BALTIMORE, Md. (May 13, 2026) — Morgan State Associate Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Janice Smythe has been selected to participate in the 2026 NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) and NCAA Academy 2.0 program, hosted by WeCOACH in partnership with the NCAA, May 17–20, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
The nationally recognized leadership development programs will feature 122 women coaches from across the country, representing all levels of collegiate athletics. The academies are designed to elevate women in coaching through professional growth, leadership training, networking opportunities, and career advancement strategies.
"This is quite an honor to be among the incredible list of Coaches selected for this year's NCAA Women Coaches Academy 2.0," said Smythe. "My experience at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy 10 years ago as part of Class #39 has been invaluable, and I look forward to what 2.0 has to offer."
"The work that the NCAA and WeCOACH continue to do to pour into developing women coaches speaks volumes to their commitment to empowering women coaches," Smythe added. "I am immensely grateful for this leadership opportunity to enhance my skills and to connect with all the other incredible coaches."
Smythe, a 2007 graduate of Morgan State University, is completing her 19th season as assistant cross country and track & field coach for the Bears' men's and women's programs. She began her coaching career in 2007 following an outstanding collegiate career at Morgan State, where she earned recognition as a three-time NCAA Regional Qualifier in the 400m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay.
Since returning to her alma mater, Smythe has played an integral role in developing Morgan State's cross country and track & field student-athletes, helping guide the program's continued success in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
The Women Coaches Academy and Academy 2.0 programs offer women coaches transformative experiences to strengthen leadership skills, expand professional networks, and prepare for advancement in collegiate athletics.
NCAA Academy 2.0 Class #9
Janice Smythe - Morgan State University | Associate Head Coach, Cross Country & Track and Field
The NCAA Women Coaches Academy provides transformational leadership training designed to equip women coaches with the tools, strategies, and support systems needed to thrive professionally and personally. NCAA Academy 2.0 serves as an advanced leadership experience exclusively for Women Coaches Academy alumnae.
"This year's participation by coaches connected to HBCUs and MEAC-affiliated institutions reflects the growing impact women leaders continue to make across collegiate athletics," said WeCOACH CEO Vanessa Fuchs. "The Academy experience creates lasting networks, leadership growth, and opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom."
A major highlight of the 2026 Academies will include the presentation of the 2025-26 Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Jostens. Honorees include Kathy Aspaas, Valorie Kondos Field, Dr. Tina Sloan Green, Billie Jean King, Lorene Ramsey, and Barbara Stevens for their lasting contributions to coaching and women's athletics.
Since its inception, more than 2,500 coaches have graduated from WeCOACH Academy programs, which continue to focus on retention, advancement, and leadership opportunities for women coaches nationwide.
About WeCOACH
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels through professional growth and leadership development programs.
About the NCAA
The NCAA provides athletic and academic opportunities for more than 520,000 student-athletes annually and supports championships and scholarships across all collegiate divisions.
FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bear athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios, and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
