INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI women's track and field assistant coach Marissa Chew was recently awarded a Level 2 Rising Star Award from USATF. The award recognizes a coach that has utilized the USATF level 2 program to make an impact on their coaching that includes sustained, exceptional performance. It is presented annually to recognize one individual who has exemplified the impact of the USATF coaching education program. This award recognizes a young coach in the first 10-15 years of his/her career that has shown an exceptional level of passion an initiative in Coaching Education.

Chew also earned a similar recognition from the USWTCA earlier this winter. 

"I am honored to have received these two awards by the USATF Coaches Education and USWTCA boards. Knowing that my peers and mentors think that my work is above and beyond the standard is very humbling. While I do nothing for recognition, it is rewarding to be recognized by those in our track and field community," Chew said. "Thank you to Larry Judge and those on the Coaches Education board for their trust in me to deliver educational content to coaches interested in learning the foundational pieces of becoming an impactful track and field coach. Thank you to Cristy Snellgroves and those on the United States Women's Track Coaches Association board for uplifting and supporting women in coaching.

"They're both doing great work and there is so much more to be done!"

Examples of USATF CE organizational service that help qualify for the Rising Star Award include: 

• A frequent speaker/contributor at USATF level 1, or level 2
• A history of service to USATF CE at the club/local, state or national level
• A frequent contributor of articles, videos or books that strengthen the professionalism of coaching, or point the way to new, creative approaches
• Working with beginning coaches/coaching students to provide inspiration and direction (mentoring, shadowing)
• Offering support to the CE Committee to strengthen curricula, outreach and public relations in our CE schools

"On and off the field, few coaches in recent years have impacted a collegiate track and field program more than Marissa Chew," said Dr. Larry Judge, Professor at Ball State University and USATF National Chairman of Coaches Education. "Her legacy is communication and building strong relationships.

"Marissa has been a big part of the recent virtual success of our Coaching Education program at USATF. She has helped transition the program to a virtual (zoom) format and her work as an instructor has been outstanding. She is an outstanding young coach and a recent contributor to the USATF Coaching Education program. She is very deserving of the Rising Star Award."

Chew has been instrumental in the IUPUI program's growth, expanding the roster to feature athletes in multis, jumps, sprints and hurdles in recent years. Her coaching versatility has proven to a strong complement to the program's strong base in distance running.