JUNE 2025
Kendall Downey served as a graduate assistant to the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy for the last two years Originally from Llano, Texas and the son of a coach, he received his undergraduate degree in History from Angelo State University in 2023 In May, Kendall graduated with his masters degree in Sport Management from Texas A&M In addition to his dedication and service to the Coaching Academy, Kendall served as an instructor for the Physical Education and Activities Program (PEAP) where he taught basketball and spikeball The last two summers, Kendall held the position of Assistant Director of Deerfoot Youth Camp. He also assisted coaching the Texas A&M Women’s Basketball Sports Club team for the past two years During his time at A&M, Kendall began his career as a sports official working for the Brazos Valley football and basketball chapters. On May 7 , Kendall was honored for his years of service and dedication to the Coaching Academy Thanks and Gig ‘Em, Kendall!
My experience at the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy has been tremendous. It has allowed me to meet people and make connections that I never would have imagined. This experience has equipped me for the next step of my life I have been blessed to work with amazing people that have made life at Texas A&M University something that will be difficult to leave behind. Events such as student seminars, job conventions, THSCA events, and lunches with people within the coaching profession have made a lasting impact on my life for which I am truly thankful Being a Graduate Assistant for this program has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students throughout Texas A&M. Over the last 2 years, I have seen the Coaching Academy grow tremendously, and I have no doubt that it will expand even more in the future This is all thanks to Michael Thornton, Lindsey Killingsworth, Kelli Campbell, Diane Graham, Alyssa Thomas, Mia Alvarez and everyone that has allowed me to be a part of such an impactful program that is only scratching the surface of what is yet to come – Kendall Downey, ‘25
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STOP BY BOOTH #243
Come visit our booth at this year’s THSCA Coaching School in San Antonio! Whether you are an experienced coach or just starting out, our program is designed to support your growth. Stop by to learn about our latest projects, upcoming seminars, and unique opportunities to get involved with our student coaching pipeline. We are proud to be shaping the next generation of coaches—do not miss your chance to be a part of it!
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Our Student Seminars give future coaches a real look into the profession. Participants coach each other in various sports and engage in panel discussions where experienced coaches answer questions about the coaching field.
In March 2025, the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy hosted its 8th biannual FCTA Brazos Valley Spring Student Seminar at Legends Event Center in Bryan. It was attended by 20 high schools bringing a total of 109 students interested in becoming coaches
WANT TO GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in helping in one of the If you are interested in helping in one of the following capacities, please complete the following capacities, please complete the volunteer interest form below: volunteer interest form below:
Sponsorships Sponsorships - Help identify, contact, and organize vendor booths & other - Help identify, contact, and organize vendor booths & other sponsorships for t-shirts, meals, etc. sponsorships for t-shirts, meals, etc.
Content & Curriculum Content & Curriculum - Help identify topics, demonstrations, presenters & - Help identify topics, demonstrations, presenters & keynote speakers. keynote speakers.
FCTA Competitions FCTA Competitions - Determine FCTA competitions, organize judges, etc. - Determine FCTA competitions, organize judges, etc.
Marketing & Communications Marketing & Communications - Help market & publicize the event. (Personal - Help market & publicize the event. (Personal contacts, Website, Flyers, Social Media, etc.) contacts, Website, Flyers, Social Media, etc.)
Student Experience Student Experience - Identify ways to enhance the overall student experience and - Identify ways to enhance the overall student experience and incorporate selected student leaders from established FCTA chapters to help incorporate selected student leaders from established FCTA chapters to help ffacilitate acilitate.
Event Logistics Event Logistics - Help facilitate logistical elements such as lodging, registration, - Help facilitate logistical elements such as lodging, registration, scheduling, meals, etc. scheduling, meals, etc
Advisor/Chaperone Advisor/Chaperone - Gather a group of students within school or school district - Gather a group of students within school or school district to attend the event. to attend the event.
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