On Saturday, April 16th, Positive Coaching Alliance held their annual Youth Sports Awards Banquet that honors all of the Double-Goal Coach Award winners. The banquet was held in beautiful Palo Alto, California, only minutes away from the Stanford University campus. Our very own high school Cross Country Coach, Scott Mastro, was one of fifty national winners of this year’s Double-Goal Coach Award. This was an incredible achievement for Coach Mastro, and is a testament to the job and impact he had on the athletes in his program both on and off the field. This event was extra special for Coach Mastro, as he was accompanied by his eldest daughter, Gabi, who stood by his side to celebrate her father’s achievement.

Before the banquet started, Coach Mastro was able to attend a PCA workshop along with the other national winners. This was an opportunity to gather among your fellow coaches and learn from the PCA staff, share ideas, and engage in fun team-building activities. Later that evening, the Youth Sports Awards Banquet started with a social gathering on the patio of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was a great experience to be surrounded by coaches from all over the country who have all dedicated their lives to their craft and the development of our athletes. These coaches not only excel at teaching their sport, but have made a lasting impact on their athlete’s lives by developing their character, and fostering an environment for their programs that instills proper values, all made possible by building strong relationships.

The banquet was hosted by Fox Sports anchors, Molly McGrath and Joel Klatt. It was a beautiful venue, with big screens that live streamed the speeches on stage. The food was a plated steak dinner, with salad and dessert. It was delicious. The evening including testimonials from PCA advocates, sponsors, and professional coaches. Jim Thompson, founder and CEO of the Positive Coaching Alliance, was also on hand to share his passion and appreciation for everyone who supports PCA. He also gave thanks to all coaches who give their time and passion to youth athletes across America, including all of the national winners. The banquet then conducted an on-stage interview of four of this year’s national winners. It was great to hear their philosophy as coaches and what practices they have implemented into their program that has made them successful.

The banquet concluded with an incredible interview that was given by former Gold Medal women’s soccer player, and World Cup champion, Julie Foudy. Julie had the privilege of chatting with the legendary tennis player, and women’s rights advocate, Billie Jean King. Billie Jean also started the Women’s Tennis Assocation (WTA) and was instrumental in her advocacy for Title IX, and continues to lead the fight for women’s equality throughout the world. As a witness to this interview, it was truly amazing how much energy, charisma, intelligence, and class Billie Jean King exudes into a room. She was captivating. She was one of those special people that you remember meeting. She was the honorary recipient of the annual PCA Award and praised the philosophy of the Positive Coaching Alliance. It was a perfect ending to a thoughtful ceremony that celebrated the positive influence coaches have on our youth athletes.

Congratulations to Coach Mastro for being recognized as a national Double-Goal Coach Award Winner. He not only developed and prepared the athletes he coached to be successful, but he was able to reach beyond the sport itself to make a lasting impact on their lives. Great job, Coach Mastro. We are proud of all you have accomplished and thank you for your effort to better our athletes both on and off the field.