TMCA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2026
4-11
TMCA
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
Greetings from Aggieland! On March 1 and 2 , the Coaching Academy had the opportunity to participate in the 6 installment of the Texas High School Coaches Association R O C K mentoring program The R O C K Coaches Mentoring Program matches a coach new to the profession (the mentee) with a veteran coach (the mentor) to help them grow in their desired coaching fields It was refreshing and invigorating to be in a room full of coaches who share a passion for and the purpose of helping young people. We are grateful that our mission to prepare, promote, and support the coaching profession is shared by the THSCA, and that we can collaborate in their mission of “Helping Coaches Help Kids”. Throughout this update, you will have the opportunity to meet some of our Coaching Academy “R O C K s ” , and obtain information on various projects, initiatives, and programs we are in the process of executing. We encourage you to continue to support the Coaching Academy by participating in our various programs, as we know we cannot solve the coaching need on our own We look forward to continued growth, impact, and influence as we prepare, promote, and support the coaching profession.
R.O.C.K. MENTORING PROGRAM
Rare. Outstanding. Compelled. Knowledgable.
We are proud to celebrate Erin Ducharme and Zaine Rice who were selected as mentees for the 2026 ROC K class! Erin and Zaine both graduated last May with their certificates from the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program. Erin is currenlty coaching volleyball, basketball, and track, and teaching at Wellborn Middle School in College Station ISD. Zaine is at RD McAdams Junior High in Dickinson ISD where he coaches football and teaches
The R.O.C.K. Program is something I truly could have never imagined! After just two days at the Symposium, I’ve already had the opportunitytonetworkwithandlearnfromso many incredible coaches from all across the state of Texas. What’s even more amazing is how fired up I feel about coaching. The passion I already had for it, which I didn’t think could grow any more, has grown so much in just a short time I also got to meet my amazing mentor, Maggie Younger, from Rockwall-Heath High School I’m so grateful I get to learn from such an incredible coach and person. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunityandit’sonlyjustgettingstarted!
-ErinDucharme
I enjoyed attending the ROCK Symposium becauseofthemanyconversationsIhadwith other coaches. There were many coaches there that shared a lot of wisdom from the stage and from round table discussions, something I need a lot of as a new coach/educator I also really enjoyed getting to know my mentor and am looking forward togrowingourrelationship.-ZaineRice
On March 1st, the new mentees and mentors of the 2026 R O C K class gathered in Arlington to kickoff the new year Two current TAMU students from the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program had the opportunity to be in attendance and experience this mentorship program first-hand
Being at the R.O.C.K. Symposium was so awesome! An incredible opportunity for me as an aspiring coach I learned so much from experienced coaches and was able to make connections with others that I never would have thought I would make. Seeing the want to grow from the mentees showed me that I myself have to have that drive so that I can be a successful and impactful coach Even though I was not a ROCK this year, I felt like I was still being poured into by the mentors and speakers - this excites me to one day becomeaROCK myself
Going to R.O.C.K. was a great experience and allowed me to meet coaches and gain perspectives from all over the coaching world. Networking with coaches, especially younger coaches, helped me answer questions I frequently think about when starting in this profession Many of the younger coaches talked to me about their first few years as coaches and educators, anditgavemeagoodamountofclarityandanideaof what my journey as a young coach might look like The veteran coaches were also very helpful and took opportunitiestobesupportivewithus.Thereweremany chances to learn through the speakers and many of them offered very valuable information. During breaks and eating times, I was able to meet with coaches and make the connections that I would hope to make at an event like this one Additionally, helping THSCA run the event showed me how integral the Coaching Academy’s role with THSCA was and it clicked with me how blessed I was to be at a university that had a coachingprogram.OverallIthinktheeventwasagreat way to learn from coaches and expand my network whileI’mstillfinishingcollege.
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
Jason Haddock
Athletic Director
Head Football Coach
Wharton High School
January
“The Role of the Assistant Coach”
Thomasina Gatson
Head Girls JV Basketball Coach
C.E. King High School
Sheldon ISD
February
“Self-Awareness”
Lori McLaughlin
Head Volleyball Coach
Assistant Track Coach
Cedar Park High School
March
“Development Through Communication”
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Help us continute our support of coaches and the coaching profession. All contributions will help ensure the longevity of our programs. With your generosity we can:
Expand educational programs
Give students career-shaping experiences
Support mentorship and networking initiatives
Celebrate coaching excellence
Sustain the Aggie coaching tradition
To donate to the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy, scan the code above to give directly to our endowment that supports operations and programing.
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.
F
R O M
T H E F C T A D I R E C T O R
DENA SCOTT FCTA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COACHING ACADEMY
The Future Coaches of Texas team has had an incredibly busy start to 2026, traveling across the state to promote our program and connect with future coaches and educators. In January, we kicked things off at the SparkED conference in Wichita Falls, where we led hands-on coaching sessions with high school students Soon after, we participated in the Rise and Teach conference in San Angelo, offering another interactive coaching session to help inspire the next generation of coaches We also attended the State Board of Education meeting in Austin for the reading of the CTE proclamation, advocating for expanded coaching and teaching pathways across Texas. February took us to the CTAT Winter Conference in San Antonio, where we met with CTE educators to discuss our program and build new partnerships. Looking ahead to March, we are excited to be part of the THSCA ROCK Symposium, supporting coaches who are early in their professional journeys Our spring calendar is packed with three student seminars: the Brazos Valley seminar on March 25th, the North Texas seminar at TCU on April 8th, and the San Angelo Leaders in Sport seminar on May 7th These events are designed to provide high school students with valuable hands-on coaching experience and networking opportunities. The highlight of our spring will be our first annual FCTA State Convention, scheduled for May 16th–18th. We already have several schools signed up and interest continues to grow. We are also currently seeking presenters for the convention, so if you are interested in sharing your expertise, please check out the presenter information flyer and register to speak We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support from our community and look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events!
STUDENT SEMINAR DATES
Brazos Valley
March 25 , 2026 th
@Legends Event Center, Bryan, TX
North Texas
April 8 ,2026 TH
@TCU Student Rec Center, Fort Worth, TX
San Angelo
May 7 ,2026 th
@Angelo State University
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!
WHAT IS A WIN?
MAY 16-18, 2026
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY (PEAP) BUILDING
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACTIVITY (PEAP) BUILDING
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Registration Details:
Nov 1, 2025: FCTA Chapter Registration
Jan 1, 2026: Non-FCTA School Registration
Capacity: ~200 students
FCTA Chapters:
$25/student
Advisors attend FREE
Non-FCTA Schools:
$35/student
$35/chaperone
WHAT IS A WIN? THEME:
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to introduce high school students to coaching through engaging lectures and interactive demonstrations. As a presenter, design your sessions to actively involve students through hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-life scenarios. Present coaching concepts in clear, simple steps with relatable examples to help students easily understand the basics. Your role is to inspire and equip future coaches with practical knowledge, confidence, and enthusiasm for the profession.
SESSION PATHWAYS
Sessions will be organized into the following pathways: Individual Sports, Team Sports, Strength & Conditioning, and Athletic Training We would also like to offer leadership sessions and general coaching sessions as well. Students will have the option to go to any session even if they are interested in a certain pathway.
SPORT SPECIFIC SESSIONS
When submitting your topic, please specify the sport (if applicable) and indicate whether your presentation will be a lecture or a demonstration Note that each track will have a limited number of presentations selected per sport and should be applicable to both males and females
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We have the following 50 minute sessions available:
Team Sports = 13 sessions
Individual Sports = 11 Sessions
Strength & Conditioning = 10 Sessions
Athletic Training = 4 Sessions
If possible, please align your session discussion with this theme keeping in mind that winning is not always about what is displayed on the scoreboard. Submit your name by April 1st to indicate
General/Leadership = 5 Sessions
SESSION LOCATIONS
There are 2 gyms, 1 weight room, 3 classrooms, an outdoor gravel track and outdoor tennis courts available for sessions Indicate preferred location and equipment needs when registering
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
Like many, I spent two weeks in February engrossed in the Winter Olympic Games in Milan. I cheered on every member of Team USA from speed skating, to curling, to ice dancing. I will remember the many golden moments for the red, white, and blue But for as much as I will remember Alysa Liu’s gold medal in women ’ s figure skating (the first for the U S since 2002), I will also remember the cameras panning to her coaches on the sideline. I will remember them cheering and pumping their fists with every axel and loop she landed. I will remember Megan Keller’s OT golden goal against Canada in women ’ s hockey And I will remember the camera moving from the team at center ice to head coach John Wroblewski who was overcome with emotion after his team’s victory.
In the Olympics, coaches do not receive medals I am sure if you were to ask any of them, they do not do it for the medals They do it for their country, for their athletes, and for the love of their sport I recently heard someone say there are many great coaches we will never know about. Many great coaches who will never coach an Olympian, but will have no less of an impact on the athletes they teach and reach
These are the types of coaches we are searching for to join our program Current students at Texas A&M, who have a desire to have an impact on someone just as their own coaches had on them. They already have the passion; we provide the opportunity.
T O R
As the Winter Olympics were coming to a close halfway around the world, we too were finishing recruiting season for the Spring 26 cohort. We added 15 new candidates to our program, growing our total number to 81 active particpants. 81 students who want to coach for the love of their sport, for future generations of athletes, and who knows, maybe for their country one day
We will continue to provide a hands-on learning environment for students in the Undergraduate Coaching Certificate Program This is only possible through the support of our Community Partners who open their doors to students in clubs, organizations, schools, and collegiate athletics We believe that providing these unique opportunities for these aspiring coaches will lead to many more golden moments.
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.
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
Being part of the Student Coaches Association has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at Texas A&M This organization has shaped me as a leader, a coach, and a person, and serving as president this year has been an honor I will carry with me long after graduation My name is Curtis Gatewood, and I am from Corsicana, Texas I am a senior majoring in Kinesiology (Applied Exercise Physiology) Stepping into the role of president this semester has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the commitment our members have shown as we have begun this spring.
Our members have continued to make a strong impact throughout the Bryan–College Station community Between the Boys & Girls Club and local public and private school programs, we have seen a growing number of youth sports organizations seeking coaches in multiple sports These opportunities have allowed our students to gain hands on experience, develop their coaching voice, and support young athletes in meaningful ways It has been encouraging to watch our members step into these roles with confidence and a genuine desire to serve.
Our spring meetings have been a major highlight. We opened the semester by connecting members with several of our community partners and introducing the coaching opportunities available this year We also began with a simple icebreaker that gave everyone a chance to get to know one another and build connections within the organization It set a positive tone for the semester and reminded us how important community is within SCA
In February, we had the privilege of hearing from Coach Jake Wachsmuth, Class of ’93, who brought more than three decades of coaching experience to our meeting He shared lessons from his career that centered on staying grounded in your values, focusing on what truly matters, and building a culture rooted in accountability, work ethic, and strong relationships His perspective on the impact coaches can have (reaching far beyond wins and losses) resonated deeply with our members. His reminder that “ we need good coaches” captured the heart of why many of us are pursuing this profession.
As we look ahead, I am especially excited for our Spring Student Seminar on March 25th This event gives our members the opportunity to mentor high school students who are beginning to explore careers in coaching It is one of the most meaningful days of the year for our organization, and I look forward to the impact we will make together As we move through the rest of the semester, I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and continuing to create opportunities that help our members grow as leaders and future coaches.
CURTIS
