By: Troy MacNeill

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (March 25, 2024) – Over the weekend in San Francisco, California, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) held their annual Game Changer Awards & Benefit event. Throughout the event, there were inspiring stories from professional athletes and coaches highlighting the impact a positive coach can have on shaping the future of our athletes.
 
During the ceremony, AAU member, Marques Lowe was presented with the 2024 PCA Coach of the Year Award. Lowe participates in AAU Track and Field events with his team, the Viper Track Club. Coach Lowe has made an amazing impact in the community through his track club. The Vipers Track Club has a focus bigger than just winning and athletics, and Coach Lowe feels it is his responsibility to extend his hand to others in the hope that his assistance will be the spark that guides their future endeavors.

Lowe accepted the award and reflected on how much this award and the Vipers Track Club means to him. With more work to be done, Lowe thanked AAU President Jo Mirza and 2nd Vice President Marchan Adkins for leading the charge in youth sports. 

"Reflecting back on the last fourteen years shows just how much potential exists within each one of us," Marques Lowe said. "To be honored and recognized for this caliber of award fills me with pride knowing all that we strive for hasn't gone unnoticed by others around us including those who came before and those who will come after us."

Lowe sees just how important the combination of sports and education are for our youth athletes. This combination can help each athlete achieve long term success individually and collectively.
 
“Marques Lowe brings an enormous amount of passion to everything he does,” said Marchan Adkins, AAU Track & Field Vice Chair and AAU 2^nd Vice President. “I was fortunate to see him when he first started his team and have seen his rapid progression over the past 15 seasons.  Just like any fine wine, he keeps getting better and better with each successive year. You should see how he gets in the middle of a huddle to motivate and inspire his team in a manner you rarely see in track and field.”


(Marques Lowe and Marchan Adkins at the 2024 PCA Game Changer Awards)

Lowe represents the best qualities in sport. Through his hard work, dedication, humility, and desire he is able to impact the lives of each athlete that crosses paths with him. Coach Lowe understands the positive impact sports can have on an athlete’s life as a whole. He continues to teach the next generation important life skills and help them succeed on and off the track.
 
The event was held at the Chase Center in San  Francisco and saw some top athletes from the Bay Area in attendance. Golden State Warriors guard, Gary Payton II, former Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden, San Francisco Giants champion Matt Cain, San Francisco 49ers defensive-back Logan Ryan, and Bay FC’s General Manager Lucy Rushton were all there to honor their coaches and mentors.
 
To see a full album of photos from the event, click here.
 
Congratulations to Marques Lowe and all of the coaches who were recognized by PCA for their tireless efforts on behalf of their athletes. Through your leadership and dedication, our athletes can grow into great people. You continue to lead the next generation towards success. The AAU is grateful for all you do for America’s youth athletes.