News Releases - 2019
December 5, 2019 – WeCOACH And Ivy League Announce Conference Membership
November 25, 2019 – University of Denver Online Graduate Degrees and Certificates in Sport Announced as New Sponsor of WeCOACH
November 8, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Sunshine State Conference as First NCAA DII League-Wide Member
November 4, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Big 12 Conference as First Autonomy Conference Member
October 29, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Partnership with InXAthlete
October 8, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Partnership with Groople
Sept 26, 2019 – Hudl and WeCOACH Partner to Present First-Ever BreakThrough Summit To Develop, Inspire and Celebrate Women in Sports
August 20, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces 2019-2020 Coaches Council
July 24, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces League-Wide Membership with the Horizon League
June 28, 2019 – WeCOACH Completes 48th NCAA Women Coaches Academy and 4th Academy 2.0
June 10, 2019 – WeCOACH Hosts NCAA Women Coaches Academy and Academy 2.0 Programs
May 28, 2019 – Jan Whitbeck Named WeCOACH Director of Events
May 13, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Collaboration with NSF International
February 11, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Memorial Scholarship
January 10, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces Restructure of NCAA Partnership
January 2, 2019 – WeCOACH Announces New Coaches to Board of Directors
WeCOACH and Ivy League Announce Conference Membership
December 5, 2019
“The Ivy League is proud to work with WeCOACH to continue identifying creative initiatives that offer personal and professional growth for our female coaches. This partnership showcases our shared commitment to recruit, advance and retain females in the coaching profession,” said Robin Harris, Executive Director of the Ivy League.
Consistently ranked as the top academic conference and with more national championships than any other collegiate athletic conference (287 team, 546 individual), the Ivy League showcased 98 nationally-ranked programs in 2018-19 and prides itself on sponsoring 33 sports, the highest number of any NCAA conference, with more than 8,000 student-athletes competing annually.
“The leadership of the Ivy League continues to raise the bar for their institutions. They rank first among all NCAA Division I conferences in the percentage of female head coaches of their women’s teams. This significant investment in the development of their female coaches is a testament to their support in keeping and advancing women in the coaching profession,” said Megan Kahn, Executive Director of WeCOACH.
About The Ivy League
The Ivy League stands at the pinnacle of higher education and Division I athletics, rooted in the longstanding, defining principle that intercollegiate athletics competition should be “kept in harmony with the essential educational purposes of the institution.” Unrivaled in its legacy, The Ivy League provides the true test of academic and co-curricular rigor – fostering an enduring culture that celebrates a storied-tradition, thrives on shared values and holds paramount the academic and personal growth of students.
The League’s world-renowned schools – Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton and Yale – serve as the standard bearers for inspiring and transforming student-athletes to boldly take on the world’s challenges and lead lives of great impact.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
University of Denver Online Graduate Degrees and Certificates in Sport Announced as New Sponsor of WeCOACH
November 25, 2019
“As we look to extend our reach and impact, it’s important to match alignment with vision. We found just that in DU’s Online Graduate Degrees and Certificates in Sport. Their forward-thinking and leadership in the coaching space is integral to not only the education of our coaches, but the progress of the profession as a whole,” said WeCOACH executive director Megan Kahn.
University of Denver offers fully online graduate degrees, certificates, and courses. Designed for coaches with part-time or full-time jobs, as well as both aspiring and established coaches, programs can be completed in as short as four academic quarters. University of Denver also offers Graduate Certificates in Strength and Conditioning and Fitness Coaching and the Psychology of Coaching. It is the first and only graduate certificate program in Strength and Conditioning in the world, designed for coaches and trainers to enhance their effectiveness in performance.
“The University of Denver’s Online Graduate Degrees and Certificates in Sport sponsorship of WeCOACH is a natural fit. We are the premier provider of sport coach and leader education at a university setting matched with WeCOACH as the premier organization dedicated to recruitment, advancement, and retention of women coaches. We look forward to collaborating and extending the significant work of our shared purpose,” said Brian Gearity, Ph.D., founder and director of the Master of Arts in Sport Coaching program.
About the University of Denver
The vision of the University of Denver’s Master of Arts in Sport Coaching is to deliver rigorous, exceptional, and innovative teaching to educate coaches to serve the athletes they coach and the public good. The program will be leaders in the dissemination of the scientific and practical knowledge of sport coaching. Additional information on DU’s online sport programs can be found here: https://www.du.edu/gspp/programs/sportcoaching/overview.html or by contacting Brittany Kahl, Program Manager, at Brittany.Kahl@du.edu or (303) 871-3409.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
WeCOACH Announces Sunshine State Conference as First NCAA DII League-Wide Member
November 8, 2019
“We are thrilled to welcome our first NCAA DII conference to our engaged community of coaches. I am confident they will benefit from our unique programs and resources, and more than anything, support them in their coaching journey,” said WeCOACH Executive Director Megan Kahn.
With the membership, female coaches within the conference will benefit from unique programs and a wide array of resources. Each SSC member institution will have female coaches utilize the WeCOACH membership, granting access to exclusive online content and in-person events, such as regional coaches’ workshops.“
The SSC is excited to expand our partnership with WeCOACH for membership to female coaches in our league,” said SSC Senior Associate Commissioner Maryanne Simkulak. “We know that they will be obtaining an exceptional resource with the programs and events that WeCOACH has to offer.”
WeCOACH first partnered with the SSC in April 2018 to conduct a regional workshop, which was attended by 33 league coaches. In addition, the SSC has paid the tuition costs for 10 female coaches in the last two years to attend either the NCAA Women Coaches Academy or NCAA Academy 2.0.
About the Sunshine State Conference
Founded in 1975, the Sunshine State Conference has risen from a single sports organization to the Division II “Conference of National Champions.” Since its inception, the conference has shown steady growth in sports played, membership, and national prominence. Member institutions have won a total of 111 NCAA national championships across 12 sports. During the 2018-19 academic year, SSC schools won seven national titles and achieved an 86% Academic Success Rate.
The SSC consists of 11 member institutions, all within the state of Florida: Barry University (Miami Shores), Eckerd College (St. Petersburg), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach), Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne), Florida Southern College (Lakeland), Lynn University (Boca Raton), Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale), Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach), Rollins College (Winter Park), Saint Leo University (Saint Leo), and the University of Tampa.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
WeCOACH Announces Big 12 Conference as First Autonomy Conference Member
November 4, 2019
“WeCOACH offers beneficial and proven programming for women coaches to assist in many facets of their professional growth,” said Big 12 Conference Executive Associate Commissioner Dayna Scherf. “The Big 12 is thrilled to be one of the first conferences to partner with WeCOACH in providing this valuable resource for our member institutions.”
Twenty individuals from each Big 12 campus will get the opportunity to utilize the WeCOACH membership, which includes access to in-person events and online content.
“The landscape for female coaches requires a unique support system. We applaud the Big 12’s commitment to the development of their female coaches across their 10 member institutions and look forward to having them benefit from the programs and resources we offer,” said Megan Kahn, executive director of WeCOACH.
About The Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is comprised of 10 Universities – Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia. The Big 12 is an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics conference that encompasses five states with over 40 million people within its geographic footprint. In its 24th year, the Conference has produced over 680 Academic All-America selections and claimed national championship team titles in 17 of its 23 sponsored sports. Its student-athletes and teams have combined for over 660 individual NCAA titles and 63 team national championships. Nearly 5,000 student-athletes from across the United States and around the World compete annually under the Big 12 banner. For more information, visit Big12Sports.com and follow the Conference on Facebook (Facebook.com/Big12), Twitter (@Big12Conference) and You Tube (YouTube.com/Big12Conference).
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
WeCOACH Announces Partnership with InXAthlete
October 29, 2019
InXAthlete is an online employment platform that connects student-athletes with employers who value the skills that athletes bring into the business world. The platform’s proprietary online interface was built for student-athletes by student-athletes to create a simplified way for employers to seek out job candidates that fit their needs. The platform wecoachx.com officially launches today and will connect the WeCOACH network with hundreds of employers.
“As we continue to evaluate high-level programming and resources to better serve our female coaches, it’s important to remember their sole responsibility is to prepare student-athletes for successful careers after college. The alignment with InXAthlete cohesively connects our community of coaches and their respective student-athletes to a global network of future employers. We are thrilled to become part of the InXAthlete family,” said Megan Kahn, executive director of WeCOACH.
Post-graduation success is a significant priority for coaches and universities. The InXAthlete platform will enhance student-athlete development opportunities, mentorship experiences, and create a network with future employers.
“We are extremely excited to partner with WeCOACH and believe wholeheartedly in their mission. The WeCOACH team is accomplishing important work within athletics. We look forward to impacting our combined communities,” said Cody Ferraro, co-founder of InXAthlete.
About InXAthlete
InXAthlete is an online employment platform built by student-athletes for student-athletes. It’s a tool, free for students, that connects student-athletes with employers who value the skills that athletes translate into the business world. To learn more, visit inxathlete.com.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
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WeCOACH Announces Partnership with Groople
October 8, 2019
Groople is an expert in travel logistics, serving every size group and travel need, including group airfare, hotel rooms, meeting space, meal coordination, and ground transportation. Their personalized, one-on-one approach to customer service includes flexible payment policies, online booking capability, and access to hotels around the world.
“We are excited to announce this strategic partnership with Groople. Their boutique approach to travel service aligns seamlessly with our vision to support our coaches. By removing the role of securing travel logistics and knowing they are putting it in the hands of experts, our coaches can focus on what they do best – coaching and developing their student-athletes,” said Megan Kahn, executive director of WeCOACH.
Groople will offer its travel booking services complimentary to all WeCOACH members, schools, and partners. Available via the WeCOACH website (wecoachsports.org), there will be a dedicated travel accommodations webpage to submit requests.
“We are excited to be partnering with WeCOACH and providing our full-service travel logistics services to their members,” says John Butler, CEO of Groople. “We understand and appreciate what WeCOACH is offering to its members and look forward to providing our one-stop stress free travel logistics services.”
About Groople
Groople is a full-service travel logistics company that specializes in providing personalized group booking services to organizations globally. The company understands the complexities and stress that can go along with booking groups; and provides a one stop shop solution for all group booking needs (group airfare, hotels, charter buses and car rentals). Groople (GROups+peOPLE) blends today high-tech technology with the high touch that is required in the group booking business to exceed customers’ expectations daily and globally. The company’s
proprietary platform gives customers a visual selection of hotel offerings and shows them exactly what they will pay for the services they use.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
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Hudl and WeCOACH Partner to Present First-Ever BreakThrough Summit To Develop, Inspire and Celebrate Women in Sports
September 26, 2019
The free, live digital leadership summit will feature top women in sports.
LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 26, 2019 –– Hudl, an industry leader in performance analysis, and WeCOACH, the premier membership organization dedicated to the retention and advancement of women coaches, announced they will host the first-ever BreakThrough Summit designed to develop and celebrate women in sports.
The interactive event will stream live on Dec. 16 and will be free to attend for those that register. Attendees will hear from industry leaders including two-time World Cup champion USWNT head coach Jill Ellis; 2019 Women’s College World Series champion; and UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez; and ESPN basketball analyst LaChina Robinson.
“We believe that opportunity should be as universal as talent and that sports cannot thrive without equity of access,” David Graff, Hudl’s Chief Executive Officer said. “To put powerful tools in the hands of every coach, athlete and team requires leaders in the industry pulling in one direction. We needed to surround ourselves with the right people with the right mission in order to produce the right change in the world. That’s why we’re partnering with WeCOACH and making this event accessible to everyone in the sports community.”
Women in sport face unique pressures, including fewer advancement opportunities, unequal pay, gender bias, non-supportive work climates and balancing motherhood. BreakThrough Summit is a chance for women in sports to learn from and talk peer-to-peer with fellow coaches, administrators and athletic staff members about how they overcome these challenges. The event is also an opportunity to drive impactful and far-reaching conversations within the sports community.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner in Hudl in creating this unprecedented digital summit. There is such synergy between our organizations in wanting to move the needle in terms of visibility and equity for female coaches, administrators and industry leaders,” WeCOACH Executive Director Megan Kahn said. “Our alignment in values and vision allows us to provide this summit at no cost, giving everyone an opportunity to participate. We are excited about harnessing a collective voice for women in the industry.”
Attendees will have access to a private chatroom to share ideas, discuss the sessions, learn from colleagues nationwide and participate in live Q&A sessions.
Registration for this year’s BreakThrough Summit opens in late October. Learn more about the event and speakers by visiting breakthroughsummit.live.
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WeCOACH Announces 2019-2020 Coaches Council
August 20, 2019
“Now in its fifth year, the Coaches Council continues to become more engaged,” said WeCOACH executive director Megan Kahn. “This group will continue to bring passion, insight and an unwavering commitment to bettering the landscape for female coaches.”
The sixteen members of the Council represent twelve sports across NCAA Division I, II and III levels, high school, and club. WeCOACH has continued to expand its reach and impact by including an administrator on the Council for the first time this year.
Each Council member serves a two-year term. The terms are staggered to create continuity annually.
2019-20 Coaches Council:
Ashley Bastron – Head Coach, Track & Field/XC, Wake Forest (NCAA DI)
Jen Brooks – Athletic Director, Ursuline Academy (High School)
Anya Covington* – Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (NCAA DI)
Angela Dendas-Pleasant – Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Lewis & Clark College (NCAA DIII)
Kristy Duncan* – Head Coach, Volleyball & Assistant Athletic Director, Illinois College (NCAA DIII)
Sam Eustace* – Head Coach, Lacrosse, Mercer University (NCAA DI)
Kendall Fearn* – Associate Coach, Softball, Indiana University (NCAA DI)
Kelsey Hinton – Head Coach, Women’s Gymnastics, College of William & Mary (NCAA DI)
Lyndse Hokanson – Assistant Coach, Women’s Soccer, Georgetown University (NCAA DI)
E.A. Jackson* – Head Coach, Field Hockey, Towson University (NCAA DI)
Alice McCall* – Assistant Coach, Men’s & Women’s Swim and Dive, Florida Atlantic University (NCAA DI)
Jen McKillop* – Associate Athletic Director/SWA, Franklin Pierce University (DII)
Jess Nash*– Director of Coaching, RUSH Wisconsin Soccer Club, (Youth Club)
Caroline Powers* – Assistant Coach, Women’s Golf, Michigan State University (NCAA DI)
Trish Riddell – Head Coach, Women’s Tennis, Florida Southern College (NCAA DII)
Marci Robles – Head Coach, Women’s Rowing, George Washington University (NCAA DI)
*new term beginning in 2019-20
Full biographies of the Council are available on the WeCOACH website at wecoachsports.org.
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WeCOACH Announces League-Wide Membership with the Horizon League
July 24, 2019
“WeCOACH provides tremendous value by assisting in the development of women’s coaches. Their organizational mission aligns with ours, and we are excited about supporting them through theconference membership program,” said Horizon League Commissioner Jon LeCrone. “This is a tremendous benefit for all HL women’s coaches.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Horizon League as they become the first conference to activate WeCOACH memberships for their female coaches, said WeCOACH Executive Director Megan Kahn. “This significant investment in the conference-wide development and support of women coaches is unprecedented. The Horizon League’s leadership should be commended on their commitment to retaining and advancing women in the coaching profession.”
WeCOACH will assist the League with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive strategy related to the development of women coaches. The participation will provide a multitude of resources for the League’s women coaches, including a support network and educational programming.
About the Horizon League
The Horizon League is an NCAA Division I athletics conference comprised of 10 member institutions located throughout the Midwest’s major metropolitan cities. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the League and its members strive to be highly competitive athletically while committing to the total development of its student-athletes and creating a lasting impact on campus and in the community. For more information, visit HorizonLeague.com.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for female coaches.
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WeCOACH Completes 48th NCAA Women Coaches Academy and 4th Academy 2.0
June 28, 2019
Forty-seven female coaches of all experience levels and sports from NCAA Division I, II and III were selected to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, while twenty were selected to partake in the master-learning NCAA Academy 2.0 program.
“I want to congratulate the 67 outstanding female coaches who recently graduated from our NCAA Women Coaches Academy and Academy 2.0. Their commitment to learn, share and engage with one another will be transformative in their career journeys. We are thankful for our partnership with the NCAA Office of Inclusion which supports these significantly impactful programs in helping retain and advance female coaches,” said Megan Kahn, executive director of WeCOACH.
One coach from each class was honored based on peer selection. Mariah Dunham, head women’s basketball coach at Finlandia University, was selected by her NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #48 peers as the WeCOACH Impact Award honoree. In Academy 2.0, the Cecile Reynaud Coaching Mastery Award honoree was E.A. Jackson, head women’s field hockey coach at Townson University.
The application period for the summer 2020 sessions will begin Fall 2019. The 2020 programs will be held May 27-30 and June 24-27 in Denver, Colorado. More information on the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and the NCAA Academy 2.0 can be found on the WeCOACH website (wecoachsports.org).
NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #48 participants
Yewande Balogun, University of Maryland, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Caitlin Bamberger, University of Findlay, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Anthea Barnett, UCLA, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Melissa Bigg, Tiffin University, Head Coach, Soccer
Melissa Brooks, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham, Head Coach, Basketball
Sam Carlino, Princeton University, Volunteer Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Hannah Chappell-Dick, University of Florida, Volunteer Assistant Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field
Michelle Cole, The Citadel, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Kristin Cupido, Miami University of Ohio, Assistant Coach , Cross Country, Track & Field
Rachel Dowd, Ithaca College, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Mariah Dunham, Finlandia University, Head Coach , Basketball
Kacie Ehinger, Baldwin Wallace University, Head Coach, Volleyball
Amanda Fazio, University of Tennessee, Graduate Assistant Coach, Softball
Kendall Fearn, Indiana University, Associate Head Coach, Softball
Kristin Giotta, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham, Head Coach, Soccer
Barbi Gonzalez, Providence College, Graduate Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Kayla Gordon, Denison University, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Karen Grygiel, Monmouth University, Head Coach, Bowling
Kimberly Harrell, Belhaven University, Head Coach, Soccer
Betsy Harris, Florida Southern College, Head Coach, Basketball
Betsy Harvey, Sacred Heart University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Samantha Hurley, Young Harris College, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Maura Johnston, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Kerrin Kallmann, Molloy College, Graduate Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Rosie Kays, SUNY Cobleskill, Head Coach, Soccer
Danielle Kcholi, University of Texas at Dallas, Head Coach, Cross Country
Emily Kohan, Colorado State University, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Julianne Kurke, Rollins College, Assistant Coach, Swimming
Patti Laufenberg, University of Wisconsin Platteville, Assistant Coach, Track & Field
Tracey Marshall, CUNY York College, Head Coach, Softball
Lianne McCluskey, Smith College, Graduate Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving
Kendall Mulligan, Georgetown University, Head Coach, Rowing
Mia Olsen, Westfield State University, Graduate Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Denisha Parks, Clark University, Head Coach, Basketball
Ashley Potvin-Fulford, University of New England, Head Coach, Rugby
Manya Puppione, Marymount University, Head Coach, Soccer
Emily Ryan, University of Wisconsin Platteville, Head Coach, Soccer
Liz Sack, Saint Joseph’s University, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Emily Schmit, Cal State Monterey Bay, Head Coach, Water Polo
Amber Smith, University of Kentucky, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Sarah Steffan, Rollins College , Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Katie Stefl, George Washington University, Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving
Mari Sundbo, Bucknell University, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Abbey Sutherland, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Head Coach, Volleyball
Kelly Sykes, Carroll University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Mary, Theisen-Lappen, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Assistant Coach, Track & Field
Katie Thurstin, Stetson University, Head Coach, Rowing
NCAA Academy 2.0 class #4 participants
Katie Adams, University of Nebraska, Video & Administrative Coordinator, Basketball
Tania Armellino, Plattsburgh State University, Head Coach, Soccer
Hollie Bonewit-Cron, Miami University of Ohio, Head Coach, Swimming & Diving
Kara Cook, Penn State University, Director of Operations, Soccer
Kimberly Dale , University of California San Diego, Associate Head Coach, Rowing
Sinead Evans, Brandeis University, Head Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field
E. A. Jackson, Towson University, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Joelle Mafo, University of Mount Olive, Head Coach, Volleyball
Meredith Mahon, Tufts University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Shannon McHale, Florida Southern College, Assistant Coach, Lacrosse
Jamie Montgomery, University of Richmond, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Michelle Piantadosi-Lima, Eckerd College, Head Coach, Volleyball & Beach Volleyball
Leah Presley, King University, Head Coach, Soccer
Erica Rau, Oberlin College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Trish Riddell, Florida Southern College, Head Coach, Tennis
Liz Slupinski, SUNY Cobleskill, Head Coach, Softball
Jessica Spencer, Bentley University, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Nelle Stahura, Robert Morris University, Head Coach, Rowing
Melissa Stoll, Southern Connecticut State University, Head Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field
Mary Wallenbeck, Ithaca College, Assistant Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field
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WeCOACH Hosts NCAA Women Coaches Academy and Academy 2.0 Programs
June 10, 2019
Fifty-four female coaches of all experience levels and sports from NCAA Division I, II and III were selected to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, while twenty-two were selected to partake in the master-learning NCAA Academy 2.0 program.
“The NCAA office of inclusion congratulates the 76 outstanding female coaches who recently graduated from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and the NCAA Academy 2.0. WeCOACH executive director, Megan Kahn, her tremendous team, and an array of talented presenters provided a transformative learning and networking experience that will empower female coaches to persist and succeed in coaching,” said Amy Wilson, NCAA managing director of inclusion.
One coach from each class was honored based on peer selection. Anya Covington, assistant women’s basketball coach at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, was selected by her NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #47 peers as the WeCOACH Impact Award honoree. In Academy 2.0, the Cecile Reynaud Coaching Mastery Award honoree was Lyndse Hokanson, assistant women’s soccer coach at Georgetown University.
The application period for the summer 2020 sessions will begin in mid-January. The 2020 programs will be held May 27-30 and June 24-27 in Denver, Colorado. More information on the NCAA Women Coaches Academy and the NCAA Academy 2.0 can be found on the WeCOACH website (wecoachsports.org).
NCAA Women Coaches Academy class #47 participants
Alexandra Anghelescu, Penn State University, Assistant Coach, Tennis
Kali Boatwright, Eckerd College, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Jeannette Boudway, Smith College, Head Coach, Soccer
Paige Cassady, Albany State University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Anya Covington, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Allison Daley, Canisius College, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Corrine Drost, College of William & Mary, Assistant Coach, Lacrosse
Molly Duesterhaus, Millikin University, Head Coach, Swimming
Taylor Dyer, Lehigh University, Associate Head Coach, Field Hockey
Megan Dzikas, Saint Leo University, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Victoria Emoff, Trine University, Assistant Coach, Ice Hockey
Lisa Francisco, Bucknell University, Head Coach, Golf
Kaitlynn Fratz, University of Maryland, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Candace Fuller, University of California Riverside, Assistant Coach, Track & Field
Elizabeth Gainer, University of Charleston, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Katherine Gerzabek, Syracuse University, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Meghan Gill, Davidson College, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Emily Girasole, Earlham College, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Jaime Gluesing, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Alicia Gorman, Carnegie Mellon University, Head Coach, Diving
Kortny Hall, Southern Utah University, Head Coach, Softball
Whitney Henderson, Montana State University, Assistant Coach, Track & Field
Gabrielle Houston, University of California Santa Cruz, Head Coach, Volleyball
Leigh Howard, Marist College, Head Coach, Soccer
Cody Hunsicker, Washington College, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Kyla King, Emory & Henry College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Lindsay Kuhle, University of Denver, Head Coach, Golf
Caitlyn Lawrence, Smith College, Head Coach, Tennis
Ashley Lawson, Southeast Missouri State University, Head Coach, Gymnastics
Colleen Leonard, Kalamazoo College, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Valerie Lohr, Allegheny College, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Casey Jo MacPherson, University of Missouri, Assistant Coach, Gymnastics
Tiara Malcom, Florida International University, Head Coach, Basketball
Ariana Martinez, Pepperdine University, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Kortnie Maxoutopoulis, Mississippi State University, Assistant Coach, Golf
Stefanie May, SUNY Maritime College, Head Coach, Soccer
Kaytianna McMillan, Oregon State University, Volunteer Assistant Coach, Gymnastics
Kylin Muñoz, Utah Valley University, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Lauren Nadler, University of California Santa Cruz, Head Coach, Soccer
Elizabeth Norton, Boston University, Assistant Coach, Ice Hockey
Abby Ostrom, Trinity College, Assistant Coach, Ice Hockey
Christa Pfeninger, Texas Woman’s University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Riley Piechnick, Bucknell University, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Carrie Racsumberger, Daemen College, Head Coach, Bowling
Krystina Sarff, University of Oklahoma, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Carol Schoenecker, Robert Morris University, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Monica Scott, Centre College, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Natalie Sweeney, Transylvania University, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Anna, Temple, University of California Davis, Head Coach, Golf
Valerie Townsend, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, Head Coach, Volleyball
Brandi Vega, University of Oklahoma, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Dayna White, Molloy College, Assistant Coach, Softball
Revonda Whitley, Claflin University, Head Coach, Basketball
Keri Wong, Tulane University, Assistant Coach, Tennis
NCAA Academy 2.0 class #3 participants
Heidi Axtell, SUNY Cortland, Head Coach, Soccer
Ashley Botham, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Head Coach, Track & Field
Maru Brito, Tulane University, Head Coach, Tennis
Kimberly Chavers, Old Dominion University, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Allison Coomey, Penn State University, Assistant Coach, Ice Hockey
Julia Duffy, Merrimack College, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Jennifer Green, University of Iowa, Assistant Coach, Gymnastics
Lyndse Hokanson, Georgetown University, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Amy Horst, Loyola University Maryland, Head Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field
Laura-Ann Lane, Gwynedd Mercy University, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Kelly Lawrence, Boston University, Associate Head Coach, Soccer
Ginger Lemm, Mississippi State University, Head Coach, Golf
Danielle Lowe, University of Findlay, Head Coach, Softball
Erin McGaffigan, Alfred University, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Colleen Murphy, United States Air Force Academy, Head Coach, Swimming
Shannon Neely Noel, Fordham University, Associate Head Coach, Soccer
Allison Papenfuss, Bowling Green State University, Strength Coach
Harley Roller, Albany State University, Head Coach, Softball
Ricki Rothbauer-Stubbs, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Head Coach, Softball
Keri Sanchez, University of Texas, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Liz Smith, Michigan State University, Assistant Coach, Rowing
Tara Zollinger, Shippensburg University, Head Coach, Field Hockey
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Jan Whitbeck Named WeCOACH Director of Events
May 28, 2019
WeCOACH has named Jan Whitbeck as the Director of Events. Whitbeck will assume her position on June 10th and replace Ann Walker, who is retiring effective July 1, 2019.
Since January 2017, Whitbeck has served as the Director of Events for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Annually, she executed their signature events, including the Annual Celebration, Distinguished Teaching Awards, Alumni Awards, Ski-U-Mania and alumni events for athletics post-season games. Her 20-year career in event management, media, high-level marketing, and collegiate athletics will serve her well in helping WeCOACH continue to broaden its reach to female coaches of all sports and levels.
“We were overwhelmed with the number and quality of applicants we received for this position. Jan’s extensive experience and her vision for developing women coaches unequivocally resonated with us. I have no doubt her passion, values, and energy will be immediately impactful across our thriving community of women coaches. We are thrilled to welcome someone of Jan’s caliber to the WeCOACH team,” said Megan Kahn, Executive Director.
Prior to the University of Minnesota, Whitbeck served as the Marketing and Campus Relations Coordinator for the University of Wyoming Residence Life and Dining Services. She also spent ten years working for iHeart Media (formerly Clear Channel Communications) in Denver as a Promotions & Marketing Director and as an Account Executive for both AM and FM stations. While there, she managed key national accounts, such as Coors, Hershey, and Dos Equis, as well as co-produced the Gears, Games & Gadgets Expo and coordinated station events for the Susan G. Komen Denver Race for the Cure, and the CU/CSU Rocky Mountain Showdown football games.
“I am extremely excited to join WeCOACH and work with Executive Director Megan Kahn and the talented team she has assembled. To be a part of an organization that provides education, programming, leadership, growth and networking opportunities for women in the coaching industry is an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to get started,” said Whitbeck.
Jan was a women’s basketball student-athlete at Western State Colorado University. She started her career as a women’s basketball assistant coach at Western State Colorado University and Regis University.
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WeCOACH Announces Collaboration with NSF International
May 13, 2019
“WeCOACH is changing the landscape of sports in a powerful, positive way,” said Maryann Ballotta, Senior Marketing Manager, Dietary Supplements and Sports Nutrition at NSF International. “As an independent public health and safety organization, NSF International is proud to help WeCOACH connect its members with science-based supplement safety and certification resources. Educated, informed coaches are well-positioned to help keep athletes safer and healthier.”
The collaboration will help disseminate key educational content and resources to the WeCOACH membership across a variety of platforms in the coming year.
“As an organization with an outstanding global presence, I am thrilled NSF International continues to see and understand the value of their collaboration with WeCOACH. Education and resources are critical to the success of our coaches, particularly when it comes to reassurance of supplement safety and certification. Our collaborative efforts align impeccably with our vision and commitment to provide first-in-class programs and resources to better the landscape for current and future female coaches,” said Megan Kahn, WeCOACH Executive Director.
.About NSF International
In 2019, NSF International is celebrating 75 years of protecting and improving human health. The independent, global organization facilitates standards development, and tests and certifies products for the food, water, health sciences, sustainability and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. MLB, NHL, and CFL clubs are permitted to provide and recommend only products that are NSF Certified for Sport®. NSF Certified for Sport® is also recommended by the NFL, PGA and the LPGA, and many other sport organizations.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reimagined their brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational resources, and access to in-person and digital programming opportunities, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for women in coaching.
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WeCOACH Announces Memorial Scholarship
Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship presented in partnership with Natasha Watley Foundation, Glasco Family and WeCOACH
February 11, 2019
WeCOACH has announced the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship presented in partnership with the Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) and the Glasco Family. Geri Ann Glasco, a 24-year old University of Louisiana volunteer assistant softball coach, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on January 24, 2019. The Natasha Watley Foundation-Glasco Family Fund was created in memory of Geri Ann to aid and inspire young female coaches in the softball community.
In partnership between WeCOACH, NWF and the Glasco Family, the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a female assistant coach in the first five years of her career at the NCAA level. The memorial scholarship includes tuition and a travel stipend to attend WeCOACH’s NCAA Women Coaches Academy this summer. Coaches interested in this premier development opportunity must apply for the NCAA Women Coaches Academy by February 18 at www.wecoachsports.org. One eligible applicant will be awarded the scholarship.
“NWF is proud to fulfill the wishes of the Glasco Family by collaborating with an outstanding partner in WeCOACH,” said Sue Enquist, NWF Board member and former UCLA head softball coach. “This scholarship will aid future young softball coaches and secure Geri Ann Glasco’s legacy.”
Geri Ann, who played at Georgia in 2013-14 and Oregon in 2015-16, had an infectious love for the game and was two weeks away from opening day of her first season working for her father, Louisiana head coach Gerry Glasco. She was the youngest sibling in a family well-known in college softball. Both of her older sisters played NCAA softball; Tara at SIU-Carbondale and Erin at Notre Dame and Texas A&M. Tara is now an assistant coach at Illinois State.
“Having the Glasco family reach out during their most tragic moment and being entrusted to carry out Geri Ann’s legacy was truly humbling. It is with great responsibility and honor that we will see this through. We are appreciative of our partnership with WeCOACH to give this premier opportunity to young women who dream of having a career in coaching,” said NWF founder and two-time Olympian, Natasha Watley.
For information on the Natasha Watley Foundation-Glasco Family Fund and to make a donation, please visit https://natashawatleyfoundation.org/.
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About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reimagined their brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational resources, and access to in-person and digital programming opportunities, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for women in coaching. To learn more about the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, visit www.wecoachsports.org. Applications will be accepted through February 18.
About Natasha Watley Foundation
The Natasha Watley Foundation (NWF) was founded by two-time Olympic medalist Natasha Watley to create opportunities for girls in under-served communities to learn and play the game of softball. NWF uses the medium of sport to inspire young women to reach their full potential while fostering character development and awareness of social issues that affect women.
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WeCOACH Announces Restructure of NCAA Partnership
January 10, 2019
“The NCAA Office of Inclusion is thankful for its partnership with WeCOACH that results in impactful NCAA Women Coaches Academies which support female intercollegiate coaches’ success and persistence in the coaching profession. We are excited about the launch of Academy 2.0 under the partnership and the significant opportunity it will provide for additional meaningful professional development for women coaches,” said Dr. Amy Wilson, NCAA Managing Director of Inclusion.
The NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) is a four-day in-person program available for Division I, Division II, and Division III female coaches of any NCAA sponsored-sport or emerging sport. The core curriculum is designed to increase individual effectiveness by developing skills and learning strategies that directly affect personal and team success. Since 2003, there have been 46 sessions of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, boasting over 1700 attendees.
In 2017, Academy 2.0 was established as a master-learning program intended to enhance and advance the knowledge gained during the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. The 3-day program will now be hosted simultaneously with the WCA in May and June. WeCOACH will accept applications for all sessions January 16 through February 11 at wecoachsports.org. Dates of the 2019 programs will be:
• NCAA Women Coaches Academy: May 29-June 1 and June 19-22
• NCAA Academy 2.0: May 29-31 and June 19-21
“The NCAA’s significant support of female coaches is paramount to our work in retaining and advancing female coaches. We are grateful for their vision in restructuring our partnership to include Academy 2.0. This will make it possible for more women coaches to participate in our impactful Academies,” said Megan Kahn, WeCOACH Executive Director.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reimagined their brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational resources, and access to in-person and digital programming opportunities, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for women in coaching.
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WeCOACH Announces New Coaches to Board of Directors
January 2, 2019
“We are proud to expand our board to include two women currently coaching. Jo Evans will add her experience, expertise and success in coaching at the highest level for many years. Carol Owens will bring a unique voice and perspective representing associate and assistant coaches and the experience of winning a national championship. Both established coaches will continue to drive the mission and vision for WeCOACH.”
One of the winningest active Division I coaches in softball today, with over 1,000 wins, Jo Evans was inducted into the 2015 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame. In her 23rd season at the helm of the nationally-recognized Texas A&M softball program, Evans has guided her team to the NCAA postseason 19 times, including three trips to the Women’s College World Series and seven trips to the NCAA Super Regionals. In 1986, Evans began her head coaching career at Colorado State before returning to her alma mater, Utah from 1991-96.
Carol Owens is regarded as one of the nation’s premier coaches in her 19th year on the Notre Dame women’s basketball coaching staff and 10th year as associate head coach under Muffet McGraw. Owens has assisted in eight Final Four appearances for the Fighting Irish, and two National Championships, including last April. She also spent five seasons (2005-10) as head coach at her alma mater, Northern Illinois University. Owens has been an important contributor within the women’s basketball coaching community. She has served on the Board of Directors for both the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reimagined their brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational resources, and access to in-person and digital programming opportunities, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for women in coaching.
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