COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Coach of the Year Award - given in four different categories - honors excellence in coaching throughout the year. Nominees are submitted by archers, clubs, and peers in the coaching community, and certified USA Archery instructors and coaches vote to determine the winners. Today, USA Archery congratulates the four individuals who will receive this prestigious award for 2013.
Mechell Pruitte, of Harlem, Ga., has earned the Volunteer Coach of the Year Award based on her unpaid service to the Georgia Archery Team. A Level 3-NTS Coach and a passionate advocate for the sport of archery, Pruitte also serves as the President of the Georgia Archery Association. As a coach, she helped six athletes achieve top finishes during the 2013 season, including coaching Aaron Groce, Jean-Luc Espinet and Corey Wright to top three finishes at national archery tournaments.
Georgia posted a strong showing in this year's Coach of the Year nominations: also hailing from the Peach State is 2013 Developmental Coach of the Year Jim White. As a Level 5-NTS Coach, and part of the Junior Dream Team coaching staff and International Team Staffing program, White has the opportunity to work with top athletes from across the country. However, he also coaches at the club level with the Kennesaw Archery Club and the Georgia Archery Team. His coaching record includes top international placements for Paralympian Lee Ford-Faherty and Anna Miscione, as well as strong national achievements for Sandra Kennedy and Doreen Likeness.
Derek Davis, well known as the Head Coach for the Columbia University Lions, has received the "Doc" Counsilman Science Award for incorporating science and technology into his coaching practice. Davis, who is a Level 4 NTS Coach and also a Junior Dream Team and International Team Staffing Coach, also leads a successful JOAD program. Additionally, Sachiko Keane achieved the JOAD Grand National Champion title under Davis' tutelage in just a year of shooting. Davis makes use of mobile and computer video analysis software, slow motion video, data analysis spreadsheets and his knowledge of biomechanics to help archers achieve their goals.
The National Coach of the Year for 2013 is Michael Usherenko, a Level 4-NTS Coach and International Team Staffing program coach. Usherenko has focused on the development of archers on the international, national and local level, with several of his students achieving national podium finishes in youth, collegiate and adult competitions. As a coach at three of four World Cup events in 2013, as well as past World Championships and Olympic Games, Usherenko brings a distinguished coaching record to his work with local students at the New Jersey School of Archery JOAD Club. With over 400 students, Usherenko has encouraged participation at all levels of the sport.
"We congratulate all of these coaches for their outstanding
accomplishments," explains KiSik Lee, US National Head Coach. "Thanks to their
focus on excellence, athletes are achieving their goals and taking their
archery skills to the next level. Each of these coaches should be very proud."
< Back to All News
