Coaching Education Awards

Coaching Education Awards Nomination Form

USATF annually recognizes professional coaches for outstanding contributions and service to coaching education. Please submit nominations via the form below. The deadline for 2025 nominations is September 30, 2025.
 

Awards

Joe Vigil Sports Science Award

This award recognizes a coach who is very active in the area of scholarship, and contributes to the coaching literature through presentations and publications. This award identifies a coach who utilizes scientific techniques as an integral part of his/her coaching methods, or has created innovative ways to use sport science.

2024 Recipient: Christopher Lundstrom, PhD, USATF Minnesota

Ron Buss Service Award

This award recognizes a coach who has a distinguished record of service to the profession in leadership roles, teaching, strengthening curricula, and advising and mentoring coaches. This person is a leader, whose counsel is sought by others, and who selflessly gives his/her time and talent.

2024 Recipient: Kathy Butler, OLY, USATF Colorado

Fred Wilt/Educator of the Year Award

This award recognizes a coach who has a distinguished record, which includes sustained, exceptional performance. This award is presented annually to recognize one individual who has exemplified passion and leadership nationally for the promotion of USATF Coaching Education.

2024 Recipient: Scott Christensen, USATF Minnesota

Vern Gambetta/Young Professional Award

This award recognizes a young coach in the first 10 years of his/her career that has shown an exceptional level of passion and initiative in Coaching Education. This award is presented annually to recognize one individual who has exemplified passion and leadership nationally for the promotion of USATF Coaching Education.

2023 Recipient: Marissa Chew, USATF Indiana

Terry Crawford/Distinguished Female in Coaching Award

This award recognizes a female coach who has shown an exceptional level of accomplishment, passion, and initiative in Coaching Education. This award is presented annually to recognize one female coach who has exemplified passion and leadership nationally for the promotion of USATF Coaching Education.

2024 Recipient: Darcy Wilson, USATF New England

Kevin McGill/Legacy Award

This award recognizes a veteran coach with 25+ years of involvement who has shown an exceptional level of passion and initiative in Coaching Education. This award is presented annually to recognize one individual who has exemplified passion and leadership nationally for the promotion of USATF Coaching Education.  

2024 Recipient: Glen Sefcik, USATF Southwestern

Level 2 Coaches/Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a coach who has utilized the USATF level 2 CE program to make an impact on their coaching that includes sustained, exceptional performance. This award is presented annually to recognize one individual who has recently completed the level 2 school and implemented its teachings in their coaching. This award winner exemplifies the impact of the USATF Coaching Education program.

2024 Recipient: Jared Tyler, USATF Southwestern and Charlotte Sneed, USATF Pacific

Examples of USATF CE organizational service that might qualify

• A frequent speaker/contributor at USATF Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 coaching education schools
• A history of service to USATF CE at the club/local, state or national level
• A frequent contributor of articles, videos or books that strengthen the professionalism of coaching, or point the way to new, creative approaches
• Working with beginning coaches/coaching students to provide inspiration and direction (mentoring, shadowing)
• Offering support to the CE Committee to strengthen curricula, outreach and public relations in our CE schools

Contact USATF Coaching Education with questions on nominating an individual or the awards program.