TMCA Newsletter - 2025 September

4-11

THE THORNTON-MCFERRIN COACHING ACADEMY

12-19

FCTA FUTURE COACHES OF TEXAS ASSOCIATION

20-21 UCCP UNDERGRADUATE COACHING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

22-23

SCA STUDENT COACHES ASSOCIATION

THORNTON-MCFERRIN COACHING ACADEMY

The Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy (TMCA) prepares, promotes, and supports future and existing coaches through its programming and partnerships.

F R O M T H E D I R E C T O R

DR. MIKE THORNTON DIRECTOR

Ready or not, it’s here Hopefully, more ready than not We find ourselves with the privilege and challenge to positively impact those in our sphere of influence the athletes, students, coaching staffs, teachers, and school staff who often look to coaches for leadership and guidance during the tough times of the year While it’s our responsibility to create a positive and winning culture among our athletes and programs, we must also provide an example of professionalism, courage, and perseverance. Stakeholders will be watching, some with the desire to see us succeed, others waiting to see how we face failure and losses How we manage our programs, athletes, and classrooms should reflect how we manage ourselves Coaches have a unique platform to influence, and it’s on us to determine if that influence is meaningful. My challenge to you is to “lead well.” Lead yourself first as you prepare to lead others. Create personal growth opportunities, develop consistent moments of reflection, find a mentor, and mentor someone else Build relationships that lead to opportunities, experiences, and more relationships. Be the champion your athletes, students, school, and community need. Remember you are not alone. We have a community of coaches here to support you as you impact your athletes Thank you for the work you do It is the highest calling to be charged with developing young people into significant adults.

C O A C H T E S T I M O N I A L

MADISON RATHER ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Howdy! My name is Madison Rather, and I am a recent graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management While at Texas A&M, I was part of the Coaching Certificate Program through the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, which played a huge role in shaping who I am as a coach today I am currently pursuing my Master of Education in Coaching and Sports Administration from Concordia University.

About three and a half years ago, I discovered the Coaching Academy and the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program. From the start of college, I knew coaching was something I was passionate about, but I often found myself doubting the path I was taking After deciding to apply and being accepted into the program, I felt reinvigorated and ready to begin my coaching journey.

The UCCP provided me with the tools, knowledge, and experiences I needed to grow into a confident and capable coach. Through hands-on fieldwork, educational workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, I developed essential skills that have directly impacted my career I also had the privilege of serving in leadership roles within the Student Coaches Association, which further developed my abilities as a mentor and leader

When I began looking for places to coach my secondary sport of softball, I knew I wanted to return to a private school setting since it had played such a huge part in my own upbringing That led me to St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan-College Station where I was hired as the high school softball assistant coach and junior high softball head coach After a strong first season in 2023, I was invited back to coach the next season as well as join the high school girls basketball coaching staff.

This past season (2024–2025), our girls basketball team made it to the state finals

And our softball team went 15-1, making it to the state semifinals While we came up just short in both, I feel incredibly blessed to have had experiences that many coaches wait years for.

As of June, I have accepted the position of Assistant Athletic Director at St. Joseph’s for the upcoming school year. I will continue coaching basketball and softball, and add volleyball this fall None of this would have been possible without the staff of the ThorntonMcFerrin Coaching Academy and the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program The lessons, experiences, and mentorship I received have been foundational, and I am excited to carry them with me as I step into this new chapter. - Madison Rather ‘24

3MINUTEDRILL

Using the Coaching for L.I.F.E model, the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy strives to help coaches of all levels develop their skills in coaching by focusing on five areas (or domains) of the human dimension: Mind, Body, Team, Character, and Craft The 3-Minute Drill is a podcast that provides the opportunity for experienced coaches to speak to these dimensions and pass along their knowledge, expertise and lessons learned to others in the coaching profession.

This podcast is for any coach, at any level who is looking for short words of wisdom provided by seasoned coaches with a wide athletic background and a desire to share their experiences. The goal is to provide insight and a different perspective on how coaches and their teams can be successful in their sports.

The full library of 3 Minute Drill episodes can be found on the ThorntonMcFerrin Coaching Academy YouTube channel and on podcast platforms such as Apple Podcast and Spotify

Chris Fisher

Assistant Head Coach

Plano ISD

July

“Cultivating Relationships with Players and Parents”

Shannon Rideout

Assistant Athletic Director

Fort Bend ISD

August

“Professional Development Opportunities

Josh Woodall

Assistant Athletic Director

Bryan ISD

September

“Crisis Management: Proactive vs Reactive”

In July, the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy traveled to San Antonio for the annual state coaching convention hosted by the Texas High School Coaches Association This multi-day event is the largest of its kind in the country. Coaches of all sports and all levels gather to collaborate, network, and grow. The Coaching Academy received a School of Education and Human Development AFS Student Impact Grant, which allowed a group of current Texas A&M students to also attend this year ’ s convention Early access to professional development events such as this make a lasting impact on their individual careers as well as the coaching profession

I had so much fun. Every student interested in coaching needs to attend this event. There is something for everyone and I look forward to coming back as a coach.

- Samantha Allman ‘26 What resonated the most with me was the community found in the coaching world. If I properly build my coaching connections, then I will always have a friend to help me out with anything I need whether it be a recommendation or a game plan. - Jacob Wachsmuth ‘27

FUTURE COACHES OF TEXAS

The Future Coaches of Texas Association (FCTA) introduces young adults to the fundamentals of coaching and encourages them to explore opportunities in the coaching profession.

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T H E F C T A D I R E C T O R

KELLI CAMPBELL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

THORNTON-MCFERRIN COACHING ACADEMY

The past few months have ushered in some exciting milestones for the Future Coaches of Texas Association (FCTA) We attended a record number of conferences over the summer, launched the much-anticipated Scoreboard Competition, and most of all welcomed a new Program Director to our team

We are thrilled to introduce Dena Scott as the new FCTA Program Director. Dena joins us after more than 20 years of service with Fort Bend ISD, where she devoted her career to developing programs, supporting students, and empowering athletes. Her passion for leadership development and her deep understanding of Texas athletics make her the perfect addition to the FCTA family

As Program Director, Dena will guide the continued expansion of our program, enrich our content, and strengthen the resources we provide to aspiring coaches across the state Her vision and expertise will play a vital role in ensuring that the next generation of coaches is not only prepared, but inspired to lead with integrity, resilience, and heart

It has been a true pleasure serving in this role since the creation of FCTA in 2022, and I couldn’t be happier to pass the torch to Dena. I am confident that under her leadership, the program will continue to grow and thrive, offering even more opportunities for high school students to pursue their coaching dreams

Please join us in giving Dena a warm welcome to the FCTA family Together, with her leadership and your continued support, we will keep advancing our mission of shaping the next generation of coaches in Texas

W H A T ' S N E W W I T H F C T A ?

Dena Scott has enjoyed serving on the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy Advisory Council since 2023 In 2024, she received the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award for Texas In 2025, Dena received the NIAAA Frank Kovaleski award for Texas and she was named the THSADA Region 5 Athletic Director of the year.

For the past 23 years, Dena has been a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator in Fort Bend ISD. She started her teaching and coaching career at First Colony Middle School in 2002 and moved to Dulles High School (her alma mater) in 2004 where she was the varsity volleyball coach She coached there until she was named the first female assistant athletic director in 2012. In July of 2020, during the COVID pandemic, Dena was named the first female Director of Athletics for Fort Bend ISD and assumed the role of leading over 600 coaches in one of the largest school districts in Texas Dena has served on the Publications Committee for the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association for over 10 years. She also serves as vice chair on the Awards Committee for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Dena is a co-chair on the National Center of Spectator Sports Safety and Security Interscholastic Advisory Committee.

Dena has a daughter who attends The Ohio State University She is a servant leader who continually seeks ways to support her coaches and student athletes while providing a safe, secure, and thriving environment.

W H A T ' S N E W

W I T H F C T A ?

THE SCOREBOARD

The FCTA Scoreboard is our newest initiative designed to inspire FCTA chapters across Texas to stay active and engaged throughout the school year. Chapters earn points by completing meaningful activities such as attending leadership seminars, volunteering as coaches, updating their charters, and much more. The Scoreboard not only helps students build essential leadership and coaching skills, but it also provides a way to showcase the impact they are making in their schools and communities It is a fun, measurable way to recognize the dedication of our future coaches!

Starting your own FCTA chapter at your local high school is an easy 3 step process:

1.Go to futurecoachesoftexas.org and click Chapter Registration >> New Chapter Application.

2.Get approval from your campus principle and an athletic administrator then pay chapter dues.

3.Select 2 student leaders to serve as officers and start having monthly chapter meetings!

For help or questions on starting your own FCTA chapter, email futurecoachesoftexas@tamu.edu.

Thank you to our Future Coaches of Texas Association Partners!

MAY 16-18, 2026

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY (PEAP) BUILDING TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Advisors attend FREE Registration Details:

Nov 1, 2025: FCTA Chapter Registration

Jan 1, 2026: Non-FCTA School Registration

Capacity: ~200 students

FCTA Chapters: $25/student

PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY (PEAP) BUILDING TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY Non-FCTA Schools: $35/student $35/chaperone

Volunteer Sign-Up Volunteer Sign-Up

WANT TO GET INVOLVED

If you are interested in helping in one of the following capacities, please complete the volunteer interest form below:

If you are interested in helping in one of the following capacities, please complete the volunteer interest form below:

Sponsorships - Help identify, contact, and organize vendor booths & other sponsorships for t-shirts, meals, etc.

Sponsorships - Help identify, contact, and organize vendor booths & other sponsorships for t-shirts, meals, etc.

Content & Curriculum - Help identify topics, demonstrations, presenters & keynote speakers.

Content & Curriculum - Help identify topics, demonstrations, presenters & keynote speakers.

FCTA Competitions - Determine FCTA competitions, organize judges, etc.

FCTA Competitions - Determine FCTA competitions, organize judges, etc.

Marketing & Communications - Help market & publicize the event. (Personal contacts, Website, Flyers, Social Media, etc.)

Marketing & Communications - Help market & publicize the event. (Personal contacts, Website, Flyers, Social Media, etc.)

Student Experience - Identify ways to enhance the overall student experience and incorporate selected student leaders from established FCTA chapters to help facilitate.

Student Experience - Identify ways to enhance the overall student experience and incorporate selected student leaders from established FCTA chapters to help facilitate

Event Logistics - Help facilitate logistical elements such as lodging, registration, scheduling, meals, etc

Event Logistics - Help facilitate logistical elements such as lodging, registration, scheduling, meals, etc.

Advisor/Chaperone - Gather a group of students within school or school district to attend the event.

Advisor/Chaperone - Gather a group of students within school or school district to attend the event.

UNDERGRADUATE COACHING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program (UCCP) is open to all Texas A&M undergraduate majors and prepares future coaches in all sports.

F R O M T H E C O O R D I N A T O R

As an avid fan of Major League Baseball, I look forward to every September as the rosters expand and teams make a final push for the postseason. Clubhouses welcome new players that infuse a new energy and new life into teams.

I feel the same way about September at the start of a new school year There is something special - magical - about the start of the fall semester. After a quiet summer, campus comes back to life when our students return Our students give campus a pulse And we have the opportunity to expand our own roster - inviting new prospects into our coaching clubhouse.

The fall semester kicked off recruiting season for the next cohort for the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program (UCCP). While we accepted early bird applications starting in June, we saw the greatest number of applications once classes started in the fall We hit the proverbial recruiting trail and scouted the best potential talent for our club and the future of the coaching profession.

We spent the first days of fall classes greeting students at the Physical Education and Activities Program building. This on-campus collaboration with PEAP faculty and staff allowed us to interact with current UCCP members and meet new potential candidates

Over the next few weeks, our team visited coaching, kinesiology, and education classes across campus We set up informational booths at campus events like Campus Crawl at the MSC and the Welcome Back Bash at Harrington Tower. And finally, we participated in the Texas A&M Student-Athlete Recruitment Mixer

As our fall application period comes to a close on September 30 , we are thrilled about our new members. They are already bringing an enthusiasm to the clubhouse, an eagerness to learn, and an energy to start coaching th

Every postseason gives baseball fans stories and stars who make a lasting impact on the game We believe this new class of recruits will leave their own mark on the coaching profession and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

LINDSEY KILLINGSWORTH UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

THORNTON-MCFERRIN COACHING ACADEMY

STUDENT COACHES ASSOCIATION

The Student Coaches Association (SCA) is a student-led organization which provides opportunities for TAMU students to gain knowledge and experience in the teachingcoaching profession through collaborations with on and off campus agencies.

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M T H E P R E S I D E N T

I hope everyone had a restful and productive summer! We are excited to have all our members back, and are thrilled to see some new faces in the mix this semester. We are pleased to introduce our 2025-2026 officer team, which includes both returning members and new additions who bring great energy and enthusiasm. Joining me on the executive officers team are:

Rebekah Rodriguez - Vice President

Curtis Gatewood - Treasurer

Jack Davis - co-secretary

Robert Lancaster - co-secretary

Allie Ancia - co-social media

Brayden Mobley - co-social media

Jacob Wachsmuth - member at large

Each of these individuals brings unique strengths to the table, and we are confident they will help lead us through a successful and engaging year

Our guest speaker lineup for the fall semester is shaping up to be exceptional. We welcomed Coach Mitch Vanya as our first guest speaker at the September SCA meeting Coach Vanya, a true basketball legend, got his start at Texas A&M before he moved up the ranks of college basketball to the NBA. He shared insights from his career journey and his recent decision to return to College Station, a move that has had a profound impact on him both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead to our October meeting, we will welcome Coach Kyle Crawford from Abbott, Texas. A former Texas A&M student, Coach Crawford currently serves as Athletic Director as well as head football and baseball coach of Abbott ISD With years of leadership experience in multiple sports, he will offer valuable perspectives on building strong teams, cultivating discipline, and making a lasting impact through athletics

Finally, in November we will host Coach Chad Morris. Coach Morris attended Texas A&M before starting his collegiate football coaching career with stops at Clemson, SMU, and Arkansas

We are looking forward to a fantastic fall semester filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and network with coaches and administrators

SCA PRESIDENT