PCA Proudly Celebrates the 2026 Coach of the Year Top 10 National Winners, Presented by TeamSnap

At Positive Coaching Alliance, we believe great coaching changes lives. Not just through wins and championships, but through character, connection, and care. Each year, the PCA Coach of the Year Award honors leaders who use sports as a powerful tool for positive youth development.

After reviewing nearly 250 inspiring nominations from across the country and narrowing it down to 28 finalists, we are now proud to recognize the 10 National Winners whose impact stood above the rest. These coaches represent different sports, communities, and backgrounds, but they share a common commitment to helping young people grow on and off the field. Each of these winners will receive a $500 award and the chance to be named PCA’s 2026 Coach of the Year!

Meet the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year National Winners.

Mark Daniel

Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | Volleyball
In the Zone Athletic Club

Mark Daniel’s impact has stretched far beyond the court. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, when nearly all sports facilities were destroyed, Mark refused to let young athletes lose access to sport, structure, and community. He made school facilities available year-round to children across the island, creating safe spaces to train, connect, and rebuild. Through persistence and vision, Mark restored more than programs. He restored opportunity.

“What Mark Daniel has done for volleyball and youth sports in the Virgin Islands is nothing short of transformational.”

Cindy Farmer

Hardin, Montana | Cross Country and Track and Field
Hardin High School

For more than 28 years, Coach Cindy Farmer has believed athletics are an extension of the classroom. Her programs focus on integrity, perseverance, and belonging, welcoming students of all backgrounds and abilities. Many of her athletes come from the Crow Indian Reservation and face challenges that extend beyond sport. Coach Farmer ensures every runner feels seen, supported, and valued. Her teams thrive because her athletes know they matter.

“Her passion, dedication, and leadership have profoundly shaped my growth as an athlete and as a person.”

Wendell Fields

Cleveland, Ohio | Baseball
B Buzz Baseball League

Coach Wendell Fields is a product of the program he now leads. After participating in B Buzz Baseball as a child, he returned to invest in the next generation. For more than a decade, he has actively recruited youth who might not otherwise have access to organized sports and created a support system for both players and families. His coaching reaches far beyond the baseball field.

“Coach Fields consistently goes far beyond the traditional responsibilities of a coach.”

Josh Ford

Carmichael, California | Water Polo
Jesuit High School

Water polo changed Josh Ford’s life, and he now passes that gift on to his athletes. As a young person in the foster system, sports gave him stability and belonging. Today, he builds teams grounded in effort, growth, and resilience. Every athlete is welcomed and challenged to improve, regardless of experience or background. His teams succeed because they trust one another.

“He cares more about our effort and growth than a single result.”

Antonio Gomez

Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Soccer and Futsal
Carolina United Soccer Association

Antonio Gomez uses soccer as a vehicle to teach values that last a lifetime. As a teacher, coach, and league leader; he emphasizes fairness, inclusion, and accountability in everything he does. Coaching is a family commitment, and his service to young athletes extends throughout the community. His players learn that character is essential to being a good teammate and a good person.

“Coach Antonio Gomez is the true definition of a transformational coach.”

Sarah Stanczyk

Mountain View and Los Altos, California | Soccer and Futsal
MVLA Soccer Club

After competing at the Division I level, Sarah Stanczyk realized her greatest impact would be with younger athletes. She creates environments where joy, confidence, and growth mindset are central to every practice. Her goal is to help girls recognize their potential and compete with belief in themselves and their teammates. Winning is important, but confidence lasts longer.

“Sports are a platform for developing character, not simply a means to win.”

Jonquil Vann

Portland, Oregon | Cross Country and Track and Field
Roosevelt High School

Jonquil Vann stepped into coaching when her school needed leadership. With a background in psychology, she prioritizes emotional safety and personal growth alongside athletic development. Her program encourages athletes to take risks, learn from mistakes, and support one another through challenges. For Coach Vann, the track is a place to build confidence and community.

“The track is simply a classroom without walls.”

Miguel De La Cruz

Boston, Massachusetts | Baseball
Red Sox Foundation Nike RBI Program

Miguel De La Cruz coaches with purpose and empathy. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager and missing out on the opportunity to participate in his school sports program, he now dedicates his time to creating inclusive, welcoming teams. He travels long distances to be present for his athletes and treats every player with care and respect. His coaching is rooted in service.

“Baseball is a game of many opportunities to improve, and life works the same way.”

Sierra Steele

Washington, D.C. | Cheer and Dance
Royal Tigerettes Dance Team

When her school’s dance program was shut down, Sierra Steele stepped in to save it. Through fundraising and partnership with families, she ensured the program could continue. Her coaching emphasizes confidence, body positivity, teamwork, and empathy, creating a safe space for young women to grow. Her influence extends far beyond performance.

“Every class she teaches carries a lesson about self-worth, teamwork, and perseverance.”

Kenny Comeau

McLaughlin, South Dakota | Football and Flag Football
McLaughlin High School Mustangs

Head Coach Kenny Comeau teaches life skills by modeling them every single day. He is quiet, steady, and consistent, and the boys respect him because he shows them what hard work looks like rather than talking about it. His approach emphasizes effort, responsibility, and respect, creating a team culture where Native youth feel pride and belonging. Every athlete willing to work hard is welcomed and supported. This support provides a safe space for athletes facing many challenges outside of football.

“He shows them what hard work looks like rather than talking about it.”

From this group, one coach will be selected in February as the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year, presented by TeamSnap, and will be invited to join us at PCA’s annual Game Changer Awards and Benefit in San Francisco in March 2026.

Positive Coaching Alliance is proud to celebrate these leaders and the lasting impact they make in the lives of young people every day.

Interested in learning more about being a Positive Coach? Check out our PCA resources for coaches!

Help Us Celebrate These Coaches

Join us in congratulating the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year National Winners. These coaches are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people every day. Share your congratulations, leave a note of appreciation, or give them a well-deserved shout-out on social media and in your community.