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Coaching Certificate Application
The coaching academy aims to assist students and student-athletes who are interested in the various opportunities related to the coaching profession and youth development. Our certificate program is designed to help students gain coaching experience while supporting them through the student coaching experience.
Are you interested in joining our network of coaches? Sign up today!
Contact Information
Physical Address:
West Campus Performance Center
447 Tom Chandler Drive – 4259 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4243
Our Coaching Staff
Dr. John Thornton
Director – Texas A&M Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy
Dr. Thornton brings a wealth of experience as an athlete, coach, and athletic administrator to the position. In 2015, he was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Honor.
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Dr. Mike Thornton
Assistant Director – Texas A&M Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy
Dr. Mike Thornton is a Clinical Assistant Professor and executive director of the Deerfoot Youth Camp and Read Youth Charities. He also serves as a Division 1 Men’s Basketball official.
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Rashard Thurston
Director of Program Development
Rashard Thurston brings a wealth of experience as an educator, coach, and administrator. He has over 15 years of coaching experience. He also serves as the advisor to the Student Coaching Association.
Robert “Nate” Young
Veterans Coaching Program Coordinator
After having served over 20 years as a Special Forces Soldier, Nate Young began pursuing a career as a strength & conditioning coach. He is now attending Texas A&M University for a Master’s in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Sports Physiology, and is spearheading the Veterans Coaching Program at the Texas A&M Coaching Academy.
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Parker Clay
Social Media Officer, Texas A&M Student Coaches Association
Parker is a kinesiology major from Gonzales, TX and is a captain on the Texas A&M Track and Field team. She is an officer for the Texas A&M Student Coaches Association and joined the Coaching Academy during the Summer of 2021
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Lauryn Hawkins
Executive Producer, Huffines Institute
Lauryn is a kinesiology major from San Antonio, TX. She has been with the Huffines Institute since the Fall of 2019, and joined the Coaching Academy during the Spring of 2021.
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Our Coaching Partners
Monty Gibson
Master Strength & Conditioning Coach
Monty Gibson is entering his 4th season in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, following over 25 years of coaching for Texas A&M University, Fort Stockton, & Bryan ISD in Texas.
Marlene Dixon
Coach and Professor
Marlene Dixon’s research focuses on relationships between sport and life quality. Her work endeavors to identify how sport can be designed, managed, and marketed to promote and enhance the life quality of individuals, families, and communities.
Ryan Pittsinger
Counseling and Sport Psychology Coach
Ryan Pittsinger, PhD joined the Athletics Department in 2016 and serves as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology Services. He serves the needs of all student-athletes by honoring the unique demands and experiences they are often faced with and striving to offer support in meaningful ways that is tailored to each student-athlete’s specific needs.
Jim Guinn
Conflict Resolution Coach
Dr. Guinn is the CEO of RRG Consulting. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and his Masters in Conflict Resolution from Abilene Christian University in four years.
Jessica Beard
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Beard has been participating in the World Championships in Athletics, winning gold in her relay team. She was inducted into the 2017 Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame.