Troy softball assistant coach Sharon O'Mara is more than thankful for the time she recently spent at the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy at the Dolce Resort in Atlanta.
O'Mara received a scholarship to attend the five-day academy that features female coaches from all levels and sports across the NCAA. The academy teaches coaches how to be more efficient, productive, resourceful and successful.
The participants learn skills that are not sport specific; that are relevant and necessary for coaching responsibilities, beyond the X's and O's.
"The five days I spent at the Coaches Academy made for an amazing experience," O'Mara said. "The opportunity to enhance my professional development, and also network with coaches from numerous sports was invaluable. I look forward to utilizing the materials and information in the future."
The academy is designed for female coaches who are ready and willing to increase their individual effectiveness by learning advanced skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success.
The NCAA Women's Coaches Academy has three objectives; skills development, retention and mentoring.
Skills development - provide women coaches with professional development in areas other than the X's and O's of their sport. These include, management strategies, decision-making, ethics, leadership, legal issues and communication skills.
Retention - To inspire and motivate women coaches to remain in the coaching profession. By expanding their knowledge, perspective and skill base, they gain confidence and determination to set career goals and be more successful and competent.
Mentoring - Provide a framework for interaction between women in all aspects of athletics -- from peers to pioneers.
The core curriculum off the academy is offered in a five day format. The WCA program is structured into four educational tracks. Listed below is how the core curriculum subjects fit within the tracks.
Philosophy and Fundamentals - Title IX and Gender Equity, History and Culture of Women's Sports, Philosophies of Coaching, Fundamentals of Coaching, Learning Styles and Teaching Methods
Management Skills - Ethics and Decision-Making, Principles of Marketing, Management Methods, Legal Issues of Coaching
Communication Strategies - Communication Skills, Diversity, Public Speaking
Career Development – Interviewing, Networking
For more information on the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy, visit GoCoaches.org.
INFORMATION SOURCE: Troy University Athletics
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