DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake track & field assistant coach and cross country assistant coach Anna Bearss has been selected to serve as a coaching mentor in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Female Coaches Mentorship Program.

The program, which began in 2018, is designed to increase the representation, depth of knowledge and advancement of female coaches in the field of cross country and track & field coaching at every level, as well as to create accessibility within the industry.

"It's an honor to be selected as a mentor for the Female Coaches Mentorship Program," Bearss said. "The opportunities created by FCMP are a special outlet for thought, discussion, and comradery between the pairs of mentors and mentees. I am passionate about empowering others and watching confidence grow as goals are pursued, so I look forward to helping my mentee unlock skills that will help her thrive in the industry."  

Started by a trio of accomplished female coaches – Rhonda Riley, Angelina Ramos and Janine Tessarzik – the program aims to support climate change within coaching through pairing individuals up with 1:1 year-round mentorship with a senior coach and adhering to set guidelines for successful consultations with esteemed leaders of the sport from a variety of backgrounds.

"I have strong female mentors to thank for continuously pushing me to become the coach I am today," Bearss said. "Giving back and watching other female coaches rise through the ranks is rewarding. Any small positive contribution I can make is something I am happy to be doing." 
 
Bearss and the Drake cross country team are gearing up for the Greeno/Dirksen Invite hosted by Nebraska on Saturday, Sept. 16.