NFA Partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to transforming the culture of youth and high school sports to create a more positive, inclusive, and character-building experience for all student-athletes.

This exciting collaboration will provide our entire school community - including coaches, school leaders, parents, and student-athletes - with access to PCA’s expert-led training and resources. Through live workshops, online courses, and ongoing tools and support, we will work together to strengthen the values that make sports at NFA so meaningful.
 

“At NFA, we want our student-athletes to win on and off the field by building character, resilience, and teamwork,” said Director of Athletics Jim Rockenbach '94. “Partnering with PCA helps ensure that our coaches and players continue to grow through sports. This partnership brings us research-based tools and a shared language that promotes a positive, competitive, and developmentally appropriate athletic environment for everyone involved.”

Through this partnership, parents of student-athletes will also have opportunities to engage with PCA’s resources, equipping them to support their children in meaningful and constructive ways - on the sidelines, at home, and beyond.
 

“As a school grounded in the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Positive Coaching Alliance offers a natural extension of our mission into the world of athletics and student development,” said Principal Kathryn Henry. “PCA's emphasis on character, integrity, and empathy mirrors our commitment to nurturing the whole child - intellectually, spiritually, and morally. This partnership supports our vision of sports not just as competition, but as a powerful tool for personal growth.”

The collaboration is a perfect match for NFA’s sports philosophy, which views athletics as a vital space for students to build life skills such as leadership, perseverance, and respect. Our goal is to create an athletic experience that is joyful, challenging, and rooted in community, where success is measured not only in wins, but in growth, effort, and character.
 

PCA has impacted more than 20 million youth through partnerships with over 3,500 schools and sports organizations nationwide. Now, NFA is proud to join this movement and take our athletic program to the next level.
 

“Partnering with the Positive Coaching Alliance brings a wealth of benefits to Norwood-Fontbonne Academy,” said NFA President Bridget Bonner. “Through this collaboration, we are equipping coaches, parents, and student-athletes with resources that go beyond athletic performance—supporting the development of the whole person. From healthy eating and mindfulness to time management and injury prevention, these tools foster growth both on and off the field."

"We look forward to working with Norwood-Fontbonne Academy to create the best possible sports experience for their student-athletes,” said PCA President Jason Sacks. “We applaud the school’s commitment to doing sports right—for the benefit of every student, coach, and family involved.”

Special thanks to Assistant Athletic Director Patrick McKenzie for being so instrumental in bringing the Positive Coaching Alliance to NFA!
 

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming workshops and ways to get involved as we begin this exciting new chapter in NFA Athletics!