National Youth Sports Strategy Champion

The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences at West Virginia University is one of the first organizations to join the National Youth Sports Strategy Champion program. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recognized the center for fostering a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for youth.  

NYSS aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day all youth will have the opportunity, motivation and access to play sports — regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, ability, or location. NYSS Champions represent organizations that are working toward achieving this vision.

As an NYSS Champion, the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences has demonstrated their support of youth sports and commitment to the NYSS vision. The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences will be recognized along with other NYSS Champions on health.gov as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with HHS to improve the youth sports landscape in America.

“The work of those involved with the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences, located within the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at WVU, has been tirelessly directed at the goal of improving access to and the experiences associated with youth sport in America,” said Jack Watson, CPASS dean. “This center has embraced the land grant mission of West Virginia University and is working to improve the lives of those in the state of West Virginia and the United States. This recognition is a wonderful testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the importance of their mission,” Watson added.

Kristen Dieffenbach, director, Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences, notes the importance of coaches with athletes’ love of sports.

“Coaches are at the core of quality sport experiences for athletes at all ages and stages of the game,” she said. “The Center is proud to continue our work supporting coaches and quality coach education as an NYSS Champion.”

“We know children who obtain regular physical activity gain important physical and mental health benefits, which are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health at HHS, explained. “I’m thrilled to acknowledge the work of the NYSS Champions who are furthering the mission of the NYSS and helping to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for our Nation’s youth.”