2024 WCA RECAP

The NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA), hosted in partnership between WeCOACH and the NCAA, is a multi-day growth & development program available to collegiate women coaches in all sports, collegiate levels (two-year & four-year colleges, NAIA, NCAA, etc.), and years experience. 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 focus on non-sport specific concepts in an environment that fosters inclusion across the sports community. The next NCAA Women Coaches Academy will take place May 19-21, 2025 in Denver, CO.  Since the first WCA session in 2003, 53 Academies have taken place, producing more than 2,300 graduates.  An active WeCOACH Membership is required to apply and participate.

Questions or need help? Email: events@wecoachsports.org

2025 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Applications Open in November 22, 2024.

2025 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Dates, Times, & Location

NCAA WCA Class #54 Date:
May 19-21, 2025
Denver, CO

Applications for Denver 2025 open November 22, 2024.

WCA starts Monday, May 19 with registration from 11:45am-12:45pm MT
WCA concludes Wednesday, May 21 after graduation at 1pm MT

Application Timeline

Applications Accepted: November 22 – February 5

Class #54 Selected: Week of February 17

Class #53 Notified via Email: February 24

Scholarship Recipients Notified: February 24

Tuition Payment Due: March 14

First Class Email (pre-work, checklist, etc.): March 28

Press Release issued announcing 2024 WCA Class #54: May 12

NCAA Women Coaches Academy Begins: May 19

Application Requirements for the NCAA WCA
  • You must be a current collegiate woman coach (of a sponsored-sport or emerging sport), strength & conditioning coach, and/or director of operations at a two-year or four-year collegiate institution such as NCAA Division I, II, or III, community college, NJCAA, NAIA, etc.
  • You must be a current WeCOACH member. Not a member? Sign up today!
  • If you are a current member and haven’t created an account in our new membership platform, please click here before applying to create your account.
Cost to Attend the NCAA WCA

COST:

  • $725 Academy tuition and each participant is responsible for round-trip travel to/from Denver, including ground transportation to/from the hotel. Once on-site, no vehicle is needed. All sessions are held on-site.
  • NCAA grant funding covers all other on-site expenses associated with attendance at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy including two nights hotel, meals/snacks, and training materials. Participants will be assigned 1 roommate to share a hotel room.  Participants requiring more than two nights hotel may pay an additional $165/night.
    2025 Academy Scholarships

    A limited number of full and partial scholarships available! CLICK HERE for more information.

    Interested in naming an Academy scholarship after a coach who has impacted your life? HERE’S HOW!

     

    What Coaches Are Saying About Attending the NCAA WCA

    “It was a great experience and helped me find my purpose in coaching again. I truly can’t thank you enough and look forward to coming back for Academy 2.0!”
    Nicole Graham, Mount St. Mary’s University, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, WCA #51

     “This experience has made me feel like I matter, I am valued, and I can do great things. I always knew these were true, but the last two years has really made it difficult to truly feel these things. Thank you for providing a space where I can see a future, can empower others, and feel as though I can keep going.”
    Noelle Brouillard, Whitworth University, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach, WCA #51

    My time at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy was refreshing, rejuvenating, eye-opening, humbling, and informative. I can’t begin to explain how those four days have reinforced and re-calibrated my desire to be a self-reflective practitioner. I formed new friendships, found mentors, and made connections with young women that I’m looking forward to supporting and serving as they move forward in their careers. The NCAA Women Coaches Academy exposes participants to an abundance of knowledge. I walked away from the Academy a more powerful and informed person. I’m better equipped to advocate for myself and my program. I am more confident in my abilities to be a champion for women sports. The WCA is a must for any self-reflective coach who wishes to further fine tune her abilities to advocate for women sports. My participation in the Academy has helped me not simply be a better coach, but a better coworker, mother, spouse, and person in general!
    E.A. Jackson, Towson University, Head Field Hockey Coach, WCA #43

    WeCOACH and the WCA was a transformative, enlightening, and empowering experience. During my time in Denver I learned more about myself, gained tools to better serve me as a coach and person, but most importantly was empowered by my classmates thoughts and experiences. I left WCA Class 46 with enormous waves of gratitude and a fire burning in me to be a better coach, colleague, and person. It takes a village to do what we do as coaches and I am grateful to be a part of the WeCOACH village! Thank you WeCOACH and the WCA!” .
    Lara-Jane Que, Bowdoin College, Head Track & Field/Cross Country Coach, WCA #46

    The WCA creates an inclusive environment for dedicated coaches and leaders to gather together with the combined purpose of connection, growth, and renewal. The intensive workshops, inspirational speakers, and access to professional services provide valuable resources while also providing insight to aspects of the profession that are unique to women. Additionally, the Academy reinforces the importance of student-athletes having strong female role models and opening doors for young women who dream of being a coach or holding other leadership positions.
    Juli Fulks, Transylvania University, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, WCA #41

    I cannot express enough how much the Academy meant to me, taught me, challenged me, and inspired me. I am so grateful for that opportunity and experience and very motivated to take action. I get excited every time I think about the Academy and the knowledge and insight I gleaned from it, and I’m eager to delve deeper into the topics covered, further educate myself, and incorporate much of what I learned into my coaching and daily life. I’m looking forward to staying involved with everything WeCOACH has to offer, and I thank you again for your energy and passion for providing ways for coaches like myself to grow. This is truly one special group of women, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
    Casey Jo MacPherson, U. of Missouri, Gymnastics, Assoc Head Coach, WCA #47

    The NCAA Women Coaches Academy gave me the confidence and reassurance that my current career path is the path I’m meant to trailblaze. The professional and personal growth I took out of the 4 valuable days has made a direct impact on who I want to be as a coach, but more importantly a woman empowering other women. I’ve never had a more clear vision for myself and that wouldn’t have been possible without the WCA and the fellow female coaches I connected with.
    Alyssa O’Donnell, U. of Minnesota, Rowing, Assistant Coach, WCA #42

    The NCAA Women Coaches Academy challenged me to grow in my coaching philosophy, management strategies, and interpersonal skills. Learning how to better communicate with our athletes, coaches, and administration has been fundamental to my coaching success. The WCA introduced me to a network of mentors and to the WeCOACH team members who are equally invested in my continued success. The impact of the WCA in my life transcends the four-day training seminar itself. The challenges endured, lessons learned, and friendships created during the training of Class #45 continue to inspire me to choose to become a better coach every day. I am very grateful for having experienced the WCA!”
    April Sanchez, University of New Mexico, Assistant Volleyball Coach, WCA #45

    2024 Academy Partners

    Program Curriculum and Overview
    PROGRAM CURRICULUM AND OVERVIEW

    1) Skills Development
    To provide women coaches with educational development in areas outside the specifics of their sport. Topics include leadership, management strategies, decision-making, conflict resolution, ethics, interviewing skills, legal issues, communication tactics and much more.

    2) Retention and Advancement
    To empower women coaches to remain in the coaching profession and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. We aim to expand your knowledge, perspective and skill base, allowing you to gain confidence and determination to set career goals, become more competent and attain career longevity.

    3) Connection and Collaboration
    To provide a framework for interaction and connection between women in all aspects of athletics, all sports and across all levels – from peers to experts, head coaches to assistant coaches, experienced to inexperienced levels. When like-minded, passionate women come together in a collective, educational environment, networking turns into collaboration and mentoring, and everyone benefits.

    Are You an NCAA Women Coaches Academy Graduate and Want to Attend NCAA Academy 2.0?

    NCAA Academy 2.0 is now available for all NCAA Women Coaches Academy graduates.
    June 16-18, 2024
    Learn more

    Cancellation Policy
    CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

    Cancellation requests received more than sixty (60) days prior to the event are eligible for a full refund minus a 3% transaction fee. Cancellation requests received thirty (30) to sixty (60) days prior to the event are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellation requests made within thirty (30) days prior to the event are non-refundable and may not be applied to future event registrations. Cancellation requests must be made in writing. Please email events@wecoachsports.org with your request.

    2024 Class #53 Participants
    Alexandra Albert University of Saint Joseph Head Coach Swimming & Diving
    Sarah Anderson University of Cincinnati Assistant Coach Cross Country, Track & Field
    Monica Armstrong University of California- Santa Cruz Head Coach Basketball
    Nickeela Austin Fordham University Assistant Coach Track & Field
    Sade Ayinde University at Albany Head Coach Soccer
    Jordan Barton Bethany College (WV) Head Coach Volleyball
    Meghan Bernard IU-Indianapolis Assistant Coach Tennis
    Keilee Bessho Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Assistant Coach Golf
    Margaret Billingsley Stanislaus State University Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Jennifer Buckman University of Chicago Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Kelly Buikus University of the Cumberlands Head Coach Lacrosse
    Sandra Bullock Southwestern Oregon Community College Head Coach Men’s & Women’s Swimming
    Olga Camacho Skyline College Head Coach Wrestling
    Donna Carr Davis and Elkins College Professor Basketball
    Ashley Chagnon Clark University Head Coach Lacrosse
    Valerie Clarke Converse University Head Coach Field Hockey
    Vicmari Cockrill Tennessee State University Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Rebecca Congel Carthage College Head Coach Lacrosse
    Angela DaPrato Cosumnes River College Assistant Coach Basketball
    Mercede Daugherty Hope College Assistant Coach Softball
    Lauren Davenport Notre Dame of Maryland University Assistant Coach Lacrosse
    Colleen Dawson Lacrosse
    Caitlin Desaulniers University of New England Assistant Coach Rugby
    Nikki Dieball Southern Nazarene University Associate Head Coach Volleyball
    Kennedy Fabian Wright State University Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Megan Fox Chestnut Hill College Head Coach Basketball
    Brandie Garcia Ohlone College Head Coach Soccer
    Casey Garza University of Massachusetts Boston Strength Coach Weightlifting
    Dawn Grant Swarthmore College Head Coach Basketball
    Alexandria Guyton Purdue University Assistant Coach Basketball
    Hannah Hagy Trinity College Head Coach Swimming & Diving
    Amanda Hansen Occidental College Assistant Coach Softball
    Christine Hipa Occidental College Head Coach Softball
    Kaitlyn Hooper-Bell University of Redlands Assistant Coach Softball
    Thannia Huerta Madera Community College Assistant Coach Soccer
    Jeani Humpe Bethany College (WV) Head Coach Swimming & Diving
    Jillian Humphrey Saint Mary’s College Head Coach STUNT
    Alyssa Johnson Case Western Reserve University Head Coach Soccer
    Joan Johnson Field Hockey
    Clarissa Johnson Transylvania University Head Coach Cheer
    Keanna Keys University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Assistant Coach Basketball
    Mackenzie King SUNY Oneonta Head Coach Lacrosse
    Tierney Larson Columbia University Assistant Coach Lacrosse
    Ashley Lawrence Virginia State University Head Coach Lacrosse
    Amari Lawson Clark Atlanta University Volunteer Assistant Coach Softball
    Kumari Lewis University of Pennsylvania Associate Head Coach Rowing
    Kaeleigh Lord Amherst College Assistant Coach Field Hockey
    Margaret Maclean University of New Haven Head Coach Field Hockey
    Lindsay Macy College of St. Benedict Head Coach Ice Hockey
    Justice Magraw University of Washington Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Tatjana Matthews South Carolina State University Head Coach Softball
    Alison McCarthy Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIOT) Assistant Coach Basketball
    Deja Middleton Randolph Macon College Assistant Coach Basketball
    Lydia Mitchell Oberlin College Assistant Coach Soccer
    Dayna Moneta Williams College Assistant Coach Football
    Anna Moore University of Sioux Falls Assistant Coach Swimming
    Avery Murphy Wilson College Head Coach Lacrosse
    Karen Nell University of Saint Joseph Head Coach Field Hockey
    Amber Neumann Pace University Assistant Coach Lacrosse
    Madison Nichols Stevenson University Assistant Coach Ice Hockey
    Molly Nuri Bethany College (WV) Head Coach Lacrosse
    Anaeve Pain Barry University Assistant Coach Tennis
    Jenny Pawlowski Gannon University Head Coach Lacrosse
    Barbara Perkins University of Denver Head Coach Triathlon
    Jamie Peters Purdue University – Fort Wayne Assistant Coach Soccer
    Jody Pope Grays Harbor Community College Assistant Coach Softball
    Breann Puchalski University of Redlands Assistant Coach Soccer
    Alexa Rastigue Oberlin College Assistant Coach Field Hockey
    Veronica Rocco Amherst College Assistant Coach Cross Country, Track & Field
    Christine Roser-LeFevers Rollins College Head Coach Softball
    Catherine Rossi Washington and Lee University Strength Coach Weightlifting
    Alicia Roth Jacksonville University Head Coach Volleyball
    Taylor Ruden Ohio State University Assistant Coach Rowing
    Mia Ruffalo York College (PA) Assistant Coach Softball
    Liz Ruiz Boise State University Assistant Coach Soccer
    Amanda Ruller Central Washington Graduate Assistant Coach Football
    Demi Runas University of California, Davis Head Coach Golf
    Katie Russo Goucher College Head Coach Lacrosse
    Sacha Santimano Marshall University Assistant Coach Basketball
    Olivia Scarbrough Bethany College (WV) Head Coach Softball
    Sierra Slack Occidental College Head Coach Lacrosse
    Regina Smith Morgan State University Head Coach Acrobatics & Tumbling
    Maggie Sohns Stevens Institute of Technology Assistant Coach Field Hockey
    Jaylynn Stewart The University of the South Head Coach Basketball
    Abigail String Marist College Assistant Coach Men’s & Women’s Swimming
    Corrinne Tarver Fisk University Head Coach Gymnastics
    Shannon Taub Duquesne University Assistant Coach Track & Field
    Allison Taub Lehigh University Assistant Coach Track & Field
    Cassandra Taylor University of Valley Forge Head Coach Basketball
    Ramona Walters Bryn Athyn College Head Coach Lacrosse
    Megan Warren Wilmington College (OH) Head Coach Softball
    Jess West Oberlin College Head Coach Field Hockey
    Sarah Weyrauch University of Minnesota Assistant Coach Rowing
    Kourtni Williams Boston University Assistant Coach Basketball
    Marlee Wilson Western Michigan University Head Coach Softball
    Makena Wilson Florida Southern College Head Coach Beach Volleyball
    Katherine Yarusso Widener University Assistant Coach Lacrosse

    The WeCOACH Impact Award

    The WeCOACH Impact Award Recognizes a member of the Academy class who leads by example with an elevated, selfless commitment to the encouragement of other’s success and an unwavering dedication to their own personal and professional achievement. This award is granted via nomination by fellow classmates.

    The 2024 WeCOACH Impact Award winners from NCAA WCA #53:

    Alison McCarthy- Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology