Deborah Newkirk has over three decades of experience in youth coaching. She is a physical educator who was told during her undergraduate degree, she would need to focus on either teaching or coaching. After earning both her undergrad and M.S. Ed. from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, Deborah has spent a professional lifetime bringing the two worlds together.

After twenty years, Deborah stepped away from competitive coaching and focused on training. Today, COACH ‘EM UP serves as a resource for nearly 3000 families a year. Her coaching certification program teaches positive and effective models and methodologies, mentoring eager coaches to feel confident and prepared. Year-round off-the-floor training programs have been a big part of the COACH ‘EM UP success, providing young athletes with motivating and organized means of “touches” and play in their backyards.

COACH KIDS UP is her newest dream-come-true company that recently launched in the Fall of 2015. The web-based app company provides organized, age-appropriate, progression practice plans through short videos for all sports. Through PE curriculum concepts, COACH KIDS UP empowers young and new volunteer coaches along with backyard moms and dads.

Newkirk has been recognized in both fields with Coach of the Year honors as a high school coach and Physical Educator of the Year honors by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). She was also named Physical Educator of the Year by the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD). Among her honors, Newkirk was recognized by the Governor’s Council on Fitness, noting her efforts in keeping kids moving in the early 90’s.

Legendary Naismith Hall of Fame coach, Marian Washington hired Newkirk as Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach at The University of Kansas where a Sweet 16 visit topped off her tenure. Newkirk served as camp director for KU for over a decade. Today, Newkirk and COACH ‘EM UP can be found in gyms around the country, partnering with other programs, serving as a consultant and camp director. Olympian, Naismith Hall of Famer, and longtime friend, Lynette Woodard and Newkirk partnered up in 2009, taking the game of basketball to gyms around the country. read more...