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Issue Date: December 9, 2007
Nominate a great youth coach
Is there a sports mentor you want to recognize? Send us the details.
It's that time again! USA WEEKEND will honor the dedicated individuals who help young athletes achieve excellence both on and off the playing field. The Most Caring Coach award, which is co-sponsored by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, honors outstanding men and women who, through schools or youth recreation programs, go far beyond typical coaching dutiesto make a difference in kids' lives and communities. Our judges will select three honorees, whom you'll meet in a spring issue of USA WEEKEND.
Our 2008 judges:
-- Bob Bradley, U.S. men's national soccer team coach
-- Kelly Amonte Hiller, Northwestern University women's lacrosse coach
-- Clint Hurdle, manager of the Colorado Rockies
-- Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals head coach
-- Suzanne Yoculan, University of Georgia women's gymnastics coach
Winners will be acknowledged at the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame's awards dinner in Boise in June 2008. Each winner will receive $1,000 for his or her team or favorite charity.
Judge Suzanne Yoculan, the University of Georgia's gymnastics coach for 25 years, believes that a great sports mentor should show a commitment to developing the "complete athlete," from emotional well-being to academics to health. That formula has worked for Yoculan, who has been National Coach of the Year four times and has led the Georgia Gym Dogs team to eight national championships.
"Day to day, I focus on what the gymnasts need to reach their maximum potential and to have fun in the meantime," she says. "And in addition to the technical aspect of coaching, it's important that they know I'm someone they can count on -- from writing recommendations for graduate school to helping them figure out a problem with an apartment or roommate."
Yoculan also recognizes the importance of giving back to her community and encourages her athletes to do the same. "I'm a firm believer in leading by example," she says. "I want my gymnasts to give back, so we spend a lot of time talking about it and are involved in lots of charities.
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By taking pledges and donations for every 9.9 that is scored (a near-perfect mark from the judges), Yoculan's team has raised $100,000 for a new breast health center at the Athens Regional Medical Center. The team members also coach Special Olympics athletes weekly.
"I know that our team can make an impact on people's lives and we can raise money for organizations that need help, so that's what we do," Yoculan says. -- Kathy Rowings
HOW TO ENTER
 Enter online
OR MAIL
Please describe what makes your coach exceptional, in 250 words or less. You may send news clippings or other supporting materials, but they can't be returned. The nomination must include:
1) Coach's name, daytime phone number and e-mail address;
2) Coach's team/activity;
3) Your name, phone number and e-mail address;
4) Your address, city, state and ZIP code; and
5) The name of the newspaper in which you read USA WEEKEND Magazine.
Nominations must be postmarked by
Feb. 1, 2008.
Mail to:
Most Caring Coach, USA WEEKEND
7950 Jones Branch Dr.
McLean, Va. 22107
Employees of Gannett and USA WEEKEND carrier newspapers, as well as their family members, are ineligible. Honorees must sign a release. Entries become the property of USA WEEKEND Magazine and will not be returned. |
