The NFHS is proud to name Leon Braisted III of Birmingham Brother Rice and Bloomfield Hills Marian in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as the 2017-18 Boys Golf Coach of the Year!

Coach Leon Braisted III of Birmingham Brother Rice and Bloomfield Hills Marian takes his role as a golf coach very seriously. He knows that he is teaching his golfers a lifelong sport and lifelong lessons go to along with it. He believes that students can learn to support one another, the value of hard work and perseverance through the game. By running a no-cut program, he offers students of all ability levels the chance to grow as people and golfers. The NFHS is honored to name Coach Leon Braisted III as 2017-18 NATIONAL Boys Golf Coach of the Year!

School: Bloomfield Hills Marian/Birmingham Brother Rice

2017-18 Win/Loss: 14-2 | State Championships: 5

Coaching Highlights: Catholic League Coach of the year – Boys (2017), MIGCA Hall of Fame (2015), NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year (2007, 2011, 2015), MHSCA – Girls Golf Coach of the year (2007, 2011, 2014)

MIGCA Honors: 2017 – MIGCA Regional – Girls Coach of the Year, 2014 – MIGCA – State Coach of the Year, 2013 – MIGCA – Division II Coach of the Year, 2012 - MIGCA – Regional Coach of the Year, 2011 – MIGCA – Regional Coach of the Year – Boys, 2010 – MIGCA – Coach of the Year - State, 2007 – MIGCA – Coach of the Year - State, 2006 – MIGCA – Division II Coach of the Year, 2008 - Observer-Eccentric Coach of the Year, 2007 - Oakland Press Coach of the Year

Philosophy of Athletics

An Athletic program opens the door for students to become involved in different sports. Any sport the student joins, is quite a learning experience. A coach teaches the players to be "team players and learn the rules of the sport". During the practices and playing the sport the player learns tolerance, become alert to their surroundings and most important it offers exercise.

As a golf coach for 21 years, Coach Braisted recognizes that golf is a life-long sport. The player learns patience, perseverance and motivates the individual to desire to improve their game. At the beginning of each new season, he encourages the students to join in participating on a golf team. He does not turn any student away from being on the team whether they know how to play golf or not. There is much one can learn from being a teammate and facing the challenge of self-improvement along with meeting new friends.

Joining a sports team is more than just excelling on the field. It is the ability to meet others, a place and time where a person can enjoy the moments away from the rapid pace of daily life. It also makes the individual cognitive of their surroundings.

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