Key Takeaways
- Pacific Lutheran University’s Department of Kinesiology received a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Names Family Foundation to develop youth sport coach education across Pierce County.
- Nationally, 70% of youth drop out of organized sports by age 13, with negative coaching experiences cited as a top driver.
- Only 19% of Pierce County youth meet the CDC’s recommendation of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
- The platform uses needs assessments with individual organizations to deliver context-specific, evidence-based coaching education.
- Year one focuses on City of Fircrest Parks and Recreation, with plans to expand to additional Pierce County organizations in years two and three.
A $900K Investment in Coaching Quality
Pacific Lutheran University’s Department of Kinesiology has secured a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Names Family Foundation to build a coach education platform serving youth sport organizations throughout Pierce County, Washington.
The grant funds the creation of an evidence-based system that works directly with local organizations to assess their specific needs, then designs tailored learning opportunities for their coaching staffs. The materials are built for immediate use on the ground.
“This grant brings faculty, students, and community partners together in meaningful, collaborative work to help solve the youth athlete retention issue and, as a result, play a role in increasing physical activity among young people in Pierce County,” said Mallory Mann, department chair and associate professor of kinesiology at PLU.
Why Coach Education, Why Now
The data behind the project is stark. A 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics report found that 70% of youth drop out of sports by age 13. Two of the top reasons: negative experiences with the coach and the perception that sports are no longer fun.
At the local level, only 19% of Pierce County youth meet the CDC’s daily physical activity recommendation of 60 minutes. According to the Aspen Institute’s State of Play Tacoma-Pierce County report, youth who are more physically active report higher levels of excitement, happiness, and motivation compared to inactive peers.
The grant was informed by that Aspen Institute report and direct conversations with community partners, connecting academic research to real gaps on the ground.
How the Platform Works
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, PLU’s model starts with a needs assessment for each partner organization. Factors like athlete demographics, organizational culture, and coach experience levels shape the education delivered.
Mann developed the grant proposal alongside PLU kinesiology professor Karen McConnell, with community collaboration from Jeff Grover and Ryan Brown at the City of Fircrest Parks and Recreation. Patricia Shults, executive director of the Names Family Foundation, also contributed as a thought partner during the process.
In year one, the platform launches with Fircrest Parks and Recreation. Years two and three will expand the reach to additional youth sport organizations across the county.
Students Driving the Work
Five PLU students from various academic backgrounds are actively contributing to the project. The university plans to bring on additional students with skills in coaching, teaching, video production, and editing. Emily Whittaker, an instructor and project assistant, oversees student work and day-to-day platform operations.
The structure gives students hands-on experience applying academic knowledge in a community setting, a model PLU’s kinesiology department has built its reputation around.
What This Signals for Youth Sport Infrastructure
The Names Family Foundation grant adds to a growing body of investment aimed at the coaching layer of youth sports. As the industry continues to grapple with declining participation and rising dropout rates, targeted funding for coach development represents a direct response to the retention challenge. PLU’s approach of pairing university research capacity with hyperlocal community needs offers a replicable framework for other regions facing similar trends.
Source: PLU News, March 17, 2026
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