News Releases - 2022

December 13, 2022 – WeCOACH Hosts Inaugural CATCH A VISION Workshop for Aspiring Women Coaches

November 30, 2022 – WeCOACH Receives $125,000 Grant from Truist to Support WeAMPLIFY

October 24, 2022 – Forty Conferences Participating in New Divisions II & III Development Program

October 14, 2022 – WeCOACH Introduces Team of Staff Dedicated to MOVE the NUMBERS

October 10, 2022 – WeCOACH Announces 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

September 22, 2022 – WeCOACH Announces Association-Wide Membership with the California Community College Athletic Association

August 29, 2022 – WeCOACH Introduces New Member Benefits Partners Program

August 15, 2022 – WeCOACH Launches NCAA Divisions II and III Women Coaches Development Program

June 23, 2022 – WeCOACH Launches Title IX 50th Anniversary “Move the Numbers” Campaign

May 19, 2022 – WeCOACH To Host NCAA Women Coaches Academy Programs

May 16, 2022 – Winning Ways of Women Coaches Book Now Available

April 18, 2022 – WeCOACH Announces New Partnership with Eastbay Team

March 23, 2022 – WeCOACH Renews Partnership with the United States Marine Corps

February 17, 2022 – WeCOACH Selects Veteran Leader Vanessa Fuchs as New CEO

January 18, 2022 – WeCOACH Announces New Board Member; Gould Becomes Board President

Archived News Releases

2015-16     |     2017    |      2018     |      2019     |     2020     |     2021    |     2022     |     2023     |     2024  

Highlighted by athletic participation and coaching experience across numerous different sports and at every level of sport, this team of talent joins WeCOACH from not only different parts of the country, but the world. Their comprehensive educational backgrounds demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and notably, three are NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) graduates.

“We set out to build a team who have a heart for our mission and mirror the diverse and inspirational community of leaders, mentors, and role models who we serve. We have assembled a dream team who will work each day toward achieving the lofty vision and strategic goals established for WeCOACH. With our staff, events, and in all aspects of our organization, WeCOACH will strive to model and epitomize what support looks like for women in sports.” said Vanessa Fuchs, WeCOACH CEO.

Get to know Team WeCOACH:

About WeCOACH

Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs. Prior to Title IX, over 90% of women’s collegiate sports teams were coached by women. Today, 50 years later, data indicates that number has decreased to a stagnant 43% in Division I (41% in all three NCAA Divisions), with only 7.3% women coaches of color. A dearth 5% women coach men’s teams, and at the youth level, the data is hard to estimate (approx. <20% of teams are coached by women). As part of its year-long Title IX 50th Anniversary campaign, WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS to help change the landscape for women coaches and to impact history for the next 50 years. For more information visit wecoachsports.org/50th

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX this year, we recognize and honor three deserving Lifetime Achievement Award recipients: Coach Nikki Franke, recently retired Temple University Women’s Fencing Head Coach, Coach Carol Hutchins, recently retired University of Michigan Softball Head Coach, and Coach Jodi Manore, Bedford High School (Michigan) Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach.

All three recipients of this year’s award will be formally recognized during the 2022 BreakThrough Summit on Friday, December 16 in Omaha, Nebraska. Registration details for this year’s BreakThrough Summit can be found here.

“It is only fitting that as part of our Title IX at 50 celebration, we are honoring three longtime, highly successful women coaches who are the epitome of what Title IX has meant to so many women in sports. Coach Franke, Coach Hutchins, and Coach Manore have not only won a lot of contests in their careers, they have established holistic program cultures for other coaches to emulate. What’s even more remarkable is the lifelong impact they have had on the many, many student-athletes they have coached. They are leaders, they are role models, and their legacies are forever cemented. WeCOACH is grateful these three coaches are a part of our Community, and we are thrilled to honor them for their inspirational achievements,” said Vanessa Fuchs, WeCOACH CEO.

About Coach Nikki Franke
As our country celebrates Title IX at 50, Dr. Nikki Franke celebrated her 50th year at the helm of Temple University’s Women’s Fencing, a program that she founded in 1972. Over those 50 years she amassed a 898-277 career record, complete with a National Championship in the 1992 campaign. She also received the United States Fencing Coaches Association Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year honors in 1983, 1987, 1988, and 1991. Franke was the first and only black female head coach of any NCAA Division I Fencing Programs in the country at the time of her retirement in August 2022. Coach Franke was also a co-founder of the Black Women in Sport Foundation which focuses on introducing inner city youth to non-traditional sports and mentoring women of color involved in all aspects of sport. Later this year she will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame which is her fifth Hall of Fame induction. She has also been inducted into the Women’s Sports Foundation, Temple Athletics (as a team and individual) and Brooklyn College Halls of Fame. As an athlete, she was a member of the 1976 and 1980 U.S. Olympic teams and was the USA Fencing National Foil Champion in both 1975 and 1980, respectively. Her legacy continues to be paid forward as her successor at the time of her retirement is one of her former student-athletes, Coach Jennie Salmon.

About Coach Carol Hutchins
The NCAA’s all-time winningest softball coach in history, Coach “Hutch” masterfully steered the University of Michigan’s softball program for 38 seasons before she retired this past August. Hutchins is also the winningest coach — male or female — in Michigan Athletics history. Her impressive record of 1707-555-5, included 12 appearances in the Women’s College World Series complete with a National Championship in 2005–the first of any Division I program east of the Mississippi River. Hutch’s Wolverines also claimed 22 Big Ten regular season titles, 10 Big Ten Tournament Championships and qualified for the NCAA Tournament 29 out of her 38 seasons. Inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006, Hutchins earned Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year honors 18 times, eight NFCA Regional Coach of the Year awards and a pair of NFCA National Coach of the Year honors. In 2016, she was named the inaugural recipient of espnW’s Pat Summitt Coaching Award, presented to the coach who “exemplifies the character and courage” of the legendary basketball coach who led the Tennessee Lady Vols.

About Coach Jodi Manore
Coach Jodi Manore entered her 38th season as the Varsity Girls Volleyball Head Coach at Bedford High School (Michigan) in August of 2022. As of July 2022 she held an overall record of 2175-383-63 for a winning percentage of 84 percent. In 2015 she surpassed the record for most match wins by a high school varsity coach in the nation at 1,833. That’s a difference of 342 more wins than any other coach. Her accolades include numerous Hall of Fame honors including the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA), American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and the Michigan HS Coaches Association (MHSCA). She has led her Bedford team to three state championships, five state runner-ups, and 16 semi-final appearances. Coach Manore also holds 24 regional, 31 district, and 16 of 21 conference titles during her tenure. Of her many remarkable achievements, Coach Manore maintains she is most proud of having more than 100 former athletes go on to play volleyball in college.

About Hudl
Hudl is an industry leader in performance analysis software and hardware, empowering more than 200K sports teams worldwide to achieve their goals with best-in-class video and data technology. For more information visit www.hudl.com/.

About JOSTENS
Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company’s products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., Jostens is a subsidiary of Platinum Equity and can be found online at www.jostens.com.

About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs. Prior to Title IX, over 90% of women’s collegiate sports teams were coached by women. Today, 50 years later, data indicates that number has decreased to a stagnant 43% in Division I (41% in all three NCAA Divisions), with only 7.3% women coaches of color. A dearth 5% women coach men’s teams, and at the youth level, the data is hard to estimate (approx. <20% of teams are coached by women). As part of its year-long Title IX 50th Anniversary campaign, WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS to help change the landscape for women coaches and to impact history for the next 50 years. For more information visit wecoachsports.org/50th.

##

“The CCCAA is thrilled to partner with WeCOACH as our membership celebrates the 50th anniversary of Title IX,” said CCCAA Executive Director Jennifer Cardone. “WeCOACH offers a tremendous number of resources and programming which will greatly benefit the hundreds of women’s coaches we have throughout our 110 colleges.”

The CCCAAA sponsors 24 sports and women coaches within the association will benefit from unique programs and a wide array of resources, including the NCAA Women Coaches Academy & Academy 2.0, Regional Workshops, Mentor Program, monthly Video Chats, WeAMPLIFY (women of color initiative), BreakThrough Summit, and other year-round professional growth and leadership development programs.

“This partnership with the CCCAA furthers our mission to impact and elevate women coaches in all sports and levels. We are grateful to Jennifer Cardone’s leadership to empower hundreds of CCCAA women coaches to have the opportunity to engage in our transformational leadership programs, and we are very excited to welcome them to our WeCOACH Community— especially as we celebrate Title IX at 50,” said Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH.

The association-wide membership will be active immediately and extend to all women coaches at each CCCAA institution.

About The California Community College Athletic Association
The California Community College Athletic Association is an integral part of California’s extensive community college system. As authorized by the State Legislature, the Education Code provides the CCCAA the opportunity and authority to establish the rules and regulations to administer the intercollegiate athletic activities of the nearly 24,000 men and women student-athletes in the state.

###

BACK TO TOP

The Partners who comprise this initial program rollout are some of the most well-respected experts in their respective fields–communication, mental health, DEI & belonging, leadership, program culture, generational strategies, career mapping, personal branding, and more.  Several Partners are former coaches across multiple different sports who are now “coaching from a different sideline” by pouring their knowledge and expertise into the current generation of coaches, administrators, and student-athletes.

Five Partners, Becky Burleigh (WCA Class #24), Betsy Butterick (WCA Class #29), Anya Covington (WCA Class #47), Dr. Jen Fry (WCA Class #1), and Molly Grisham (WCA Class #19), are WeCOACH-NCAA Women Coaches Academy Graduates who continue to engage with and generously give back to our community through their current work as national experts, speakers and consultants.  Partner Celia Slater (WeCOACH co-founder & founder of True North Sports) and Liz Masen (CEO & Client Director for Athlete Assessments), are some of the longest-tenured administrators and program faculty, respectively, in the history of WeCOACH.  And longtime WeCOACH supporter, The United States Marine Corps, is also offering to enhance morale, culture, and teamwork for women coaches and their teams through the USMC Influencer Program.

“Our WeCOACH Community is growing exponentially so we are incredibly appreciative and excited about partnering with so many talented professionals who will help us advance our mission of increasing and supporting women in coaching.  These Partners will not only serve as presenters and faculty during our upcoming programs and events, but through this partnership we are creating affordable opportunities for our WeCOACH members to bring these Partners’ important work to their schools, campuses, and communities,” said WeCOACH CEO, Vanessa Fuchs.

Member Benefits Partners:

• Amazing Gray Personal Styling – Angie Roberts
• Athlete Assessments – Liz Masen
• Butterick Coaching & Communications, LLC – Betsy Butterick
• Connection Counseling and Coaching – Lisa Auld
• HMW Sports, LLC – Helen Williams
• human2human, LLC – Anya Covington
• Jen Fry Talks, LLC – Dr. Jen Fry
• MB Sports Consulting – Matt Banker
• Influence, LLC – Molly Grisham
• Recreation Consulting, LLC – Dr. Gary T. Green
• Refuse 2 Lose Coaching – Tami Matheny
• Return On Inclusion^TM – Nevin Caple
• The R.E.C. Center – Megan Hankins-Maldonado
• True North Sports – Celia Slater
• U.S. Marine Corps Influencer Program
• Victory Educational Athletics – Jake Von Scherrer
• What Drives Winning – Becky Burleigh
• YBM Coaching Services, LLC – Yashica B. Martin

WeCOACH members will have opportunities to learn from and engage with each Partner during upcoming events and programs.  Partners are also offering their services, resources, toolkits, products, and training modules at special discounted rates for WeCOACH members.

Fuchs added, “WeCOACH is putting the finishing touches on a newly developed strategic plan and our top priority is providing a first-in-class experience and strong return on investment for WeCOACH members. Through initiatives like this new Partners Program, we will continue to create a multitude of affordable pathways to professional growth and leadership development for women in coaching.”

WeCOACH will announce additional Partners throughout the upcoming year.  For more information contact: admin@wecoachsports.org or visit: wecoachsports.org/membership/why-join.

Quotes from the WeCOACH Member Benefits Partners:

“Mental Health for athletes and coaches has always been important and as a mental health professional, it is so great to partner with an organization like WeCOACH who is making mental health the priority in the athletic community. With my background as a former college coach/athlete, I understand the pressures that come with the job and want to provide a space for this community to feel understood and heard.”
-Megan Hankins-Maldonado – The R.E.C. Center

“We are thrilled to join WeCOACH in partnership to help develop coaches of all sports at all levels. So much of what determines success happens off the court or field.  The work that WeCOACH does in preparing coaches aligns with our passion to equip them with skills that will allow them to achieve sustained excellence.”
-Helen Williams – HMW Sports, LLC

“I am so thrilled to be partnering with WeCOACH. I was part of the first Women Coaches Academy cohort, and I know the power of this organization. I look forward to connecting with all of you, learning together, and connecting in conversation.”
-Dr. Jen Fry – Jen Fry Talks, LLC

“When I attended the NCAA Women Coaches Academy in 2013, I experienced something wholly unique and incredibly impactful—female coaches from all sports and all divisions coming together to learn and grow. I loved my experience and the opportunity to partner with WeCOACH in support of elevating coach communication is both an honor and privilege.”
-Betsy Butterick – Butterick Coaching and Communications, LLC

“We are excited to partner with WeCOACH. Coaches have the greatest impact on the day-to-day experiences of student-athletes and this collaboration presents a unique learning opportunity for women coaches to lead inclusively across social and cultural differences. Through this partnership, ROI will strengthen its commitment to developing inclusive leaders at all levels of sport.”
–Nevin Caple – Return On Inclusion^TM

“We are excited to partner with WeCOACH and offer their members tools and resources, and facilitators available in our Coach Development Academy.  We believe in the mission of WeCOACH and know the value of positive female role models coaching at all levels.”
-Celia Slater – True North Sports

“Amazing Gray Personal Styling is thrilled to partner with WeCOACH! Personal Style is much more than outfit creation but a unique expression of who you are and how you want to be perceived. My expertise working with women in leadership to create their personal brand is the perfect fit for the WeCOACH community.”
-Angie Roberts – Amazing Gray Personal Styling

“Athlete Assessments is thrilled to be continuing our long-standing relationship with WeCOACH.  Our whole team is extremely passionate about providing opportunities for women in sport, and we look forward to continuing to support WeCOACH members through this program.”
-Liz Masen – Athlete Assessments

“I am so excited to partner with WeCOACH and be aligned with and continue to support strong women. I am fortunate to have had great mentors along the way, both male and female, and I know how important it is for the next generation of women leaders and coaches to be able to have strong female role models and I’m honored to be a part of that.”
-Lisa Auld – Connection Counseling and Coaching

“I am excited to partner with WeCOACH and support its member coaches in their career pursuits and to serve as a professional resource on key topics including NIL, eligibility, recruiting, and the scholarship process that impacts college and youth sports. Thank you for this opportunity.”
-Matt Banker – MB Sports Consulting

“Growing up, I found confidence in myself through being an athlete. It gave me an outlet, work ethic, and a drive to believe I could change my circumstances.  This partnership with WeCOACH brings together my love of sport and intentional self-development.  If you are ready to level up in life and career, it is time to stop talking and start doing.”
-Yashica B. Martin – YBM Coaching Services, LLC

“The impact WeCOACH has on sports and female coaches is immeasurable. I am excited to be partnering with them and providing resources for the mental game.”
-Tami Matheny – Refuse 2 Lose Coaching

“I believe that teams don’t grow apart, they die apart and I am excited to share my expertise with the WeCOACH community. The reality is, healthier teams lead to happier humans, and happier humans lead to high-performing teams. Let’s work together to develop high-performing teams!”
-Molly Grisham – Influence, LLC

“It’s an honor to partner with WeCOACH and support the forward movement of advocacy and building strong, supported humans that happened to coach. As we navigate healing our individual souls which heals the whole, we provide B. R. A. V. E. spaces of belonging to help team building, inclusion and ultimately Equity to emerge. We’re ready to get to work and meet you were you’re at. Blessings!”
–Anya B. Covington – human2human, LLC

“The Educational AD Podcast and Victory Educational Athletics are very excited and proud to partner with WeCOACH!  As we enter the next 50 years of Title IX, we want to continue to promote current leaders in athletic administration while also mentoring the next generation!  Together with WeCOACH, we are very much looking forward to the future.”
-Jake von Scherrer– Victory Educational Athletics

###

BACK TO TOP

As a one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization with a mission to recruit, advance and retain women coaches in all sports and levels, the Development Program offers strategies to help navigate the challenges and obstacles women coaches face to stay in, feel supported, and advance in the coaching profession. Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, the inaugural program participants will be offered three virtual sessions led by nationally renowned experts (fall, winter & spring), as well as have access to participate in the WeCOACH Mentor Program, WeAMPLIFY for women coaches of color, live video chats and more.

WeCOACH CEO Vanessa Fuchs states, “As our nation celebrates Title IX at 50, the data demonstrates greater investment in women coaches is necessary to support their advancement and retention in the coaching profession. We are excited to offer this year-round Development Program for women coaches in Divisions II and III. One of our organization’s goals is to make our transformational programming accessible and affordable for women coaches working in every level of sport. This new Development Program does just that for Division II and III coaches.”

Championing this initiative is Sunshine State Conference Commissioner and WeCOACH Board member, Ed Pasque, and Jay Jones, Commissioner of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Both played invaluable leadership roles and committed significant time to provide guidance and insights to help establish the new initiative for Divisions II and III. And they were amongst the first to commit to having their league’s women coaches participate.

“This Development Program has a chance to be impactful and inspirational for women coaches in NCAA Division II and III. I applaud WeCOACH CEO Vanessa Fuchs for launching this initiative, and for her commitment to serving women coaches at all levels of intercollegiate athletics. The future is bright for WeCOACH.” says Sunshine State Conference Commissioner Ed Pasque.

Jay Jones, Commissioner of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference states, “I am really excited for this partnership, especially in light of recently celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the importance of what that legislation has meant for women in education. Being able to partner on a sports based educational initiative seemed idealic in that way, but more importantly this relationship helps us work towards our strategic vision of better serving underrepresented individuals across our conference and helping those individuals grow as professionals.”

WeCOACH has also been propelled by long-standing support through Division II and Division III conference-wide memberships that have included: the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, Northeast-10 Conference, Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), and Sunshine State Conference.

“WeCOACH is grateful to Commissioners Pasque and Jones, as well as the D-II and D-III conference-wide members who have supported our organization for many years. We salute the leadership in the 18 conferences that have committed to participate in the first year of the Development Program and certainly anticipate additional conferences committing in the coming months as we continue the rollout,” Fuchs added.

The following 18 conferences have already committed to participate in the inaugural 2022-23 Development Program:

NCAA Division II Conferences:

• California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)
• Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• Conference Carolinas
• East Coast Conference (ECC)
• Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)
• Northeast-10 Conference (NE10)
• The PacWest Conference
• Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)
• Sunshine State Conference (SSC)

NCAA Division III Conferences:

• Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC)
• Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC)
• Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC)
• Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)
• Midwest Conference (MWC)
• Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)
• North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)
• Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)
• Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)

This list continues to grow at a rapid rate as the start of the new 2022-23 academic year approaches and WeCOACH continues the program’s rollout. In addition to the 18 conferences, all Division II and Division III WeCOACH individual members as well as institutional group members are eligible to participate.

To learn more and sign up, visit: wecoachsports.org/development-program/ or contact: admin@wecoachsports.org.

What Conferences are Saying About the Development Program:

“The CCAA is thrilled to be part of this new WeCOACH development program to help our women coaches and other female staff members pursue and achieve their professional goals. This new expanded program will be an excellent addition to the already established WeCOACH Academy that CCAA coaches have previously attended and raved about.”
– Mitch Cox, Commissioner of California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)

“The partnership with WeCOACH aligns with our strategic efforts to provide leadership opportunities for our coaches and administrators. Anytime we can position the CIAA to be in a space of advocacy and change, provide opportunities for growth and gain from an organization like WeCOACH, it is a win for our conference. The statistics reveal the direct need to identify more female coaches at all levels and the CIAA is always on board to help move the needle in shaping and preparing the women of our conference to take the helm when the opportunity avails.”
– Jacqie McWilliams, Commissioner of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

“The Commonwealth Coast Conference and our member institutions are delighted to enter into a formal partnership with WeCOACH. Through the NCAA Division III Women Coaches Development Program, the many outstanding CCC female coaches and staff members will have formal access to one of the premier professional growth and leadership programs and networks in college athletics. Some 50 years after Title IX was passed into law, the needle still needs to move. As members of the WeCOACH community, the CCC and our female leaders will continue to affect positive change in recruitment, advancement and retention of women coaches in all sports at all levels.”
– Gregg Kaye, Commissioner of Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC)

“Each member institution in Conference Carolinas sets out daily to develop champions in body, mind, and soul. The WeCOACH NCAA Division II Women Coaches Development Program will be a valuable tool in this effort for Conference Carolinas in the 2022-23 academic year. Our goal each year is to provide professional development opportunities for all of our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. The WeCOACH program, in particular, will be a great tool in allowing us to accomplish this goal and align with our core priorities as a conference.”
– Chris Colvin, Commissioner of Conference Carolinas

“The East Coast Conference is proud to be among the Division II and III conferences taking part in the inaugural WeCOACH Development Program. The opportunity to help our institutions and coaches as they work to grow and advance in their profession is really important and we thank WeCOACH for including us in this effort.”
– Dr. Robert Dranoff, Commissioner of East Coast Conference (ECC)

“The GLVC is pleased to partner with WeCOACH to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX by offering the female coaches in our league with this extraordinary professional development opportunity throughout the course of the 2022-23 academic year. WeCOACH and the GLVC are both strong advocates for Leadership, Community & Inclusion, and Empowerment.”
– Jim Naumovich, Commissioner of Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)

“We are excited to partner with WeCOACH to offer professional growth and leadership development opportunities to the women coaches and administrators in our league. It is important that we not only speak about supporting women in athletics but take a targeted and intentional approach to develop an environment where they are provided resources to help them navigate challenges, find balance, and set boundaries for a better work-life, while also encouraging them to realize and step into their professional potential.”
– Chassidy Holloway, Associate Executive Director of The Midwest Conference

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, I couldn’t be more pleased to partner with WeCOACH to provide the opportunity for connection, support and development to our current and aspiring female coaches.”
– Keri Alexander Luchowski, Executive Director of North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)

“We’re excited to be joining the new WeCOACH Division III Women’s Coaches Development Program this year. The variety of professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities the program has on tap are great resources for our membership. We cannot wait to hear about their experience at the conclusion of the year!”
– Brad Bankston, Commissioner of Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)

“We’re very excited to be joining WeCOACH in offering the Division II Women Coaches Development program. I think this is going to be a really beneficial program for our women coaches, especially during the 50th Anniversary of Title IX. I can’t wait to see how the WeCOACH program supports our women coaches in the PacWest and the long-lasting benefits the program has for our student-athletes.”
– Bob Hogue, Commissioner of The PacWest Conference

“The RMAC is honored to join the WeCOACH NCAA Division II Women Coaches Development Program for the coming year. As we celebrate the 50th year of Title IX and continue to champion women in coaching, this is a small part we can play in moving the numbers to support and increase women in coaching.”
– Lexie Vernon, Assistant Commissioner of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)

###

BACK TO TOP

The MOVE the NUMBERS campaign is designed to achieve three goals:

1. Raise the critical funding necessary to support our WeCOACH mission to considerably increase the number of women coaches in all sports and levels
2. Increase the number of year-round growth and leadership development programs
3. Offer enhanced member benefits to impact and elevate a greater number of women coaches in our WeCOACH Community

Prior to Title IX in 1972, over 90% of women’s collegiate sports teams were coached by women. Today, 50 years later, data in the 2021-22 Women in College Coaching Report Card, a 10-year collaboration between The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport and WeCOACH, indicates at the NCAA Division I level, that number has decreased to a stagnant 43%, with only 7.3% women coaches of color. According to the NCAA, for all three divisions, 41% of women coach women’s teams, and 5% coach men’s teams. At the youth level, data is hard to estimate, but approximately less than 20% of teams are coached by women.

WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit dedicated to recruiting more women into the coaching pipeline, advancing their careers and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round growth & leadership development programs. Our events focus on offering strategies to address the challenges and obstacles women face to stay in, feel supported, and advance in their coaching career. Funds raised during the MOVE the NUMBERS campaign will be applied towards securing nationally renowned speakers, removing financial barriers to allow more women coaches cost-free access to our transformational events and expanding upon the programs we offer to impact a greater number of members in our WeCOACH community.

Throughout Title IX’s golden anniversary year and beyond, WeCOACH will host events for members to learn about our history, celebrate the present and MOVE the NUMBERS to impact history for the next 50 years.

How you can help us MOVE the NUMBERS: (visit our website for detailed information):

• Fund Women Coaches Academy Scholarships for collegiate and high school coaches. Donors have the option to fund Academy Scholarships to send a current woman coach to our Academy cost-free in the name and honor of a woman coach who has impacted his or her life (e.g., Muffet McGraw Academy Scholarship).
• Donate to our $50/Fifty or $50K for the 50th fundraising initiatives. All WeCOACH Community members and supporters (coaches, administrators, male allies, partners, etc.) are encouraged to make a tax-deductible gift during this 50th celebratory year.
• Become a member of WeCOACH or gift membership(s) to women coaches. Youth/club/high school memberships are only $59/year and college/professional memberships are $99/year. Ally memberships are $79 (retired coach, administrator, male ally, etc). Discounts are available for group memberships. Schools and universities are encouraged to invest in your women coaches with annual WeCOACH memberships as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX.
• Purchase Winning Ways of Women Coaches for 20% off. Edited by former WeCOACH Board President and volleyball coaching legend, Dr. Cecile Reynaud, this book features chapter contributions from 20 of the most exceptional women coaches in the world. Author and contributor proceeds from the book go directly to WeCOACH to further our mission. WeCOACH is offering an exclusive 20% off promo code —visit our website for more information.
• Order today: The Future is Female Coaches (FIFC) shirt. Thanks to our partner Bakline for designing our commemorative logo and new line of shirts, The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Collection. Select from two shirt designs (37 Words or FIFC) that are available in multiple colors. Bakline donates a portion of each sale to advance our WeCOACH mission
• Partner Opportunities. In August, WeCOACH will announce an enhanced member benefits program featuring WeCOACH Partners who have teamed up with us to impact and elevate our community of women coaches. Enhanced member benefits will include access to national experts, consultants, speakers, resources, toolkits, services & products. For more information email info@wecoachsports.org.

Upcoming WeCOACH 50th Anniversary Events – Engage & Get Involved:

• June 30th video chat: “Before & After Title IX: A Woman’s Life In Sports”. Registration is FREE and open for our first of many 50th Anniversary celebratory programs and events planned for this year.
• Winning Ways of Women Coaches Book Club: Coming in August! WeCOACH members will have an opportunity to hear from and engage with the women coaches who contributed chapters. Registration for the Book Club will start in August and will be open to the first 100 members who sign up—buy your copy today (20% off)!

Visit our website throughout this celebratory year as we will announce additional events and resources. Together we will MOVE the NUMBERS to support and increase women in coaching!

For any inquiries about the MOVE the NUMBERS campaign, email info@wecoachsports.org.

###

BACK TO TOP

Forty-five women coaches of all experience levels and sports from NCAA Divisions I, II and III have been selected to participate in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, while 17 have been selected to partake in the master-learning NCAA Academy 2.0 program.

“The NCAA is proud to once again partner with WeCOACH to host the 2022 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and NCAA Academy 2.0. The NCAA Leadership Development Office serves to educate and empower student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators through transformative experiences that develop strong, effective leaders, cultivate an inclusive community and enhance the college sports landscape”, said DeeDee Merritt, NCAA Director of Leadership Development. “These Academies for women coaches align with our mission and have had tremendous results in supporting, advancing and retaining women coaches in collegiate athletics.”

The NCAA WCA is designed for women coaches who are ready to elevate their holistic coaching effectiveness by learning advanced leadership skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success. Participants will focus on non-sport-specific concepts in an environment that fosters inclusion across the sports community. The NCAA Academy 2.0, exclusively created for WCA graduates, is a master-learning opportunity – in a small class setting – that progresses on the leadership skills, strategies, and knowledge gained from their WCA experience.

“We are thrilled to return to in-person Academies this year and welcome our NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #51 and NCAA Academy 2.0 Class #5 to Denver! The programs are our signature growth and leadership development events and the data demonstrates the significant impact”, said Vanessa Fuchs, WeCOACH CEO. “Women coaches who graduate from our Academies remain in the coaching profession at a higher rate. And as we approach Title IX’s 50th anniversary, there’s no better time than now to move the numbers in terms of increasing women in coaching and these Academies are one of the many ways WeCOACH is able to achieve that.”

May 24-26 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #51 participants
Taylor Anderson, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Dawn Barnes, South Carolina State University, Head Coach, Volleyball
Kristen Bourne, The College of Saint Scholastica, Assistant Coach, Skiing
Noelle Brouillard, Whitworth University, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Sarah Brown, Penn State University, Head Coach, Gymnastics
Jackie Bruno, Cal Poly Pomona, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Kelsey Christensen, Providence College, Assistant Coach, Softball
Pietie Coetzee-Turner, University of Massachusetts, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Jill Conroy, Stevens Institute of Technology, Associate Head Coach, Basketball
Chrissi Ekhomu, North Central College, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Lucienne Ford, Brandeis University, Assistant Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field
Whitney Frary, St. Olaf College, Head Coach, Soccer
Emma Gerhold, Loyola University (MD), Assistant Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field
Jacquelyn Gnassi, Stevens Institute of Technology, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Nicole Graham, Clark Atlanta University, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Jackie Guillemette, Bentley University, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Maya Hayes, University of Minnesota, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Zoe Hererra, Cal Poly Pomona, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Erin Hughes, Washington and Lee University, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Dr. Ashely Johnson, Clark Atlanta University, Head Coach, Volleyball
Ka’lia Johnson, University of Richmond, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Mary Johnston, Macalester College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Lela Knight, Randolph College, Graduate Assistant Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field and Lacrosse
Olivia Leavitt, Colgate University, Assistant Coach, Tennis
Beth Lebel, University of New Mexico, Assistant Coach, Soccer
Mallikah Little, Ole Miss, Assistant Athletic Director for Player Personnel, Football
Maria Lopez, Boise State University, Associate Head Coach, Tennis
Lindsay Mapes, Oberlin College, Assistant Coach, Softball
Molly Marrin, Regis University, Head Coach, Basketball
Courtney Materazzi, Cal State Monterey Bay, Head Coach, Volleyball
Abby McClure, Hartwick College, Director of Operations, Lacrosse
Kaitlin Nielsen, University of Kansas, Assistant Coach, Volleyball
Camise Patterson, Florida A&M University, Assistant Coach, Softball
Stephanie Perez, San Francisco State, Assistant Coach, Basketball
Cassi Pickett, Lynn University, Head Coach, Softball
Emily Powers, Belmont Abbey College, Head Coach, Acrobatics & Tumbling
Margot Royer-Johnson, Providence College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Emily Scheese, CSU Maritime Academy, Head Coach, Soccer
Leslie Smith, Providence College, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
Donika Sutton, Tennessee State University, Head Coach, Volleyball
Tara Turner, Clark Atlanta University, Head Coach, Tennis
TaCho Tyler, Prairie View A&M University, Head Coach, Volleyball
Jess Weiss, Randolph-Macon College, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Kayla Wilhelm, Randolph College, Assistant Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field
Kaye Zoolakis, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges, Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving

May 23-25 NCAA Academy 2.0 Class #5 participants
Sofie Aagaard, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Head Coach, Golf
Tracie Adix-Zins, DePaul University, Head Coach, Softball
Beverly Biancur, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Head Coach, Soccer
Jeannette Boudway, Smith College, Head Coach, Soccer
Amanda Caldwell, Georgia Southern University, Head Coach, Swimming & Diving
Carly Dockendorf, University of Utah, Assistant Coach, Gymnastics
Kristy Duncan, Loras College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Kelly Gallagher, University of Tampa, Head Coach, Lacrosse
Kimberly Lambert, Cal State East Bay, Head Coach, Volleyball
Mesha Levister, North Carolina Central University, Assistant Coach, Golf
Valerie Lohr, Saint Mary’s Hall Upper School, Head Coach, Field Hockey
Kimberly McGowan, Austin Peay State University, Head Coach, Soccer
Katherine Menendez, Colorado College, Head Coach Basketball
Lacey Phillips, Allegheny College, Head Coach, Soccer
Samantha Schall, Grand Valley State University, Head Coach, Tennis
Rosanna Sguerra, Kenyon College, Head Coach, Volleyball
Maria Stuber, The College of Saint Scholastica, Head Coach, Skiing

###

BACK TO TOP

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.—This June marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that gave women equal opportunity to play and opened the door for women’s sports to take root and grow in America.

Coinciding with this historic celebration is the release of Winning Ways of Women Coaches, a new book from Human Kinetics. In it, a veritable who’s who of women coaches—representing 15 different sports and earning more than 50 national championships and dozens of world and Olympic titles—provide the acumen and inspiration for women to succeed in the coaching profession.

Collegiate softball coaching standouts Lonni Alameda and Kelly Inouye-Perez, basketball coaches Carol Owens and Tara VanDerveer, gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field, swim coach Teri McKeever, Major League Baseball’s first-ever female manager Rachel Balkovec, and Jen Welter, the first female NFL coach, are just some of the 20 esteemed contributors, each examining a different coaching topic from her unique viewpoint.

Readers will glean strategies, insights, and advice to help them address common coaching challenges, build and maintain successful sport programs, foster player engagement and growth, and further their coaching careers. In addition, the contributing authors weave a common thread throughout the chapters by discussing the importance of building team chemistry and fostering team culture.

Edited by collegiate volleyball coaching legend Cecile Reynaud, PhD, and embodying the idea of “If she can see it, she can be it,” Winning Ways of Women Coaches will reinvigorate current women coaches and inspire would-be coaches to make the leap into coaching.

“Each one of the women coaches who took the time to contribute a chapter in this book has been successful in reaching the top of her sport or is a trailblazer in men’s professional sport leagues,” says Reynaud. “Each contributor offers a unique perspective into how she leads her program to achieve at the highest level.

The contributors empower coaches at all levels by sharing their expertise and philosophies for multiple aspects of sport, adds Reynaud. “These are some incredibly smart and talented women. As you read each chapter, you’ll understand why they have all reached the pinnacle of their sport.”

A complete list of coaches who contributed chapters includes the following:

• Lonni Alameda, softball coach, Florida State University
• Rachel Balkovec, baseball manager, Tampa Tarpons (MLB; New York Yankees minor league affiliate)
• Becky Burleigh, retired soccer coach, University of Florida
• Denise Corlett, retired volleyball coach, Stanford University
• Melody Davidson, ice hockey coach, Canadian National Women’s Team
• Kelly Inouye-Perez, softball coach, UCLA
• Roselee Jencke, retired netball coach, Queensland Firebirds (Australia)
• Valorie Kondos Field, retired gymnastics coach, UCLA
• Melissa Luellen, golf coach, Auburn University
• Teri McKeever, swimming coach, University of California
• Missy Meharg, field hockey coach, University of Maryland
• Felecia Mulkey, acro and tumbling coach, Baylor University
• Carla Nicholls, para track and field coach, Athletics Canada
• Carol Owens, basketball coach, University of Notre Dame
• Carolyn Peck, retired basketball coach, Purdue University and Orlando Miracle (WNBA)
• Ellen Randell, rowing coach, Australian Olympic Team
• Nancy Stevens, retired field hockey coach, University of Connecticut
• Tara VanDerveer, basketball coach, Stanford University
• Amber Warners, volleyball and former softball coach, Calvin University
• Jen Welter, former football coach, Arizona Cardinals; first female to coach in NFL

The book carries the endorsement of WeCOACH, the premier membership organization dedicated to the recruitment, advancement, and retention of women coaches of all sports and levels. Author and contributor proceeds from the book go directly to WeCOACH to further its important mission.

“Dr. Cecile Reynaud’s release of Winning Ways of Women Coaches could not have come at a better time,” says Vanessa Fuchs, CEO, WeCOACH. “As our country approaches the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the national momentum to support and elevate women in sports is at an all-time high, Fuchs explains. “WeCOACH is honored and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Cecile and Human Kinetics to circulate Winning Ways of Women Coaches far and wide.

“This resource, featuring some of the most exceptional women coaches in the world, will empower both men and women who are involved in coaching our next generation of leaders,” concludes Fuchs. “It is our hope at WeCOACH that this book also inspires the next generation of women coaches to catch inspiration for their own careers—to not only join the impactful profession of coaching but remain in it.”

Winning Ways of Women Coaches is available for purchase now from Human Kinetics US.HumanKinetics.com and will be available through other major retail and online outlets May 26.

“We are grateful to enter this first-year collaboration with Eastbay Team. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, the momentum nationally to support and elevate women in sports is at an all-time high, and the Eastbay Team ConqHER initiative aligns well with our WeCOACH mission to recruit, advance and retain women coaches in all sports and levels. Together through this partnership, we will empower women coaches and the athletes they serve to continue breaking barriers,” said Vanessa Fuchs, WeCOACH CEO.

The partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Eastbay Team to engage with our community of women coaches across multiple programming elements while building awareness of their ConqHER initiative. Launched in 2020, the ConqHER campaign continuously highlights women who are breaking barriers in sport every single day demonstrating that sports cannot be defined by gender.

“Eastbay Team is very excited to partner with WeCOACH on their High School Women Coaches Leadership Academy and BreakThrough Summit. We are true supporters of making a difference and WeCOACH is making a difference for women coaches today and tomorrow and we’re proud to be alongside them in doing so,” said Mark Watts, Eastbay Team Vice President.

Registration for the High School Women Coaches Leadership Academy begins today, April 18 and is open to women coaches at the High School and Club levels. For more information click here.

About Eastbay
Eastbay was founded in 1980 when high-school runners, coaches, and lifelong friends Art Juedes and Rick Gering found themselves unsatisfied with the selection of running shoes available for athletes. Their idea of bringing shoes directly to the athletes grew from hosting shoe clinics around Central Wisconsin to joining the Foot Locker, Inc. family in 1997. The partnership provided Eastbay access to a wider range of the market and an even larger selection of gear aligning with their vision of being the go-to resource for pro-grade gear, casual styles, and expert training tips for athletes who care about winning.

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 women coaches.

###

BACK TO TOP

“As we embark on our third year of partnership with the United States Marine Corps, this year is particularly special as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX. Our women coaches and the student-athletes they serve demonstrate a fighting spirit much like that of Marines. We salute the Marine Corps for uniting with us to positively impact the career trajectories of women coaches in all sports and levels” said WeCOACH CEO Vanessa Fuchs.

The Marine Corps’ national partnerships provide valuable opportunities to spread public awareness of the Marine Corps’ purpose by connecting the brand to those communities it serves. The relationships established between the Corps and athletic communities ensure its message of aspirational service resonates with coaches, athletes, and their influencers.

This significant partnership provides an opportunity for the Marine Corps to engage across a number of platforms and programs with the WeCOACH community. The Marine Corps will leverage mixed media, custom content, virtual presentations, and meet-ups to share their core values.

“The United States Marine Corps is proud to continue our partnership with WeCOACH and its extended network of women coaches nationwide. The relationships forged throughout our engagements with the WeCOACH community are critical and indispensable predicated on development, mentorship, teamwork, and community,” said LtCol Rob Dolan, National Director of Marketing & Communication, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

About the United States Marine Corps
Our Marine Recruiters serve every corner of the country and our priority during this national health emergency is their safety as well as the safety of their families, and the communities where they live and work. Right now, it’s as important as ever that we band together as a nation, adjusting our approach while remaining focused on our mission.

The United States Marine Corps looks forward to forming enduring relationships with, and lending our support to, those coaches and athletic facilitators who help young Americans win battles every day.

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 women coaches.

###

BACK TO TOP

Fuchs most recently served as Senior Associate Athletics Director at her alma mater, Florida State University, where she was a four-year letterwinner for the Seminoles’ women’s basketball team.  Her tenure at FSU began in 2010, where she served in a variety of important leadership roles over the past decade. Fuchs was instrumental in providing strategic direction for departmental initiatives focused on student-athlete welfare, enhancing athletic performance, fundraising and revenue generation, gender equity, and diversity and inclusion.  Fuchs was named the 2015 Women Leaders in College Sports Division I Administrator of the Year and an FSU Champion Beyond the Game honoree in 2016.

Prior to arriving at Florida State, Fuchs spent seven years at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, Indiana and worked in the championships department of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“Vanessa Fuchs is an extraordinary leader whose deep talents, expertise and experience prepare her well to lead WeCOACH to new heights as our next Chief Executive Officer. She possesses a strong commitment to the mission of WeCOACH and more importantly is positioned to provide visionary leadership for the future of WeCOACH,” said Gould. “I have every confidence, as does the Board of Directors, that Vanessa will build on the solid foundation that has been built and elevate our organization to new and exciting possibilities.”

“On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, there’s no better time than now to lead WeCOACH, the premier membership organization dedicated to recruiting, advancing and retaining women coaches of all sports and levels,” said Fuchs. “I am excited to utilize my professional experiences gained while working at the NCAA, the Atlantic Coast Conference and Florida State University to partner with the WeCOACH Board of Directors as we look to advance our organization into the future. Together with our membership and partners, we will strategically move the needle as it relates to supporting and increasing the number of women in coaching.”

Fuchs succeeds Megan Kahn, who served the organization from 2016 to 2021 and was recently appointed Vice President of Women’s Basketball at the Big Ten Conference located in Chicago, IL.

###

BACK TO TOP

Additionally, Teresa Gould, Pac-12 Conference Deputy Commissioner assumed the role of Board president effective January 1. The move coincides with Samantha Huge, Real Response Executive Director of Collegiate Accounts, beginning her term as president-elect and Elizabeth King transitioning to past president. The leadership positions are one-year progressive terms.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Tiffany Tucker joining the WeCOACH Board. As a former NCAA Division I student-athlete, and a long-standing intercollegiate coach, she understands firsthand the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining women in coaching. She is an inspirational leader whose passion aligns well with the mission of WeCOACH. Tiffany has always been a strong advocate for women in coaching and will be a wonderful role model for the coaches involved in our organization. I look forward to seeing the impact that Tiffany will have on our Board,” said Gould.

Tiffany D. Tucker, recently named to Sports Illustrated’s 100 Influential Black Women in Sport, joined the UNC-Wilmington staff as senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator in January of 2019, and was named deputy athletic director in August 2021. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, serves as a sports administrator, and functions as the athletics department liaison for multiple campus offices. Tucker’s previous administrative stops spanned roles at South Carolina State, Hampton, and Elizabeth City State University.

###

BACK TO TOP