Coach Markos Participates in Prestigious WeCOACH-NCAA Women Coaches Academy

5/27/2026 11:30:00 AM

DENVER, CO – Bryn Mawr College Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Haley Markos recently participated in the WeCOACH-NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #56, held May 17–20 in Denver, Colorado.

Hosted in partnership with the NCAA, the Women Coaches Academy is one of the nation’s premier leadership development programs for women coaches across all sports and collegiate levels. This year’s academy welcomed 98 women coaches representing 20 different sports and institutions from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, along with the NAIA, NJCAA, 3C2A, and other collegiate organizations.

For Markos, the opportunity to attend aligned closely with both her personal and professional values.

Coach Markos Participates in Prestigious WeCOACH-NCAA Women Coaches Academy

“I am very fortunate to work in a space like Bryn Mawr that centers the voices and talents of women,” said Markos. “Knowing that organizations like WeCOACH exist to foster that same empowerment in my professional life beyond my institution gives me hope for the future I see for myself in coaching.”

Markos emphasized the importance of programs like the Women Coaches Academy in a profession that continues to face challenges surrounding inclusion and retention for women.

“In a profession that was not historically built with women’s needs in mind and still presents significant challenges to inclusion and retention, having access to this kind of support and community is invaluable,” she added.

The four-day academy featured keynote speakers, workshops, and collaborative sessions focused on leadership development, communication, and career advancement. Among the many presenters, one speaker particularly resonated with Markos.

“Genuinely all of the speakers, workshops, and presentations were outstanding,” said Markos. “Coach Val from UCLA Gymnastics is one who particularly spoke to me. You could feel the energy, passion, and authenticity just radiate off of her.”

Markos connected deeply with Coach Valorie Kondos Field’s leadership philosophy, especially her emphasis on “inspired discipline” and “respectful honesty.”

“She is a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and take up space, and she is funny while doing so,” Markos said. “Also, Coach Val coaches a sport that she did not compete in herself, which really inspired me as I lead a team of varied event groups that are extremely different from one to the next.”

The experience also reinforced the historical significance of Bryn Mawr’s commitment to women’s athletics and leadership.

“When I arrived at the Women’s Coaching Academy, CEO Vanessa Fuchs lit up sharing that Bryn Mawr hosted the first academy more than 20 years ago,” Markos said. “It was a reminder of BMC’s important role in the history and growth of women’s sports.”

Throughout the academy, Markos had the opportunity to network and learn alongside current and future leaders in collegiate athletics.

“Over the next few days, I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from and connect with current and future leaders in the industry,” Markos said. “Given the ‘F’ grade my sport receives for female coach representation from the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, being invested in this way feels especially meaningful.”

Markos believes the lessons learned at the academy will directly impact the culture and development of Bryn Mawr’s cross country and track & field programs moving forward.

“I am walking away with a lot of tools that leave me better equipped to tackle culture building head on through improved communication and conflict management skills,” Markos said. “Every year, a coach has to face the challenge and joy of building a new team culture based on the evolving needs of the group that they have in front of them. In order to do so, you need to go through the messy and the ugly. There's no easy way around it for a team that wants to achieve cohesion and its potential.”

With a renewed sense of purpose and leadership, Markos returns to Bryn Mawr ready to continue building a supportive and competitive environment for the Owls both on and off the track.