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Third annual National Youth Sports Awards Dinner set for Stanford University
March 17, 2004
Stanford, CA - Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), recognized as the leader in youth sports training, will team with sports celebrities to honor coaches and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of young athletes at the 3rd Annual National Youth Sports Awards Dinner at Stanford University on Wednesday, March 17, 2004.
Highlighting the evening will be Herm Edwards, head coach of the New York Jets; Ronnie Lott, NFL Hall of Fame; Alexi Lalas, president of the San Jose Earthquakes; Kerri Strug, US Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast; Jennifer Azzi, US Olympic Gold Medal Basketball; and ESPN's Tom Farrey. Phil Jackson, PCA's national spokesman and head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers; Barry Zito, Cy Young winner and Oakland A's pitcher; Larry Brown, head coach of the Detroit Pistons, and Tony Granato, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche will present remarks via video, due to their respective schedules.
According to Phil Jackson, "coaching is really about the 'heart' one gives to his or her team. We need coaches who want to convey more than just the fundamentals of the game; who want to teach about character," says Jackson. "This year's award winners are teaching athletes to respect each other and honor the game. I applaud their efforts, and hope that coaches and organizations around the country will model the example they've set."
"This year's winners are inspiring examples of what youth sports in America can be," said Jim Thompson, founder of PCA. "Although these coaches and organizations win a lot, they never sacrifice the larger goal of building character in the kids they coach. They are creating a culture that allows kids to truly flourish. Every young athlete deserves coaches and organizations like these."
Hundreds of nominations were received by PCA from throughout the country. The criteria for coaches emphasize their success as a Double-Goal Coach - one who wants to win but also has the important goal of using sports to teach life lessons and positive character traits. Youth Sports Organizations were assessed in terms of their establishment of a long-term organizational culture of positive coaching and a reputation as a fun place to play.
A selection committee of three NCAA coaches, whose teams have qualified for more than 30 NCAA appearances, picked the winning coaches. A committee of youth sports coaches and business executives selected the winning youth sports organizations.
US Lacrosse will receive the National Leadership Award because they provide such a positive coaching model. They run a grant program, feature at least one article giving coaches, parents, leaders, and players tools To Honor The Game in every issue of Lacrosse Magazine, and has made major strides with their youth rules, giving coaches specific guidelines. US Lacrosse became PCA's first National Partner four years ago.
The following Double-Goal Coaches will be honored:
Stan Drake, Menlo Park, CA Basketball and Volleyball Coach, Phillips Brooks School
Tony Casino, San Jose, CA Girls' Volleyball Coach, Eclipse 13 Black
Gordon Lee, Burke, VA Tennis Coach, Old Keene Mill Swim and Racquet Club
Debbe Pavle, Grosse Point, MI Girls' Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Grosse Point South High School
Brendan Sullivan, Washington, D.C. Founder and Head Coach, Headfirst Baseball
Tom Brown, Salisbury, MD Founder and Head Coach Tom Brown Rookie League
The following Youth Sports Organizations will be honored:
Westlake Baseball, Westlake Village, CA
Pleasanton Foothill Little League, Pleasanton, CA
Twin Cities Northern Lights Junior Ice Hockey, Bloomington, MN
The following will be honored with PCA's first National Leadership Award:
US Lacrosse
The National Youth Sports Awards will be held at Stanford University's Arrillaga Alumni Center on Wednesday, March 17 beginning with the reception at 5:45 p.m. and dinner at 6:45 p.m.
Positive Coaching Alliance:
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) was formed in 1998 to transform youth sports so that all young athletes enjoy a positive, character-building experience. PCA offers workshops nationwide for coaches, parents and youth sports leaders to equip them to positively impact today's young athletes. The organization is headquartered at Stanford University and has local coordinators in Los Angeles CA, Washington D.C. and Sacramento CA. PCA has over 65 certified trainers that conduct workshops throughout the United States. Phil Jackson, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers, is PCA's national spokesperson. For more information, please visit www.positivecoach.org.