Veterans’ Coaching Program
Mission Statement
The Veterans’ Coaching Program (VCP) is passionately dedicated to empowering veterans in their quest to discover and pursue their true passions. Our mission extends beyond job placement; we strive to provide a nurturing environment where veterans can explore and excel in their chosen fields. From athletic coaching, athletic leadership positions, athletic and tactical strength and conditioning, educators and a wide range of academic pursuits, VCP offers access to Texas A&M’s diverse and esteemed degree programs. We believe in the unique talents and experiences of our veterans, and we are committed to supporting them in translating these assets into careers that ignite their enthusiasm and fulfill their aspirations. At VCP, a veteran’s passion is our priority, ensuring that their transition into civilian or retransition to their passion in life is not just successful but also deeply rewarding and aligned with their personal dreams and goals.
What is the Veterans’ Coaching Program (VCP)?
The Veterans’ Coaching Program (VCP) is offered through the Thornton-McFerrin Coaching Academy. It is a one-of-a-kind program, found only at Texas A&M University, independent of any specific degree plan. The VCP fellowship and coaching certification program is offered to veterans who are enrolled at Texas A&M. Veterans and active duty service members who strive to be coaches and/or teachers after their military career are always being sought. We can help with the full transition process by mentoring each and every veteran. We help with job placement and can save years of a veteran’s life by providing a large support system and gateway into the Aggie Network.
Program Coordinator
After having served over 20 years in the U.S. Army, with a majority of his career as a Special Forces Soldier, also known as a ‘Green Beret,’ Nate Young began pursuing a career as a strength and conditioning coach. He successfully graduated from Texas A&M University with a Master’s in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sports Physiology. Building on this achievement, Nate is currently in the pursuit of a PhD in Kinesiology. He is deeply committed to advancing his expertise in this field.
Reach out to Nate directly to learn more: robert.n.young@tamu.edu
Helping Veterans
We encourage and support military personnel into becoming foster coaches who can train athletes in the fundamentals of their sport while teaching interpersonal skills to create trust amongst their team, emotional skills to develop positive behavior promote mental health, and core values that develop leaders of character. Veterans who are potentially pursuing a career in coaching at Texas A&M are offered a variety of undergrad, grad, and PhD programs of the veteran’s choice regardless of their degree path.
