Local Resident Awarded AAU Coach of the Year Awards

PLAINFIELD, IL (October 19, 2018) - After leading organization, Rush Athletics USA, to receive the 2018 AAU Track and Field District Club of the Year award, Plainfield resident and head coach Nicole Lincoln received three special awards at the 2018 AAU National Convention held in Cleveland, Ohio during the Track and Field General Session. Lincoln was named the 2018 AAU Zone Coach of the Year (Central District), 2018 AAU Track and Field National Coach of the Year, and 2018 AAU National Coach of the Year.

"It's been a pleasure seeing Rush Athletics USA's youth programs blossom under Nicole's tutelage and energy," said Marchan Adkins Lt. Governor and Track & Field Chairman of Central AAU. "She is a woman of integrity, character, and passion for youth sports. Her commitment to excellence is second to none, as she has a strong desire to see our youth athletes grow in all areas of life. We are very proud of what Nicole and her organization have accomplished this year."

Photo caption: During the 2o18 Down Under Games held at Griffin University, Australia, Team USA swept the 16-17 Mens Division Triple Jump under the guidance of Coach Lincoln.

This honor is the latest cross country/track and field coaching achievement for Lincoln, who has racked up a number of honors over the course of her coaching career. Currently, she is the assistant track coach for the Rich Central Olympians and head cross country/track coach for the Southwood Middle School Wildcats. For the past five year since deciding to specialize in coaching long jump, triple jump, and high jump, Lincoln has trained over 50+ All-American and All-State athletes with countless athletes (males and females) who qualified for IESA and IHSA state finals and USATF and AAU national championships. The Plainfield product served as Team USA Jumps Coach for the 2018 Down Under Games USA Team which competed in Australia. Under the guidance of Lincoln, Team USA clinched 5 gold medals and a total of 14 medals in long (5) and triple jump (9).

Lincoln has been recognized in the track and field community as hosting the biggest non-championship track and field meets in Central AAU district with outdoor events reaching over 600 participants and indoor events reaching over 350 participants. Lincoln has also succeeded in establishing the Rush Athletics Track Scholarship and Travel Grant programs. The past four years, Lincoln has raised over $15,000 in funds which helped Rush Athletics award its athletes so they could participate in track and field programs sponsored by the organization and travel to participation in the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

Photo caption: Coach Lincoln pictured with Rush Athletics USA track and field team after clinching the first place team trophy at the 2016 Season Finale Rush Invite meet held at Lewis University - Romeoville, IL.

"Giving back to my community has been an innate part of me and the driving force in all that I do," Lincoln says. "AAU gives me the platform to be able to use my talents to serve youth athletes and their parents. The biggest reward for me is that I am able to put on programs and events to showcase athletes abilities and talents. Also, when money is limited resources for athletes, I get to raise funds to help them be able to participate in those events."

Photo caption: Annual "Giving Day" is a 4th Wednesday in July when Coach Lincoln announces the recipients of Rush Athletics' AAU Junior Olympics Travel Grants.

Lincoln is the founder of Rush Athletic (formerly Illinois Rush Track Club) and established this community-based, grass-roots youth track and field organization to help youths develop their abilities and a love for sports. She was recognized and received the 2018 Central AAU Chairman’s Award for her exceptional contribution to the Central AAU Track and Field Program.

Lincoln does not just coach her athletes, she practices what she preaches and is well-known in the track and field circuit as a master athlete competing in sprints, jumps, and throws -- holding AAU and USATF Illinois state records in those events.

Photo caption: Coach Lincoln pictured with the Central Hardin track team (Kentucky) during her inspiring presentation "emPOWERing Girls" focusing on female athletes and sports.

When Lincoln is not on the track, she is an accomplished presenter and educator with 20 years of service in education. She has been a clinician at many clinics around the Midwest training coaches, athletes, and parents on specific track and field topics and events. Lincoln works closely with and provides training to Plainfield District 202 middle school track and field coaches. Currently, Lincoln is scheduled to present at the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (ITCCCA) and the Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (KTCCCA) clinics in January. She has partnered with several USATF Olympians and corporations for her emPOWERing GIRLS national campaign which will launch workshops focusing on female athletes and sports and an upcoming book.

Photos courtesy of Nicole Lincoln, Down Under Sports, and Michael Burke