NCAA Women Coaches Academy

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. This year’s NCAA Women Coaches Academy will take place June 17-19, 2024 in Denver, CO.  Since the first WCA session in 2003, 52 Academies have taken place, producing more than 2,300 graduates.  An active WeCOACH Membership is required to apply and participate.

2023 WCA RECAP

2024 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Applications Are Closed.

2024 NCAA Women Coaches Academy Dates, Times, & Location

NCAA WCA Class #53 Date:
June 17-19, 2024
Denver, CO

Applications for 2024 close on February 2, 2024.

WCA starts Monday, June 17 with registration from 12-1pm MT
WCA concludes Wednesday, June 19 after graduation at 1pm MT

Application Timeline

Applications Accepted: December 20 – February 2

Class #53 Selected: Week of February 19

Class #53 Notified via Email: February 23

Scholarship Recipients Notified: February 23

Tuition Payment Due: March 8

First Class Email (pre-work, checklist, etc.): April 5

Press Release issued announcing 2024 WCA Class #53: June 10

NCAA Women Coaches Academy Begins: June 17

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.
    2024 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

    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.

    2023 Class #52 Participants
    Des Abeyta Sonoma State Head Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Courtney Allen Shenandoah University Head Coach Softball
    Morgan Allison – Prokhin St. Francis College Assistant Coach Water Polo (Men’s & Women’s)
    Vernisha Andrews Florida Southern College Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Raquel Atawo Washington State University Head Coach Tennis
    Vanese Barnes Tufts University Graduate Assistant Basketball (Women’s)
    Angelica Baylon CSU Stanislaus Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Madeline Beal Depaul University Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Samantha Benzing The College of St. Scholastica Assistant Coach Skiing (Men’s & Women’s)
    Kari-lei Berry Notre Dame Of Maryland Univeristy  Head Coach Lacrosse
    Ashley  Bishop Bridgewater State  Head Coach/Asst. AD Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Priscilla Brooks California State University San Bernardino Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Coretta Brown Eastern Kentucky University Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Liz-Amanda Brown South Carolina State University Head Coach Soccer
    Tyler Brown Illinois Wesleyan University Assistant Coach Volleyball
    Leanne Cardoso-Bastos Allegheny College Assistant Coach Soccer (Women’s)
    Katrina  Carter UC Berkeley Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Dani  Castro Indiana University Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Kara Christian Presbyterian College Head Coach Acrobatics & Tumbling
    April Cornell-DeAngelis Colgate University Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Jazmine Craig St. Francis College Assistant Coach Volleyball (Men’s & Women’s))
    Sarah Dessner Georgian Court University Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Michele Dombrowski Sewanee:  The University of the South Senior Associate AD/Sports Admin/Senior Woman Administrator/ Asst Coach Lacrosse + Field Hockey
    Sara Emerich Manchester University Head Coach/SWA Softball
    Kate Faix Bennett Las Positas College Head & Assistant Coach Water Polo & Swim & Dive
    Treasure Fields Baylor/NCATA Director of Ops Acrobatics & Tumbling
    Lauren Flowers California State University Stanislaus Head Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Megan Frazer Stanford University Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Sareea Freeman DC Events Volleyball
    Bronwen Gainsford Wittenberg University Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Sade Gant North Central College Graduate Assistant Track & Field
    Laura Gebhart Penn State University Associate Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Grace Goodbarn Centre College Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Christine Griffith Cleveland State University Head Coach  Fencing (Men’s & Women’s)
    Caitlin Hadzimichalis King’s College Head Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Myia Hambrick University of Utah Volunteer Assistant Coach Gymnastics
    Michaela Hamilton Olivet College Head Coach Softball
    Nicole Hannan Volleyball Australia Assistant Coach Volleyball/ Beach Volleyball
    Kaylee Harnen Hobart and William Smith Colleges Assistant Coach Ice Hockey (Women’s)
    Jaleesa Harper University of North Carolina at Pembroke Head Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Perrmella  Harris Morgan State Associate Head Coach Acrobatics & Tumbling
    Annabel Harvey Henderson State University Head Coach Tennis + Cross Country
    Jeri Jacobson South Dakota Mines Head Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Megan Jensen Washington College Assistant Coach Soccer
    Sara Johnson University of Minnesota Director of Ops Soccer
    Kamille Jones University of Illinois Springfield Head Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Sydney Kanne Willamette University Assistant Coach Swimming (Men’s & Women’s)
    Samantha Kastner Notre Dame Of Maryland Univeristy  Head Coach/Asst. AD Softball
    Grainne Kelly Illinois Wesleyan University Head Coach Lacrosse
    Jordan Koehler Saint Mary’s College Head Coach Golf
    Diana Kussainova Georgetown University Assistant Coach Tennis (Men’s & Women’s)
    Erin Labasan Lewis & Clark College Head Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Callie Lekas Wellesley College Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Elizabeth Levy Case Western Reserve University  Assistant Coach Swimming (Men’s & Women’s)
    Mikayla  Lopez Bethany College Head Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Samantha Mancinelli Tufts University Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Josie Matlick Davis & Elkins College Assistant Coach Soccer (Men’s & Women’s)
    Kate McCauley Saint Vincent College Head Coach Volleyball (Men’s)
    Jill McCormick Santa Rosa Junior College Head Coach Swimming (Men’s & Women’s)
    Camille McPherson Capital University Assistant Coach Basketball (Women’s)
    Genee McRath Tennessee State University Head Coach Softball
    Donye’ Monroe Manchester University  Assistant Coach Soccer (Women’s)
    Erin Moore Bentley University  Volunteer Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Kelsey  Morrison Geneva College Head Coach Soccer + Strength
    Ellen Newton D’Youville University Assistant Coach/Strength Lacrosse + Strength
    Mary Nolte Williams College Assistant Coach Cross Country, Track & Field
    Rachel Oberholtzer Fort Valley State University Assistant Coach Softball
    Arlicia Ortiz Fayetteville State University Assistant Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Christiana Oyawale Barry University Assistant Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Pamela  Perkins Tuskegee University Head Coach Volleyball
    Breena Proctor Mount Holyoke College Head Coach Soccer
    Brittney Randolph Head Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Ashley Reinecke Transylvania University  Co-Head Coach Soccer (Women’s)
    Krista Rice Oakland University Head Coach Volleyball
    Lisa Ritchie Mount Holyoke College Assistant Coach Cross Country, Track & Field
    Erin Rotchford SUNY Morrisville Head Coach/Asst. AD Basketball (Women’s)
    Alicia Schuck Rollins College Head Coach Soccer (Women’s)
    Noelani Schulmeyer Amherst College Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Melissa Schwab Elmhurst University Assistant Coach/Head Coach Basketball (Women’s)+ Golf
    Jessica Scott University of Minnesota Assistant Coach Ice Hockey
    Mikie Sevick West Virginia University Assistant Coach Rowing
    Roseanna Smith Oberlin College Assistant Coach/ Director of Ops Football
    Jennifer Spalding Citrus College Associate Head Coach/Associate Head Coach Water Polo + Swim & Dive
    Morgan Stacey St. Norbert College Senior Associate AD/Sports Admin/Senior Woman Administrator/ Asst Coach Ice Hockey (Women’s)
    Jennifer Stadler Chadron State Head Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Katie Stansbury Oberlin College Assistant Coach/ Director of Ops Volleyball
    Magda Stepnik Bates College Assistant Coach Tennis
    Cailyn Straubel Worcester Polytechnic Institute Head Coach Volleyball
    Sydney Supica Brown University Assistant Coach Field Hockey (Women’s)
    Alyssa Taramona Texas Woman’s University Assistant Coach Soccer (Women’s)
    Kelcie Tolan Cal Sate University San Bernardino Assistant Coach Volleyball (Women’s)
    Lauren Torvi Prochazka South Dakota Mines Head Coach  Volleyball (Women’s)
    Katie Trace Ohio State University Assistant Coach Swimming (Men’s & Women’s)
    Morgan Tucker California State University Monterey Bay Assistant Coach Water Polo 
    Kristen Van Iderstine Brown University Director Football
    Tiana Webster St. Mary’s College of Maryland  Assistant Coach Cross Country, Track & Field
    Kim Wudi University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Coach Volleyball
    Kaye Zoolakis Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Assistant Coach Swimming (Men’s & Women’s)

    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 2023 WeCOACH Impact Award winners from NCAA WCA #52:

    Vernisha Andrews- Assistant Basketball Coach, Florida Southern College