770-578-6366, PO Box 1120 Jesup, GA, 31598

why join
previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Our 2024-25 Membership is 10404 and still counting.

With over 10,000 coaches as members we keep growing.
Become a part of GACA today. Institutional Memberships available now.

Click the toggle arrows to view the latest info...

The GACA Today

Post Season Ranking Formula 2026-2027

GHSA PSR 2026 Slide1 1200x
previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow
Shadow
View Post
Post Season Ranking Formula 2026-2027

2026 GACA Legacy Award Winners

ATLANTA, GA (May 19, 2026) – GA Athletic Coaches Association, in partnership with Positive Athlete Georgia, proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 GA Athletic Coaches Association “Legacy Award” Scholarships. Six exceptional student-athletes, each a relative of a high school Coach or Athletic Director, have been awarded $1,000 college scholarships in recognition of their positive athletic spirit and exemplary representation of their parents’ lasting legacies.

Scholarship Recipients

The GA Athletic Coaches Association “Legacy Award” awarded to: Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year have been

  • AJ Brown Trinity Christian
  • Blythe Edgar Eastside High School
  • Deanna Lowther East Laurens High School
  • Paul Risper Westside High School
  • Max Lasseter Heard County High School
  • Lola Hunter Union County High School

These individuals were selected from over 4,500 nominations representing more than 415 public and private high schools across Georgia.

Recognition Ceremony

The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized at the 2026 Georgia Positive Athlete Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Georgia State Capitol. This event will celebrate all state sport winners and recipients of partner scholarships, with $38,000 in total scholarships being awarded.

About Positive Athlete

Positive Athlete is a national organization that seeks to promote the benefits of positivity to young athletes around the country through awards, scholarships, career-readiness programming, and special opportunities. Active across all 50 states, Positive Athlete recognizes high school athletes who lead with character, resilience, service, and leadership both in and out of sport. Since 2013, Positive Athlete has recognized thousands of student-athletes nationwide and awarded more than $825,000 in scholarships and special opportunities.

View Post
2026 GACA Legacy Award Winners

GACA Teams Up with Touchstone Digital Solutions to Launch Digital Hall of Fame

Jesup, Georgia – November 1, 2025 – The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) is pleased to announce Touchstone Digital Solutions as their official digital hall of fame provider. This partnership brings state-of-the-art touchscreen software and digital legacy solutions to GACA, enabling the organization to preserve its rich history, celebrate member achievements, and share their story with coaches, families, and supporters worldwide.

Touchstone Digital Solutions, a leader in building digital legacy platforms for high schools, colleges, and athletic organizations, has designed a comprehensive platform specifically for GACA that centralizes decades of coaching excellence in one interactive experience. The cloud-based solution showcases GACA's leadership team, consolidates all awards and recognitions, highlights sponsors, and celebrates the organization's enduring legacy in Georgia high school athletics.

“The GACA is excited to partner with Touchstone Digital Solutions to better serve its membership of over 11,000 coaches in Georgia!”-Dr. Craig Davis, GACA Executive Director.  “The impactful possibilities are endless and necessary in today’s world to promote coaches, players, schools and communities by taking advantage of the many opportunities provided by Garnder Gendron and his team at Touchstone!”

"Touchstone is proud to partner with such an important and forward-thinking organization in the state of Georgia," said Gardner Gendron, Co-Founder of Touchstone Digital Solutions. “We’re excited to support GACA’s mission of recognizing coaching excellence, and it is a pleasure to work with Craig and the entire GACA team to help make their work a little easier.”

About Touchstone Digital Solutions: Touchstone is the leader in building custom interactive experiences for high schools, colleges, and other institutions nationwide. The company transforms traditional recognition displays, including halls of fame, trophy cases, and historical archives, into dynamic, interactive experiences that preserve school history while engaging their communities.They make it easy for schools of all sizes to go digital. Trusted by Ivy League schools, ACC programs, and high schools across Georgia, their cloud-based platform lets institutions share centuries of achievements anywhere, on any device.About GACA: The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) is fundamentally driven by four key pillars that guide its mission and initiatives. The first pillar, Giving Back, emphasizes the importance of selfless service among coaches, encouraging them to positively impact their communities. The second pillar, Advocacy, focuses on safeguarding coaches through comprehensive support, including access to $2M in liability insurance and a strong platform for enhancing high school sports. The third pillar, Career Development, is dedicated to equipping coaches with essential tools and opportunities to refine their skills and foster valuable relationships. Finally, the Awards pillar recognizes excellence within the coaching community through Legacy Scholarships for coaches' children and honors outstanding coaches for their achievements. Together, these pillars foster a supportive environment for coaches, enabling them to thrive both professionally and personally.

View Post
GACA Teams Up with Touchstone Digital Solutions to Launch Digital Hall of Fame

GACA Legacy Awards

Five $1,000 scholarships to be given to high school children of high school coaches who participate in sports while in grades 9-12 are eligible. Nominations open for 2025-2026. 

Legacy-Award-2025
View Post
GACA Legacy Awards

Coaches v Overdoses

GACA Coaches vs Overdoses funded through Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust

We urge coaches, parents, student athletes, and community members to increase awareness, spread the message, and get off the sidelines and help us tackle fentanyl and substance misuse.

The Georgia Athletic Coaches Association is launching its Georgia Coaches Vs. Overdoses campaign at football games across Georgia to spread the word that just one pill can kill and that fake is fatal. The campaign will include important messaging about the dangers of fentanyl, fake pills, counterfeit vapes and provide parents with conversation starters, mental health resources, and access to proper drug disposal. Fentanyl is the top cause of overdoses and teens are 69% less likely to misuse prescription pills if they are aware fentanyl exists in 7 out of 10 fake pills.

Please get your school involved. Join the GACA in this very important initiative, sign up below

 

SIGN UP HERE get your TOOLKIT TODAY

View Post
Coaches v Overdoses

2026 GACA Hall Of Fame Members Selected

Congratulations – GACA Hall Of Fame Members for 2026 selected

Gerald Barnes – Baseball
Steve Cisson – Softball/Basketball
Donald Dollar – Basketball
Conrad Nix – Football
The Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be Saturday May 30, 2026 at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia.
View Post
2026 GACA Hall Of Fame Members Selected

Youth Suicide — “Silent Epidemic”

Attached is a link to a video of Clark Flatt, President of The Jason Foundation (JFI) sharing a brief background of JFI and information regarding youth suicide. He shares how to learn more about the warning signs of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide by visiting jasonfoundation.com. Hopefully this video will encourage coaches to learn more about youth suicide, the resources available and possibly save a life.

 

View Video HERE

View Post
Youth Suicide — “Silent Epidemic”

Join and get the app.

Become a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association, (GACA,GBCA or GFCA) so you can join over 5,000 of Georgia’s best coaches and administrators getting the benefits of:

  • $2M Liability insurance coverage in the classroom, on the field/court and camps

  • Opportunities to further your career development

  • Participation in GACA All Star Games

  • Award recognition for Region and State Championships

  • Registration for clinics and scholarship opportunities for family members

  • Access to job listings and post job openings

  • Valuable Georgia statewide coaches only networking

  • And now you can be in touch with any of them

We are proud to introduce you to the new GACA App.

DOWNLOAD THE MEMBERS ONLY GACA APP. If you are not a member yet, join here.

To setup their account, the first time you login click “forgot password” and go through the steps there.  (screenshot attached).  This will set their password for future use.

Now you can stay in touch with your fellow coaches statewide. Plus, get valuable information throughout the year.
We are glad to have you on board!

View Post
Join and get the app.

Sideline Store Grand Opening

GA Athletic Coaches Association
GRAND OPENING SALE

    

It's official. Your NEW GA Athletic Coaches Association Sideline Store is LIVE. To help fans celebrate, we're offering our deepest discount of the year—25% OFF all Sideline Store purchases with code SPIRIT for an entire month! Follow these steps to start promoting this epic Grand Opening sale today. SHOP NOW

View Post
Sideline Store Grand Opening

Atlanta Falcons


770-578-6366, PO Box 1120 Jesup, GA, 31598

why join

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Our 2024-25 Membership is 10404 and still counting.

With over 10,000 coaches as members we keep growing.
Become a part of GACA today. Institutional Memberships available now.

Click the toggle arrows to view the latest info...

The GACA Today

Atlanta Falcons

Football

Flag Football

Cheer

Basketball

Volleyball

Weight Lifting

Softball

Bass Fishing

Positive Athlete

In Memoriam

Questions?

Hi, I'm Debbie and I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have about GACA, call us at 912-424-8615

or write us at: GACA Coaches, PO Box 1120, Jesup, GA, 31598

This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for homepage.

Flag Football

Cheer

Volleyball


770-578-6366, PO Box 1120 Jesup, GA, 31598

why join

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Our 2024-25 Membership is 10404 and still counting.

With over 10,000 coaches as members we keep growing.
Become a part of GACA today. Institutional Memberships available now.

Click the toggle arrows to view the latest info...

The GACA Today

Atlanta Falcons

Football

Flag Football

Cheer

Basketball

Volleyball

Weight Lifting

Softball

Bass Fishing

Positive Athlete

In Memoriam

Questions?

Hi, I'm Debbie and I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have about GACA, call us at 912-424-8615

or write us at: GACA Coaches, PO Box 1120, Jesup, GA, 31598

This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for homepage.

Softball


770-578-6366, PO Box 1120 Jesup, GA, 31598

why join

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Our 2024-25 Membership is 10404 and still counting.

With over 10,000 coaches as members we keep growing.
Become a part of GACA today. Institutional Memberships available now.

Click the toggle arrows to view the latest info...

The GACA Today

Atlanta Falcons

Football

Flag Football

Cheer

Basketball

Volleyball

Weight Lifting

Softball

Bass Fishing

Positive Athlete

In Memoriam

Questions?

Hi, I'm Debbie and I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have about GACA, call us at 912-424-8615

or write us at: GACA Coaches, PO Box 1120, Jesup, GA, 31598

This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for homepage.

Soccer


  • A-D1/ A-D2 

  • Class 2A

  • Class 3A

  • Class 4A

  • Class 5A

  • Class 6A

  • Private (A-AAA)


  • Class A DI

  • Class A DII

  • Class 2A

  • Class 3A

  • Class 4A

  • Class 5A

  • Class 6A

  • Private (A-AAA)


Sponsored by BSN and GEORGIA COACHES V OVERDOSES
Northwest Whitfield High School, 1651 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road, Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
June 3, 2026

ALL STAR OFFICIALS- Senad Veledar, Tarik Veledar and Aleksandar Racanovic

  • GACA ALL STAR GIRLS TEAM SHAW (LIGHT)

  • GACA ALL STAR GIRLS TEAM HUDL (DARK)

  • ALL STAR BOYS LEADING EDGE (LIGHT)

  • GACA ALL STAR BOYS TEAM BSN (DARK)

GACA ALL STAR GIRLS TEAM SHAW (LIGHT)
Head CoachPaul DalhauserPope
Assistant CoachChad GriffinHebron Christian
Assistant CoachMegan CaylorMonroe Area
Assistant CoachSean EstepWhitewater
GACA CoordinatorMickey FolsomMonroe Area
#PlayerSchool Coach
1Lexi GoodmanPace AcademyDeclan Traiquar
2Allison WintersOconee CountyJudson Hamby
3Micah TurnerHebron ChristianChad Griffin
4Charlie YoungGlynn AcademyThomas Lemmon
5Maddie CassOconee CountyJudson Hamby
6Ellie KuhnWhitewaterSean Estep
7Sophie DommertNorcrossLaura Freeman
8Kyleigh (KJ )WellsMonroe AreaMegan Caylor
9Samme SuppesJeffersonMolly McCarty
10Carson WingoMcIntoshCasey Kreitner
11Meredith WagnerWhitewaterSean Estep
12Skylar SchroderBrookwoodMichael Tolmich
13Kambrie MorrowSocial CircleHeather Richardson
14Lily JoswickPopePaul Dalhauser
15Brielle DelgadoAlexanderJason Cann
16Adelina RitchieHeritage-ConyersChris Nugent
17Marcela AstonJohns CreekJim Crase
18Rachel GodfreyLuellaJames Roberts
19Caroline HarperIrwin CountyRob Brunel

Bass Fishing


Buford HS Conner Thomson and Emerson Botham      Coach Casey Laws

Lambert HS Dylan Johnson and Jack Crabtree     Coach Josh Sullivan

Greenbrier HS Evan Beard and Tyler Wilson     Coach Dana Hadden

Hart County HS Kason Carden and Kain Norris     Coach Hutch Arrowood

Marist School Tanner Karakis and Miller Moore     Coach Preston Bazemore

Positive Athlete

Five $1,000 scholarships to be given to high school children of high school coaches who participate in sports while in grades 9-12 are eligible. Nominations open for 2025-2026. 

Legacy-Award-2025
Read More

In Memoriam

Coach Otis Lee Smart Jr.

The GACA is sad to announce the passing of Girls Basketball Coach Otis Smart- Longtime Friend and member of the GACA. Coach Smart will be missed and thoughts and prayers are extended to the Smart Family. Funeral arrangements can be found by clicking here

Coach Otis Lee Smart Jr.

Coach Rodney Walker

It is with heavy hearts that the GACA sends thoughts and prayers with the Rodney Walker Family. Coach Walker Passed away on May 9, 2026, and was a longtime friend and leader in the GACA as well as GACA Hall of Fame Member.  Funeral service details are below for Monday May 18, 2026.

coach-rodney-walker

Coach Rodney Walker

Fred W. Shaver Jr.

Coach Shaver JrMr. Fred William Shaver Jr., age 91, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, GA. Fred was born in Garden City, AL on August 2, 1934. He attended Hanceville High School and graduated from the University of North Alabama. Fred is better known as Coach Shaver by all those who know and love him. From 1966-1973, Coach Shaver served as the head football coach at Southeast Bulloch High School. He took a brand new program that was 0-11 in 1966 and transformed it into a powerhouse, winning the South Georgia Championship in 1971 and State Championships in 1972 and 1973. In addition to being the head football coach, Fred Shaver was also the assistant principal, full-time math teacher, Head Coach of Varsity Baseball, and Head Coach of the JV Girls Basketball. He also served as assistant Varsity Girls Basketball coach.

Fred retired from coaching after winning those 2 state football championships and transitioned to the Bulloch County Board of Education where he was the Assistant Superintendent from July 1974 to July of 1992, spending a total of 35 years with the Georgia School Systems.

Fred Shaver was not only a superb coach, but he was also a very successful Army Officer. He served a total of 34 years in the Georgia Army National Guard as Field Artillery Officer. He progressed through the ranks from 2nd Lieutenant all the way to Brigadier General.

Fred W. Shaver Jr.

Coach Buddy Knapp

Coach Buddy Knapp passed away on Saturday January 3, 2026 in Centre, Alabama.

He was Head Football Coach at Mt. Zion High School( Carrollton, Ga.) from 1989-1995 and 2002-2003, he also was the Head Football Coach at Coosa High School from 1996-2001.

Services will be Thursday January 8, 2026 at Perry Funeral Home, Centre, Al. Visitation from 11:00 am-12:00 am(CT), funeral service at 12:00 am(CT)

Coach Buddy Knapp

Coach Donald Dollar

Coach Dollar

A Celebration Service Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mr. Donald E. Dollar of East Point, Georgia who passed away October 15, 2025, his service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, 12 noon at World Changers Church International, 2500 Burdett Road, College Park, Georgia; Dr. Creflo Dollar, Senior Pastor and Eulogist and Pastor Carol Jones, Officiant. Interment, Private. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Home Chapel, 8968 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro, Georgia. He is survived by his two sons, Chad (Kyla) of College Park, Georgia and Cameron (Maureen) of Seattle, Washington; six grandchildren, Aliyah, Darian (Kayla), Jalen, Giselle, Chloe, and Jason; brother, Kenneth (Carol) of Marietta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Emma of Fayetteville, Georgia; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 11:30 a.m.

Coach Donald Dollar

Chip Emerson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chip Emerson. Longtime “WEB MASTER” and friend of the GACA. “Chip” worked selflessly for over a decade behind the scenes with the GACA to serve its membership. He was a recipient of the GACA Calvin Lee Murray Award 2023 and he will be missed by all that knew him and benefitted from his service.

Chip Emerson, 76, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa Ford and daughter, Abigail Emerson. John Roy Emerson was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His family moved to Knoxville which was home for many years.

Chip attended the University of Tennessee. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1969 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He specialized in communications while serving. He returned to Knoxville and began his career in radio sales working for several local stations, including WKGN and WIVK. Chip started an advertising and public relations agency, Media Dimensions, during the World’s Fair. He specialized in commercials, video production and public relations. He sold his agency and moved to Atlanta in 1988. Chip continued as a marketing consultant helping clients with their web presence and sales.

When in Knoxville, Chip was the owner of a popular campus bar on the Strip, The Place. It was a well known spot for student’s late night adventures and live music. He had a love for music of all types which he passed on to his daughter. He followed all University of Tennessee sports and to his dismay was unable to pass that passion on to his daughter.

In 2023, Chip was inducted into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association for his service to elevate and strengthen the association. He was a lifelong avid golfer which is another love he and his daughter shared. Chip served on the Board of Governors at Dunwoody Country Club and on various committees. The community of Sandy Springs is also where he actively served and volunteered. Heritage Sandy Springs was his focus for many years. He was on the Advisory Board of the City Springs Theatre Company.

From Tahiti, Australia, China, Europe and most recently Japan, he enjoyed travel adventures with his wife and daughter. Chip was simply one of the good guys. He always had a smile, was incredibly kind and never met a stranger. He was a wise, fun and all-around best dad.

Chip was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary Emerson, his sisters Mary Ellen Blount and Pat Chandler. He is survived by sisters, Gayle Dwyer and Cindy Morris.

In honor of his wife’s volunteer efforts and his commitment to Sandy Springs, his family requests any donations be made to The Sandy Springs Society, P.O. Box 720074, Sandy Springs GA 30358.

Chip Emerson

Questions?

Hi, I'm Debbie and I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have about GACA, call us at 912-424-8615

or write us at: GACA Coaches, PO Box 1120, Jesup, GA, 31598

Secret Link