From Loss and Grief Comes a Vision

       Following the loss of his first wife to brain cancer and subsequently leaving the ministry of FCA
(Fellowship of Christian Athletes) a few months later, Nelson Cook was provided a furlough to learn
about raising his three elementary-age daughters.  During this time, the Lord put on his heart a ministry
to coaches.  He’d been a coach and worked with coaches for many years.  He knew they had
tremendous influence with kids, but they also had many challenges, burdens, and pressures on them
and their families.

The Birth of a Vision

       As the Lord put on his heart a ministry to coaches (all sports, all levels), a plan to develop it began
to emerge in late 1996.
       Nelson shared the vision with a close and special friend, Terry Franson, V.P. of Student Affairs at
Azusa Pacific University.
       Terry suggested that he meet with Steve Quatro, Director of Sports Outreach Los Angeles (SOLA).  
Steve thought the vision was a terrific idea.  A couple of people from the SOLA Board met with Steve,
Nelson, and Terry, and they formulated a plan to start CO•IN (COaches of INfluence) under the banner
of SOLA in January 1997.  The first official Coaches Fellowship began in March of 1997.  In November of
2004, CO•IN became an official 501c3 tax exempt corporation, independent of Sports Outreach Los
Angeles.  CO•IN has a Board of Directors.
History