Nominate a great youth 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.

" 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