Last month, the NFHS announced its National Coaches of the Year for the past school year – 24 individuals who have given many years to leading high school sports programs across the country.

When people are recognized with national awards, often the term “great” is tossed around. Certainly, the 24 national recipients all had resumes filled with impressive accomplishments, but what really qualifies as a “great” coach?

While the measuring stick may be solely victories and championships at higher levels, “great” high school coaches are individuals who, along with achieving success on the field or court, make a positive impact on the lives of their student-athletes.

For sure, the records, awards and accomplishments of this year’s NFHS National Coaches of the Year are extraordinary. These individuals have led their respective teams to a combined 146 state championships. Many have undefeated seasons and multiple “Coach of the Year” awards on their resumes.

However, a deeper look into these amazing coaches reveals what they consider “great” about their accomplishments. Their comments about personal coaching philosophies support the value of these programs in our nation’s schools.

Ernie Brooks led Crook County High School from Prineville, Oregon, to its first Oregon School Activities Association Boys Track and Field State Championship last year – and he did it by involving as many students as possible.

“We teach that we truly are not greater than the sum of our parts, and our athletes learn that when they dedicate themselves to each other and work hard to accomplish a goal, they find the greatest purpose and joy in this life,” Brooks said. “Each track member’s accomplished goal is an encouragement to another teammate. Everything we do is aimed at building camaraderie.”

As a testament to his philosophy, during its 2024 state championship victory, Crook County sent 28 boys to state, earning points in every event except two.

Tim Beck has enjoyed enormous success as the boys soccer coach at Ironwood High School in Glendale, Arizona. He has led Ironwood to five Arizona Interscholastic Association state titles, four runner-up finishes and 490 career victories to rank second in state history, but he’s more concerned about his players’ future success than their dominance on the field.

“My greatest reward has always been the small moments when you realize a young athlete has learned something from athletics that they will use throughout their lives as a reference point for future success,” Beck said. “I’ve always enjoyed the competition and excitement of sports, but I’ve come to understand it is the life lessons that will resonate forever.”

Kyle Peacocke has enjoyed considerable success in his 13 years at Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington, leading his girls softball teams to four Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state titles. He has earned eight Coach of the Year honors but is more concerned about developing well-rounded student-athletes on his teams.

“I want to develop well-rounded student-athletes who value education, family, community and team,” Peacocke said. “I strive to instill in my athletes that representing one’s school is an honor and privilege, and instill the values of character, integrity, work ethic and treating all with respect and putting the needs of others and the team above self.”     

Timothy Vinson applies the philosophy that his baseball players don’t play for him; instead, he coaches for them. It is that approach that has led Vinson to more than 400 wins in 16 seasons as baseball coach at Iberia (Missouri) High School. This past season saw Vinson’s team reach its pinnacle with an undefeated 28-0 record and a Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 2A state championship.

“As an influence in their life, I have to ensure that I first model the values of character that I want to see in them,” Vinson said. “It is necessary to take advantage of teachable moments and pay attention to experiences that present the opportunity to demonstrate desirable character traits, such as integrity and leadership. I want them to know and understand what values are important for success after high school. Above all, I have to respect them and teach them to respect others. Sportsmanship and respect have to be visible to our opponents, umpires and spectators.”

Megan Wesolowski’s focus on teamwork and respect for every student has been the key to success as girls spirit/cheer coach at Mount Sinai High School in New York, where she has led her teams to five consecutive New York State Public High School Athletic Association state cheer championships.  

“My coaching philosophy is rooted in the values of teamwork, integrity and respect,” Wesolowski said. “I believe that the success of a team comes from its ability to work together, support one another and communicate openly. I strive to create a positive environment where every athlete feels respected, valued and motivated to contribute their best effort toward our collective goals. Ultimately, my goal is to guide athletes to be their best selves, both as individuals and as members of a team, equipping them with the skills, values and mindset necessary to succeed in sports and life.”

These are but a few of the amazing individuals selected as NFHS National Coaches of the Year – all of whom have impacted student-athletes in positive ways for decades. We appreciate the great work of this year’s award recipients – and thousands of others who are making a difference every day in our nation’s schools.

Read all NFHS Voice columns here.