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Two from MIAC selected for NCAA Women Coaches Academy

DENVER, Colo. – WeCOACH announced the participants for its upcoming NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) on Monday, and a pair of current Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) assistant coaches have been selected to the cohort.
 
Carleton assistant softball coach Kierstyn Foley and Macalester assistant volleyball coach Delilah Wolf were among the 122 women coaches selected to participate in the multi-day leadership development program in Denver, Colorado, later this month.
 
“Through its continued partnership with WeCOACH, the NCAA is proud to support and host the 2026 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and NCAA Academy 2.0.,” said DeeDee Merritt, NCAA Managing Director of Leadership Development. “These academies create transformative leadership opportunities that empower women coaches, support their retention, and reinforce the collegiate athletics landscape.”
 
A highlight of this year’s Academies will be the presentation of the 2025-26 Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Jostens, honoring five women coaches for their lasting impact on the profession: Kathy Aspaas, Valorie Kondos Field, Dr. Tina Sloan Green, Billie Jean King, Lorene Ramsey, and Barbara Stevens.
 
“The Academy provides a transformational experience where participants leave with renewed purpose, actionable strategies, and a lasting support network,” said Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH.
 
“Our data shows graduates continue to remain in coaching at rates well above the national average, and we are committed to broadening that impact. This year, thanks to our generous supporters, we have awarded more than $65,650 in scholarships to 61 participants.”
 
Since its inception, more than 2,500 coaches have graduated from WeCOACH Academies. The program focuses on holistic leadership development, equipping women coaches with the skills, confidence, and community to thrive personally and professionally.
 
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) 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, more than 50 years later, the data indicates that this number has decreased to 41% across all three NCAA Divisions, with only 7% of head coaches being women of color. Only 5% of women coach men’s teams. At the youth level, the data is difficult to estimate, but approximately fewer than 20% of teams are coached by women. WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS in 2022 to help change the landscape for women coaches and the student-athletes the lead. If she can see her, she can be her. For more information, visit MOVE the NUMBERS.