A great coach does more than focus on a winning season. A great coach can transform a player’s life. 

If you know a great coach, give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for  PCA’s 2026 Coach of the Year Award!

What are the qualities of a PCA Coach of the Year?

A great coach is…

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

How does the PCA Coach of the Year program work?

PCA will award 25 Finalists and 10 National Winners from coaches nominated across the US who embody the ideal of striving to win, while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life skills through sports.

Nominations may come from a school or youth sports organization leader, fellow coach, parent, athlete, friend, or family member. 

All National winners will receive $500, a certificate, and recognition on PCA’s website, newsletters, and media campaigns. 

The National Coach of the Year Winner will receive $5,000 for their school or program and an all-expense paid trip for two to the San Francisco Bay Area to receive their award in person at PCA’s annual  Game Changer Awards & Benefit in the spring of 2026.

Nominate your coach today!

You can nominate your coach for the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year Award until December 1st, 2025. 

To be eligible for nomination, a coach must:

• Have at least 3 years of coaching experience
• Coach in the US.
• NOT be a previous National Double-Goal Coach or Coach of the Year winner.
• NOT nominate him/herself.

For more details, visit positivecoach.org.