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Swimming & Diving Head Coach Alex Albert Selected to Ninth Class of NCAA Academy 2.0
Posted: May 11, 2026

Swimming & Diving Head Coach Alex Albert Selected to Ninth Class of NCAA Academy 2.0

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Saint Joseph (USJ) swimming & diving head coach Alex Albert has been selected to the ninth class of NCAA Academy 2.0 (A2.0), hosted by WeCOACH, May 17–20 in Denver, Colorado. Held in partnership with the NCAA, these premier leadership development programs provide multi-day, transformational experiences for women coaches across all sports and collegiate levels.

This year, 122 women coaches will participate, including 98 in the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) and 24 in A2.0. Participants represent 20 sports and a broad range of institutions, including NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA, 3C2A, NJCAA, and others. Attendees include head and assistant coaches, administrators, graduate assistants, and strength coaches.

"Through its continued partnership with WeCOACH, the NCAA is proud to support and host the 2026 NCAA Women Coaches Academy and NCAA Academy 2.0," said DeeDee Merritt, NCAA Managing Director of Leadership Development. "These academies create transformative leadership opportunities that empower women coaches, support their retention, and strengthen the collegiate athletics landscape."

A highlight of this year's academies will be the presentation of the 2025–26 Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by Jostens, honoring six women coaches for their lasting impact on the profession: Kathy Aspaas, Valorie Kondos Field, Dr. Tina Sloan Green, Billie Jean King, Lorene Ramsey, and Barbara Stevens.

"The Academy provides a transformational experience where participants leave with renewed purpose, actionable strategies, and a lasting support network," said Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH. "Our data shows graduates remain in coaching at rates well above the national average, and we are committed to broadening that impact. This year, thanks to our generous supporters, we have awarded more than $65,650 in scholarships to 61 participants."

Since its inception, more than 2,500 coaches have graduated from the academies. The program focuses on holistic leadership development, equipping women coaches with the skills, confidence, and community to thrive personally and professionally. NCAA Academy 2.0, designed exclusively for WCA alumnae, offers an advanced, immersive experience with a deeper focus on leadership growth in a highly interactive environment.

To learn more about WeCOACH Academy programs or support scholarship opportunities, visit:
WeCOACH-NCAA Women Coaches Academy
WeCOACH-NCAA Academy 2.0
Academy Scholarships

About the NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association provides a world-class athletics and academic experience that fosters lifelong well-being for more than 520,000 student-athletes annually. The NCAA stages 91 championships across three divisions, and its 1,100 member schools provide nearly $4 billion in athletics scholarships every year. Visit ncaa.org and ncaa.com for more.

About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs.

Prior to Title IX, over 90% of women's collegiate sports teams were coached by women. Today, more than 50 years later, the data indicates that this number has decreased to 41% across all three NCAA Divisions, with only 7% of head coaches being women of color. Only 5% of women coach men's teams. At the youth level, the data is difficult to estimate, but approximately fewer than 20% of teams are coached by women.

WeCOACH launched MOVE the NUMBERS in 2022 to help change the landscape for women coaches and the student-athletes they lead. If she can see her, she can be her. For more information visit MOVE the NUMBERS.

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