The NFHS is proud to name Desmond Dunham of St. John's College High School in Chevy Chase, DC as the 2018-19 Girls Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year!

Coach Dunham sees his role as on the track as an opportunity to develop well-rounded student athletes. He strives to instill the values of determination, perseverance and teamwork in his teams. He knows that it will lead healthy, active lifestyles in the future. St. John's College High School should be proud to have the 2018-19 NATIONAL Girls Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year!

School: St. John's College High School

Seasons Coaching: 22 | State Championships: 38

Coaching Highlights: WCAC Conference Coach of the Year (2019), Washington Post All-Met Coach of the Year (2018, 13, 07), All-Gazette Coach of the Year (eight-time recipient), Washington Post All-Met Coach of the Year – Indoor Track (2019), United States Track & Field / Cross Country Coaches Association Girls DC Coach of the Year (2019, 17, 16, 15), Brooks Inspiring National Coaches Award (2014), and ESPN/Dyestat National Coach of the Week (2008).

WCAC Girl's Cross Country Team Champions (2017-19), WCAC Girl's Track and Field Team Champions (2018, 19), 3x Penn Relays Girl's HS Championship of America Titles (2007, 08), 17x National HS Girls Relay Championships (2007-12), 2x HS Girls Nike National Team Cross Country Qualifiers (2009, 10), DCIAA Girl's Cross Country & Indoor Track Champions (2012-16), DCSAA Girl's Indoor Track & Field Champions (2013), and 3x MD State X-Country Championship Girls Team Titles (2005-07).

Philosophy of Athletics

All athletics should develop well-rounded individuals who will learn and enhance critical motor and athletic skills while building character, determination, perseverance, and collaboration in a nurturing environment. In spite of the level a sport is offered, it should be an appropriate high-quality and organized program that empowers children to live healthy and active lifestyles. Coaches truly don't know their success until they see their student-athletes 5, 10, or even 20 years later in life. Coaches should all want to see the seeds that are currently planting to manifest in their lives later in life. When we can see our positive impact and influence then, we know that we were truly successful!

See all of the 2018-19 National Coach of the Year recipients in our press release.