ORLANDO, Fla. (February 3, 2026) -- Seven (7) coaches from AAU programs have been honored as Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) 2026 Coach of the Year top 28 finalists.

PCA received more than 250 outstanding nominations for coaches who inspire their athletes in sports and in life away from the playing surface. PCA set out to recognize 25 outstanding coaches, but the impact was too great to limit. Each coach has made an enormous impact on their athletes and the community. The AAU is proud to have seven members who are active in AAU programs being recognized as finalists. 

In the coming weeks, the PCA selection committee will identify 10 National Winners who will each receive $500, and recognition across PCA’s website, newsletters, and social accounts. Additionally, one Coach of the Year will be selected in February and invited to join PCA's annual Game Changer Awards & Benefit in San Francisco in March 2026 as the PCA Coach of the Year. 

Below are the 7 coaches participating in AAU programs who have been selected for their outstanding dedication to our athletes:

• Greg Brandes – Diving
• Mark Daniel – Volleyball
• Steve Driscoll – Track/Cross Country
• William Ivey – Basketball (2024)
• Matthew Lee – Taekwondo
• Dony Wilcher – Basketball
• Gyongyi Zsolnay – Basketball

Congratulations to all the coaches who were recognized by PCA for their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of their athletes! You take your time and help teach our athletes lessons on and off the playing surface and continue to lead the next generation towards success.

Good luck to all of the coaches in the running for the 2026 PCA Coach of the Year. We are truly grateful for your dedication to these athletes and the lessons that you continue to impart on the next generation. You are helping to make our athletes better humans each day.