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!”
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