ATLANTA, Ga. — UTA women's basketball senior Katie Ferrell has been selected to participate in the 2022 Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) "So You Want To Be A Coach" program. The WBCA, in partnership with WeCOACH, will host a two-day  workshop on March 31 and April 1.

"It's an awesome feeling to be named to this program," said Ferrell. "I initially didn't know I wanted to get into coaching going into this year. It's something I feel I would be really good at and I want to give back to the next generation of hoopers."

"What a great honor for Katie," said Head Coach Shereka Wright. "She has always the qualities to become a great coach in the making. Her ability to be able to analyze plays as they happen on the court and explain to her teammates is impressive. The future is bright for Katie and I look forward to seeing "Coach" in front of her name."

The "So" program increases the understanding and application of skills necessary to secure coaching positions in women's basketball, increases the understanding and awareness of competencies necessary for success in coaching, introduces female basketball players to coaches and administrators, and raises awareness of the existing talent pool of female basketball players who have a passion and interest in coaching the game of women's basketball.

It is the second straight year a UTA student-athlete has been selected to the "So" program. Current graduate assistant Jordynn Hernandez was named to the program last season.

"My coaches did so much for me so I just want to give back," added Ferrell. "I would never be in this situation or even in college without my coaches. I just want to give back to other like so many gave to me."

"The WBCA community of coaches each year invests in young, aspiring coaches through the 'SoYou Want To Be A Coach' program," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "We thank WeCOACH for its partnership, which helps us make this highly successful program even better. We have high expectations for these graduating student-athletes and the future contributions they will make to the game of women's basketball."

"The WBCA has continued to make this program an elite experience for women basketball student-athletes aspiring to be coaches," said Jan Whitbeck, senior director of events & branding for WeCOACH. "Our partnership with the 'So' program is critical in helping these young women have an entry point into the coaching profession. We congratulate the 2022 attendees and look forward to welcoming, developing and inspiring these future women coaches."

Here are the members of the 2022 "So You Want To Be A Coach" program class:

"So" participants will learn about the administrative side of coaching, recruiting, how to get hired, skill development, the importance of knowing the rules, and how to balance work and life.

Qualified candidates must have exhausted their final year of basketball eligibility at a four-year institution or have graduated within the past year and must be nominated by their WBCA-member head coach. Each participant is selected based on her academics, contributions to women's basketball on and off the court, professional resume´ and a written recommendation from their head coach.

Visit www.WBCA.org for more information on the "So" program. 

About the WBCA 
For 40 years the Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to the organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association. 

About WeCOACH 
Founded in 2011, WeCOACH has become the premier membership organization committed to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches across all sports and levels. Previously known as the Alliance of Women Coaches, the organization reinvigorated its brand in August 2018. By providing a supportive and unified network, educational programs and resources, and access to in-person and digital resources, WeCOACH is changing the landscape for women coaches. Learn more at www.wecoachsports.org.