January 16, 2025  Jesuit High School Sacramento Varsity Water Polo Coach Josh Ford has been named a 2026 Coach of the Year finalist by the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), earning national recognition as one of the top 28 finalists across all sports and levels for his exceptional commitment to character-driven coaching. 

The PCA Coach of the Year Award honors coaches who embody the organization’s “Double-Goal Coach” philosophy, winning while teaching life lessons that extend far beyond competition. Coach Ford’s nomination highlights his ability to build resilient athletes, an inclusive team culture, and a program rooted in integrity, accountability, and service. 

Coach Ford was nominated by Charly Chambers ’27, junior co-captain of Jesuit Varsity Water Polo, who credited Ford with transforming not only the program but the lives of his athletes. 

“I am nominating my coach, Josh Ford, because he uses water polo to change lives, not just to win games,” Chambers wrote. “If there is a true Double-Goal Coach, it is him. He made it clear that working hard was cool, that being smart and quirky was an asset, and that late bloomers are welcome. He turned a group of overlooked kids into a brotherhood that believes we can change lives, the way he changed ours.”

Under Ford’s leadership, Jesuit’s varsity program has become known for its emphasis on effort, growth, and learning from adversity. Beyond competition, Coach Ford is recognized for modeling sportsmanship and “honoring the game.” He consistently reinforces respect for officials, opponents, and teammates and sets clear expectations for players, creating an environment grounded in composure and accountability. 

The Marauders felt their coach’s impact even beyond the pool. A former foster youth himself, Ford openly shared his personal journey with his student-athletes and the greater Jesuit school community to show them that sports can be a turning point rather than just an outcome. His story inspired the team’s partnership with CASA Sacramento, where players volunteer and lead service initiatives supporting foster youth in the community. 

Parent Deirdre Fitzpatrick, whose son Declan Blewett ’27 plays under Coach Ford, praised his influence in a letter supporting his nomination. “Josh Ford is disciplined, unconventional, and relentlessly positive,” Fitzpatrick said. He addresses his athletes as ‘gentlemen,’ teaches leadership through daily actions, and builds a culture where family comes first. I’ve watched my son grow into a disciplined, thoughtful, loyal athlete under his leadership. He is the mentor our boys need– and the coach he once needed himself.” 

Coach Josh Ford’s recognition as a PCA Coach of the Year finalist places him among an elite group of coaches nationwide who are redefining success in youth sports by prioritizing character, inclusion, and lifelong impact. 

Final award recipients will be announced later this year. Jesuit High School Sacramento, proudly congratulates Coach Ford on this outstanding national honor.