inspired so many former players, graduate assistants, and managers to pursue the coaching profession.  The “coaching tree” Sue has grown and cultivated is truly remarkable!  Coach Sue also coached WeCOACH CEO Vanessa Fuchs from 1997-2001, and this scholarship is dedicated in Coach Sue’s honor on behalf of all former players and staff whom she has positively impacted.

This Sue Semrau Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who unites people and gives of themselves to their family, team, institution, and community like Coach Sue continues to do.

In Memory of Dr. L. Janet Wells

Dr. Janet Wells was a Professor and Department Head of the Physical Education Department at Florida State University for over thirty years. As a teacher and administrator she pushed for, supported and finally achieved the establishment of women’s athletics at Florida State University. If not for Dr. Wells advocacy women’s athletics would not be the strong and successful program it is today. Women in any field today do not have to be coaches or have employment in athletics to further the establishment and success of women’s athletics. They just have to care that the next generation of women have more and better opportunities to realize their dreams of being able to be fully in the game. At FSU Dr. Janet Wells made it possible for women’s athletics to be established and to grow. She was indeed the “foremother” of women’s athletics at FSU and is recognized as such by all those young women who, like her, did not have the opportunities women have today to be players, coaches and admin. (Alicia Crew & Janet Stoner, scholarship donors).

This Dr. L. Janet Wells Legacy Coach Academy scholarship will be awarded to a collegiate woman coach in any sport who is committed to ensuring the next generation of women have more and better opportunities to realize their dreams.