The Atlantic East Conference Announces New Partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance

LANCASTER, Pa. – The Atlantic East Conference is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) kicking off this summer.

This collaboration underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of its coaches and administrators. Through this partnership, Atlantic East member institutions will gain access to a series of PCA workshops commencing in June 2024.

PCA is a national organization that works to promote positive sports experiences for both the coaches and players. They recognize the immense impact a coach can have to help grow the athlete both on and off the field or playing surface.

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance,” said Gwynedd Mercy President Deanne D’Emilio. “The topics that they will be addressing with our administrators and head coaches align with the mission of each of our schools to respect the dignity of each person and will help to further build on the excellence of the Atlantic East Conference.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Atlantic East Conference and their member institutions,” said Jason Sacks, PCA President. “PCA’s work is about creating the best possible environments for student-athletes to succeed in and outside of their sport. We appreciate the conference for making this investment in education for coaches and administrators, that will ultimately lead to better, inclusive experiences for all of their student-athletes.”

The partnership kicks off with a two-pronged approach. First, PCA will collaborate with conference administrators on “Intercultural Competence,” equipping them with the skills to navigate diverse environments. This sets the stage for impactful coaches’ training.

Next, head coaches across the league will embark on a comprehensive development program. The in-person “Sports Can Battle Racism” workshop, held on all seven campuses, tackles critical issues of inclusion. Following this, a virtual “Coaching with Empathy” session delves into building strong player relationships and fostering a positive team culture.

The Atlantic East will also gain access to a wealth of resources beyond the workshops. Webinars led by young leaders, practical tools and techniques, and best practices from across the sports landscape will equip member schools to achieve continued excellence.

“Innovation and a commitment to diversity and inclusion have always been hallmarks of the Atlantic East Conference,” said Commissioner Jessica Huntley. “This partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance reflects that commitment. By focusing on mental health and well-being, we’re empowering our administrators and coaches to not only grow personally, but also create a more supportive and inclusive environment for our student-athletes.”

The Atlantic East will continue to work with the institutions to utilize the great resources and opportunities through this partnership and continue to serve the student athletes of the league. 

About Atlantic East

The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a three-state area – Cabrini, Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, and Marymount University in Virginia. 

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About Positive Coaching Alliance

PCA’s vision is to build a world where all athletes benefit from a positive sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. PCA trains coaches and partners with youth sports organizations, High Schools, Colleges, professional sports leagues and teams, national governing bodies, parents, sports leaders, and communities to make sports more positive, equitable, and accessible to all regardless of social or economic circumstances. 

For more information, go to positivecoach.org.

Our Instagram and Twitter/X handles are both @positivecoachus

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