Every year, the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) votes to bestow their Coach of the Year award to a leader who represents the values for which every coach strives. This year, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s very own Head Varsity Water Polo Coach, Mr. Josh Ford won the PCA national Coach of the year award.

Mr. Ford, a former water polo player at American River College, has been recognized for his leadership and mentorship of the young men on the water polo team. In particular, he’s been recognized for the opportunities he provides his athletes.

“Every athlete needs a chance and an opportunity to display what they can do,” Coach Ford said. “I don’t think what you see in practice or what you preconceive may represent who an athlete is. They need an opportunity, under pressure, to [fulfill their potential].”

He believes this award stems from the effort of the team, not just his own. 

“It reflects really on the athletes in this program who have bought in and invested,” Coach Ford said. “It’s a collective effort.” 

Coach Ford has passed on wisdom in and out of the pool. Coach Ford not only trains better athletes, but shapes young men into better people. 

“When you watch any athlete, at any level, in any sport, and you start seeing them apply lessons that they find in athletics in their own personal lives; it’s a really beautiful thing,” Coach Ford said.

Coach Ford’s national recognition is very prestigious and well-deserved. He is one of 10 in the whole country to be recognized for this award. This award not only recognizes what Coach Ford has done, but it also represents the standard of excellence at Jesuit. 

“This is a huge honor for me,” Coach Ford said. “I mean, it’s a national recognition.”