PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke wrestling assistant coach Blaze Shade was among a handful of collegiate coaches to be selected for the National Wrestling Coaches CEO Leadership Academy over the summer after applying for and receiving a scholarship to attend the event.
 
The NWCA invested more than $1,000,000 into the development and implementation of a comprehensive leadership development program designed to help college coaches sharpen their skills, and/or to promote best practices for improving academic performance. Internationally-renowned coaching development expert, Dr. Dan Gould at Michigan State, has been the primary architect of the research-based academy, along with input from a variety of elite coaches, athletics directors and content experts.
 
Highlights of the two-day event in Daytona Beach, Fla., included small group discussions with participating coaches and mentors, a portfolio assembly of each coach's respective programs and an invitation to attend the NWCA Convention. Participants also completed a series of online modules that promoted important principles of leaders.
 
Shade, a three-time all-American for the Braves from 2012-17, is heading into his third season on the coaching staff for the Braves. Fans can get an early look at the 2019-20 squad on October 22 when the Braves host their annual Black & Gold Intrasquad at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. Admission to that event is free.