CLEVELAND, OH – The North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) is proud to recognize eight coaches from four member institutions who took part in the 55th class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA), held November 16-18, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Led by WeCOACH and in partnership with the NCAA, the Academy offered a multi-day, immersive experience aimed at building leadership skills, fostering personal growth, and strengthening the support network for women coaches across the collegiate landscape.
 
The WCA’s 55th class featured 78 women coaches representing 18 different sports, and 679 total years of coaching experience. Participants came from a diverse collection of institutions across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA and NJCAA.
 
Of the 78 coaches selected, eight represented the NCAC, including Denison Head Coach Lauren Grogan (Men’s & Women’s Golf), DePauw Head Coaches Olivia Shagam (Field Hockey), Gabrielle Smart (Softball), and Cori Chom-Rees (Women’s Lacrosse) and Assistant Coach Abby McGue (Field Hockey), Kenyon Head Coach Emily Miller (Softball), and Oberlin Head Coach Julie Pratt (Softball) and Assistant Coach Jillian Roberts (Men’s & Women’s Track & Field).
 
Two NCAC coaches were also honored with national scholarships awarded through WeCOACH to support their participation in the Academy. Miller earned the Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Natasha Watley Foundation, recognizing her leadership and commitment to advancing women in sport. Shagam was selected for the Dr. Christine Grant & Dr. Charlotte West Honorary Scholarships, which cover full tuition and celebrate coaches who exemplify trailblazing spirit and advocacy for gender equity in athletics.
 
What they’re saying:
 
Lauren Grogan, Denison Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach
“The WeCoach Academy was such a positive experience. We heard from a variety of incredible living legends. The speakers and engagement allowed us to dive deep into our values and experiences as coaches and share them with those around us. I am heading back to Denison full of additional energy, knowledge, and an entire team of women to lean on in the future.”
 
Olivia Shagam, DePauw Head Field Hockey Coach
“I had an amazing time at WCA! I think all of us in the NCAC can agree on how formative this experience was and how it filled our coaching cups. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from a room full of women who worked hard to build their athletes to be better.”
 
Cori Chom-Rees, DePauw Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
“WCA was a great experience to build connections with other women, learn from legendary coaches in their respective sports and take a deeper look into my own program and coaching fundamentals. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and a game plan for how to improve for our program and players.”
 
Emily Miller, Kenyon Head Softball Coach
“The WeCoach Academy was a very transformational experience that I strongly recommend to all female coaches looking to grow in their profession. I am so grateful to be chosen as the recipient of The Geri Ann Glasco Memorial Scholarship, donated by the Natasha Watley Foundation.” 
 
Julie Pratt, Oberlin Head Softball Coach
“This was an excellent opportunity we were given to meet women coaches with shared experiences, and it has energized me as a coach!”
 
Jillian Robers, Oberlin Assistant Track and Field Coach
“The NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy was a super cool opportunity to build connections with coaches and administrators across a variety of sports and Divisions. To share a space overflowing with love and support for women coaches was amazing! Over the three days of programming, we had the opportunity to hear from legendary coaches, discuss strategies for continuing to develop our student-athletes, and reflect on ourselves as coaches and individuals. I truly appreciate the NCAC and Oberlin College Athletics Department’s investment in our development and providing opportunities like these for us!”