PCA Coach of the Year - Positive Coaching Alliance

What is a PCA Coach of the Year?

a pca coach of the year is a coach who is…

(Click each title to learn more about the different coach qualities)

A coach who teaches life skills through sports, helping athletes grow both on and off the field.
A coach who encourages effort over fear of mistakes, showing growth comes from trying and learning.
A coach who advocates for play, helping remove barriers such as cost, equipment, or opportunity.
A coach who models respect and integrity, guiding athletes to honor the rules, officials, opponents, and teammates.
A coach who fosters belonging, ensuring every child feels valued and welcomed.
A coach who leads with empathy and compassion, creating a supportive environment for all athletes.
A coach who supports athletes with positive reinforcement, rather than fear, intimidation, or shame.

Simply put, we call a coach with these qualities a Positive Coach - coaching to win while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life skills through sports.

Each Year PCA Celebrates:

Why We Celebrate These Coaches

At Positive Coaching Alliance, we believe every child deserves access to a positive youth sports experience — one that teaches life lessons, builds confidence, and makes sports fun and inclusive.

By celebrating outstanding coaches, PCA shines a light on what’s possible when sports become a place where all children can thrive — on the field, in their communities, and in life.

This award celebrates coaches who not only inspire, support and make sports fun for every kid, but also prioritizes making sports accessible to all, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate and thrive.

What People Say About Transformational Coaches

Is your coach PCA’s next Coach of the Year?

Know a coach who inspires, supports, and makes sports fun for every kid? Nominate them for PCA’s Coach of the Year Award presented by TeamSnap and celebrate their positive impact on athletes — on and off the field.

How to Nominate a Coach for PCA Coach of the Year

Click to Expand and Learn About Being a Nominator

Be the main point of contact for communications about the nomination.
Complete the nomination form, including:
- Your contact information
- Details about the coach
- Answers to 5 essay questions
- References: upload a minimum of 3, and up to 5, from people familiar with the coach. At minimum, include:
  - 1 fellow coach
  - 1 current player
  - 1 parent of a current player

Click to Expand and Learn About Selection & Awards Timelines

October 6, 2025: Nominations Open
December 1, 2025: Nominations Closed
January 12, 2026: 25 Finalists announced
January 26, 2026: 10 National Winners selected
- Each receives $500 and recognition on PCA’s social media
February 4, 2026: Coach of the Year announced
- Receives $5,000 for their sports program
- Wins an all-expenses-paid trip to PCA’s Game Changer Awards & Benefit in the San Francisco Bay Area

Click to Expand and Learn About Coach Eligibility

To be nominated, a coach must:

Have at least 3 years of coaching experience
Coach in the United States
Not be a previous National Double-Goal Coach or Coach of the Year winner
Not self-nominate

Click to Expand and Learn Additional Details

For any questions about the awards program, please contact PCA’s Program and Events Manager, Jennie Wulbrun, jennie_wulbrun@positivecoach.org.

In addition to receiving a $5,000 award for their sports program, the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to PCA’s annual Game Changer Awards and Benefit.

Nominate Your Outstanding Coach

Check Out Highlights From Our 2025 Event

See the Impact of our 2025 PCA Coach of the Year: Jareem Gunter

Previous Coach of the Year Winners

View More Past Winners