Deborah Newkirk is an award winning coach and educator, with over 20 years of experience inspiring students on and off the court.  She played in her first organized basketball game in seventh grade and hasn’t stopped playing or coaching since!  A Kansas native, she began her coaching career at the Junior College and High School levels while completing her Masters of Science degree from Pittsburg State University.  In 1989, Deborah began working for Coach Marian E. Washington, University of Kansas Former Head Coach of 31 years and the Dean of the Big XII.  Deborah coached for several years at Washington’s camps and served as the Jayhawk Site Director for over a decade.  Deborah would later sign as an Assistant Coach for the University of Kansas.  She was blessed to be part of a SWEET 16 NCAA Tournament finish in 1996.

Deborah has coached for 20 years in Missouri, Kansas, and Texas.  For eight years she served as the head coach of the Episcopal School of Dallas.  In 2006, Deborah moved to Austin to begin her private coaching business, COACH ‘EM UP, LLC and to serve as the head of the Physical Education Department for Kirby Hall School, allowing her to continue her passion for sharing the joys of sports with young people. She has enjoyed being a consultant and summer coach for teams
including the Highland Park Scotties in Dallas and LTYA and WAYA in Austin.

Deborah has been noted for her enthusiasm, her passion for teaching, and for how she cares for her players past their commitment to the gym.  Her interest in “reverse recruiting” and educating players and their families about playing college ball has guided over a dozen student athletes, including three Division I players, to go on to play at the collegiate level.  Deborah has been named Missouri Conference Coach of the Year  and has taken many teams to first time winning seasons.  In addition to her coaching accolades, she has been named and honored as a National Teacher of the Year and a Recognized Physical Educator in Kansas.

Deborah has had the privilege of working with amazing athletes and coaches during her career. In 2010, she teamed up with longtime friend and basketball legend, Lynette Woodward, to offer basketball and volleyball clinics. Visit their website, Rule 13 Athletics, for more information.

Deborah Newkirk, former University of Kansas Head Coach Marian E. Washington, and Basketball Legend Lynette Woodard