Tallahassee, Fla. - University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Gymnastics Head Coach Kasey Crawford has been selected to participate in the 2026 National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Women Coaches Academy May 18-20 in Denver Colorado, announced the WeCOACH organization today. 

Hosted in partnership between the NCAA and WeCOACH, the multi-day leadership program provides transformational experiences for women coaches across all sports and collegiate levels. The Women Coaches Academy (WCA) is designed for women coaches who are ready to elevate their holistic coaching effectiveness by learning advanced leadership skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success. Participants focus on non-sport specific concepts in an environment that fosters inclusion across the sports community. An active WeCOACH Membership is required to apply and participate. 

According to the press release from WeCOACH, "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 continue to remain in coaching at rates well above the national average, and we are committed to broadening that impact."

This year, 122 women coaches will participate, including 98 in the NCAA 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.

Crawford just finished her 10th season as head coach and 22nd season a part of Eagle gymnastics. Prior to taking over as head coach, Crawford spent eight seasons as an assistant coach and four seasons as a student-athlete. During her time as head coach, the Eagles won the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) National Championship and have finished National Runner-up three times (2017, 2018, 2023). After finishing national runner in 2023, Crawford became the second coach in school history to be named NCGA National Coach of the Year. Individually, Crawford has coached 11 NCGA National Champions along with 54 NCGA All-Americans.

As an assistant coach, Crawford received three NCGA Region Assistant Coach of the Year honors while also helping lead the Eagles to five NCGA National Title. Crawford was a four-year letter winner and two-year team captain at UWL, competing from 2004-08.  A member of three NCGA Championship teams (2005, 2006, 2008), Crawford earned five career NCGA All-America honors.  She earned All-America accolades in the all-around (2005), uneven parallel bars (2005 and 2008); vault (2005) and balance beam (2008). She was also selected as the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Scholar-Athlete in the 2008.