The NFHS is proud to name Amy Dunlap of Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati, Ohio as the 2017-18 Girls Soccer Coach of the Year!

Amy Dunlap sees her job as a coach as a chance to inspire young women to "optimize their potential not only between the lines, but in the real world as well." Coaches like her are the reason that high school sports are so critical to the development of young people and the NFHS is proud to have named her as the National Coach of the Year for Girls Soccer for the 2017-18 school year. 

School: Indian Hill High School

2017-18 Win/Loss: 22-0 | State Championships: 1

Coaching Highlights: NFHS State Coach of the Year (2017), Regional Coach of the Year (2001, 2011), State Coach of the Year (2001, 2011, 2015-17), Southwest Coach of Year (2000-01, 2011-12, 2015-17), League Coach of Year (2001, 2003-04, 2011, 2014-17)

State Champions 2017 (1st in history of program), Final Four (2003-04, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017), League Championships (10 times)

All-State Players: 28; All-State Players of the Year: 2; All-Americans: 6 

Philosophy of Athletics

Coach Dunlap believes that athletics serve as an extension of the classroom and are an opportunity to holistically develop hard-working, dedicated and passionate people. Participation in sports allows for exposure to fundamental life lessons including how to overcome adversity and how to work for the collective good of a group. In essence, athletics helps students appreciate being part of something bigger than themselves.

Having the opportunity as a coach to work her players inspires her to help them realize and optimize their potential not only between the lines but in the real-world as well. Coach Dunlap values teamwork, perseverance and the infamous intangible: grit. She aspires to help student-athletes realize and work toward common goals while focusing on the greater good as opposed to the individual. Her work with students motivates her to become a better coach, teacher, and human being. She feels fortunate to work with young women within her program who help continually push me. The are a driving force as a coach and their commitment rejuvenates her each day.

When athletes leave her program, she wants them to feel confident to advocate for themselves and for societal ideals they are invested in. She hopes that they can navigate the uncertain roads of college, careers, and personal relationships while using their experience in the program as a support system. It is a fundamental tool to help them find prosperity and happiness while knowing that through the value of teamwork and personal sacrifice, anything is possible.

See all of the 2017-18 National Coach of the Year recipients by viewing our press release.