By: Troy MacNeill

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 28, 2025) – Ten (10) coaches from AAU programs have been honored as Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) 2025 Coach of the Year finalists.

PCA received more than 200 outstanding nominations for coaches who inspire their athletes in sports and in life away from the playing surface. Out of those coaches nominated, 30 were selected as finalists for this year’s PCA Coach of the Year. Each coach has made a significant impact on their athletes and the community.

In the coming weeks, the PCA selection committee will identify 10 National Winners who will each receive $500, TeamSnap merchandise, and recognition across PCA’s website, newsletters, and social accounts. Additionally, one Coach of the Year will be selected and invited to the PCA Game Changer Awards & Benefit in San Francisco in March.

Below are the 10 coaches participating in AAU programs who have been selected for their outstanding dedication to our athletes:

• Roger Alex – FL – Wrestling and BJJ
• John Barrick – PA – Volleyball 
• Adrian Conciu – OR – Taekwondo
• Emmanuel Doresca – NY – Track and Field
• Jaime Gamboa Alcaraz – IL – Karate
• Reesa Hendrix Pledge – FL – Basketball
• Quintin Jackson – MN – Track and Basketball
• Jeremy Lindsey – IL – Track and Field
• Wayne Thomas – MD – Basketball
• LaKeshia Tinsley – TN – Volleyball

Last year, AAU member, Marques Lowe, was named the 2024 PCA Coach of the Year. We are excited to see who is selected this year, all coaches are so deserving of the recognition.

Congratulations to all the coaches who were recognized by PCA for their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of their athletes! You take your time and help teach our athletes lessons on and off the playing surface and continue to lead the next generation towards success.

Good luck to all of the coaches in the running for the 2024 PCA Coach of the Year. If your coach was not named a Finalist this year, we encourage you to nominate them again next year. You can sign up here for a reminder to nominate your coach when the 2026 opportunity opens.