Summer Coaches’ School returns to MSU campus this June

May 25, 2023

Sports leaders are invited to join the annual Michigan State University’s Summer Coaches’ School, which will return to campus June 22-23, for immersive instruction on coaching science.

Assistant Professor Andy Driska leads an exercise during a Summer Coaches' School event

This year’s theme is Developmental Coaching and will feature workshops led by experienced coaches, outside experts, and MSU Kinesiology faculty and graduate students.

“This event is a great opportunity to learn the latest in sport science and working with today’s athletes,” said Jennifer Roth, event co-coordinator and Department of Kinesiology assistant professor. “Attendees can also network with a range of fellow coaches and sports administrators, as well as teachers and researchers who study youth sport.”

Summer Coaches' School participants engage in conversation

The event lineup includes sessions on supporting athletes through a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective, developing leadership skills and increasing athlete motivation. Presenters include:

  • Pete Jacobson has been a varsity wrestling coach for more than 20 years and works with coaches, teams and entire athletic departments through his consulting business, WinSmarter. Jacobson’s workshop, “Building Champions: Creating a culture of commitment and mental toughness this year,” will be one of two sessions offered online for virtual attendees.
  • Molly McQueary is the director of student-athlete wellness with MSU Spartan Athletics. Her workshop will explore how coaching behaviors that prioritize team culture, a strong shared purpose, vulnerability and effective communication can lead to resilient relationships and better performance among athletes.
  • Ramon Diaz will present on diversity, equity and inclusion in sports in a session on how coaches can respond to and support all athletes. Diaz is a clinical therapist in private practice in Morris, Illinois. He specializes in working with sport performance athletes, developmental neuropsychology, nervous system and mood disorders.
  • Ian Cowburn is a senior lecturer in sport coaching in the Centre for Sport Coaching at Leeds Beckett University. He will present with Scott Pierce of Illinois State University on creating positive environments in sport.

The annual event is hosted by the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports along with MSU’s Department of Kinesiology and the Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration online graduate programs.

Through a partnership with Michigan High School Athletic Association, the event provides Michigan-based coaches with the opportunity to earn Coach Advancement Program (CAP) credits.

A coach talks to high school athletes during a meet.

MSU Summer Coaches’ School will be held June 22-23, 2023, at Brody Hall on MSU campus. View event details and registration information on the Summer Coaches’ School website. Please direct questions to the Summer Coaches’ School event coordinator, Sarah Miloshoff, at milosho1@msu.edu.