The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference enhanced the careers of several league assistant coaches when it hosted the Diversity and Professional Development Workshop on December 14 at Lock Haven.

Funded by grant money from the NCAA, the workshop was formed to promote diversity and inclusion, one of the goals in the Division II strategic-positioning platform. Dea Shipps, associate commissioner of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, helped coordinate the event, believed to be the first of its kind on the Division II level. NCAA national office staff members Curtis Holloman and Kim Ford also assisted.

Twenty-six of the league’s assistant coaches participated. 

“I was pleased we were able to share this opportunity with so many of our emerging coaches Murray said. “When thinking about the benefits that diversity can provide in the workplace, it is satisfying to know that we can play a role in contributing to the talent pool of potential coaches and also assisting the coaches in developing their career paths.”

Ashley Grimm, a graduate assistant with the women’s basketball team at Clarion, said, “The professionals representing the NCAA, ECAC, and the PSAC provided great information and insight on how to better prepare ourselves for a successful career in collegiate athletics.”

J.C. Morgan, an assistant football coach at Shippensburg University, also offered his appreciation. 

“It was a tremendous honor to be able to attend the 2009 workshop,” Morgan said. “I learned skills that will help me become a better coach both on and off the field.”

The program began with sessions that focused on self-branding and networking. Using a personality profile that the attendees had completed, participants learned the importance of understanding workplace diversity and the strengths and weaknesses of various profiles. 

The seminar also featured a panel of coaches and an administrator to demonstrate best practices in job searches. Seminar attendees learned that many of the skills required as assistants translate to head coaching positions, and that leadership positions – whether on the sidelines or in the athletics department – can be obtained via several paths. 

Another panel featured athletics directors from PSAC institutions who offered insight on the hiring process.    

“I particularly enjoyed the interactive panel discussions that featured head coaches and athletic directors from the PSAC,” Morgan said. “It was also nice to have the opportunity to network with other assistant coaches throughout the conference.”

Grimm was equally appreciative. 

“I especially enjoyed the personality-profile session where I had a chance to learn more about myself and my leadership style,” she said. “I also enjoyed the panel discussions with the coaches and administrators who are in positions where I hope to one day find myself.”

-Courtesy Will Adair, PSAC assistant commissioner/external relations