HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) is proud to announce its partnership with WeCOACH for an all-new Division III Women Coaches Development Program. This opportunity provides coaches with year-round professional growth and leadership opportunities. The program will feature nationally renowned experts addressing timely topics impacting the coaching profession.
"I am excited about the many opportunities available for professional growth and leadership development through the NCAA Divisions II and III Women Coaches Development Program," remarked Saint Mary's women's lacrosse head coach Amy Long. "I am especially eager to connect with other women coaches in the mentor program which includes monthly meet-ups featuring nationally renowned experts and coaches."
"The MIAA is proud to partner with WeCOACH to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX," commented MIAA Commissioner Chris Brown. "This is a tremendous opportunity to support our current female coaches while helping to develop the next generation."
"Based on my experience with WeCoach since attending the NCAA Women Coaches Academy in 2016," Long said, "WeCOACH has an unequivocal impact on the advancement and retention of women coaches. Their educational opportunities and resources are second to none when it comes to supporting women coaches. I am grateful to be a member of a conference that is investing in its women coaches by providing a significant year-round professional development program specific to the unique challenges women in coaching face."
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind 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, 50 years later, data indicates that number has decreased to a stagnant 43% in Division I (41% in all three NCAA Divisions), with only 7.3% women coaches of color. A dearth 5% women coach men's teams, and at the youth level, the data is hard to estimate (approx. <20% of teams are coached by women). As part of its year-long Title IX 50th Anniversary campaign, WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS to help change the landscape for women coaches and to impact history for the next 50 years. For more information visit wecoachsports.org/50th
