National Coach of the Year.
The NHSSCA's highest annual individual coaching honor, recognizing outstanding leadership, service, and contributions to high school strength and conditioning across the nation.
NHSSCA Coach of the Year
Excellence Deserves Recognition.
Honoring high school strength and conditioning coaches whose leadership, dedication, and commitment elevate student-athletes, strengthen programs, and advance the profession.
One Nomination. National. Regional. State. Three Levels of Recognition.
Three Levels of Recognition
One Nomination. More Ways to Honor Excellence.
Coaching excellence deserves recognition at every level. Through one nomination process, the NHSSCA considers eligible high school strength and conditioning coaches for National, Regional, and State Coach of the Year honors.
Regional Coach of the Year.
Celebrating exceptional coaches whose influence, professional leadership, and commitment to student-athletes strengthen high school strength and conditioning throughout their region.
State Coach of the Year.
Honoring dedicated coaches who make a meaningful difference within their state's schools, athletic programs, and student-athlete communities.
One Connected Recognition Process
One Nomination. Three Opportunities.
Following National Coach of the Year selection, eligible remaining candidates are considered for Regional Coach of the Year honors. Those not selected at the Regional level remain eligible for State Coach of the Year consideration. There is no need to submit separate nominations for each award.
Every Level Matters. Every Coach's Impact Counts.
How Coaches Are Selected
A Thoughtful Process. A Meaningful Honor.
Behind every Coach of the Year honor is a structured review of coaching excellence. The process begins with a nomination and moves through State, Regional, and National consideration. Once the National recipient is selected, remaining eligible candidates are considered for Regional and State recognition.
Nomination
A current NHSSCA Professional Member nominates an eligible high school strength and conditioning coach through the annual Coach of the Year nomination form.
Candidate Application
Notified nominees are invited to complete the Coach of the Year application. Completed applications are then forwarded to the appropriate NHSSCA State Director for review.
State Review
Each State Director reviews the submitted applications and identifies the top two candidates to advance to NHSSCA Regional leadership for national consideration.
Regional Review
NHSSCA Regional leadership evaluates the candidates advanced by State Directors and selects one candidate to represent the region in the National Coach of the Year pool.
National Decision
The national pool is considered for the NHSSCA's highest annual individual coaching honor. One coach is selected as National Coach of the Year.
Regional & State Selections
Following National selection, remaining eligible candidates are considered for Regional Coach of the Year honors and subsequently for State Coach of the Year recognition.
A Connected Selection Process
One Nomination. Multiple Opportunities to Honor Excellence.
Coaches do not need separate nominations for National, Regional, and State awards. The same nomination initiates consideration across the three levels of recognition. Each stage helps the NHSSCA identify and celebrate coaches whose impact deserves acknowledgment.
Selection eligibility note: State Directors may be considered for Regional and National Coach of the Year, but are not eligible to receive the State Coach of the Year award. All candidates remain subject to NHSSCA eligibility requirements.
More Than an Award
The Impact Goes Beyond the Award.
A Coach of the Year honor recognizes far more than a successful season or an impressive program. It recognizes the people whose daily commitment shapes student-athletes, strengthens schools, and raises the standard of the profession.
Developing More Than Athletes.
The best coaches teach effort, accountability, confidence, and resilience. Lessons first learned in the weight room often remain long after the final game.
Strengthening the School Community.
Through relationships with athletes, coaches, educators, and families, strength coaches help build cultures of preparation, trust, and shared responsibility.
Raising the Standard for Others.
By mentoring fellow coaches, sharing knowledge, and leading with integrity, these professionals move high school strength and conditioning forward.
The Award Recognizes Excellence. The Real Legacy Is the People They Influence.
National Coach of the Year Honorees
Excellence Recognized. Coaches Who Set the Standard.
Each year, the NHSSCA recognizes a National Coach of the Year whose commitment to student-athletes and the profession reflects the highest standards of high school strength and conditioning. Explore the coaches who have earned this distinction.
Select a year to meet its National honoree.
2018–2026
2026 National Coach of the Year Amber Burson
2026 National Coach of the Year
Amber Burson
Lexington High School · Nebraska
2025 National Coach of the Year Paul Kolody
2025 National Coach of the Year
Paul Kolody
2024 National Coach of the Year Matt Cates
2024 National Coach of the Year
Matt Cates
2023 National Coach of the Year Mike Crissinger
2023 National Coach of the Year
Mike Crissinger
2022 National Coach of the Year John Garrish
2022 National Coach of the Year
John Garrish
2021 National Coach of the Year Rob Brokaw
2021 National Coach of the Year
Rob Brokaw
2020 National Coach of the Year Eric Cash
2020 National Coach of the Year
Eric Cash
2019 National Coach of the Year Garrett Keith
2019 National Coach of the Year
Garrett Keith
2018 National Coach of the Year Tobias Jacobi
2018 National Coach of the Year
Tobias Jacobi
More NHSSCA Coach of the Year Honorees
Excellence Across Every Region and State.
National recognition is one part of the NHSSCA Coach of the Year program. Explore the coaches who have earned Regional and State honors.
Different Coaches. Different Programs. One Shared Commitment to Excellence.
Class of 2027 Nominations
Recognize Excellence. Know the Requirements.
The NHSSCA Coach of the Year program recognizes outstanding high school strength and conditioning coaches at the National, Regional, and State levels. Before submitting a 2027 nomination, please review the requirements, exclusions, and nomination timeline.
2027 Coach of the Year Nominations
October 1–31, 2026
Submit your nomination during the published nomination window. One nomination begins consideration for National, Regional, and State Coach of the Year honors.
October 2026
01–31
Nominee Eligibility Requirements
Years of Full-Time Experience
The nominee must have at least five years serving as a full-time faculty member in the role of strength and conditioning coach at a public or private high school.
Current Professional Membership
The coach being nominated must be a current NHSSCA Professional Member to be eligible for Coach of the Year consideration.
Nominated by Another Member
A nomination must be submitted by another current NHSSCA Professional Member. Coaches must be nominated by an eligible member.
Professional Membership Required
Both the nominator and nominee must maintain current NHSSCA Professional Membership. Membership eligibility is part of the nomination requirements.
Previous Honorees — Exclusions
Previous National Coach of the Year recipients and NHSSCA Hall of Fame inductees are not eligible for the 2027 Coach of the Year nomination process.
What Nominators Should Expect
What Happens After a Nomination?
The initial nomination starts the recognition process. It does not automatically make a coach a finalist or award recipient.
01
Submit the Nomination
A current Professional Member provides the nominee's contact information, school, state, and NHSSCA region through the 2027 nomination form.
02
Candidate Application
Notified nominees are invited to complete the Coach of the Year application. Completed applications are forwarded for State and Regional review.
03
Award Consideration
Candidates progress through National consideration. Remaining eligible candidates are subsequently considered for Regional and State Coach of the Year honors.
Class of 2027 Nominations
Recognize Excellence. Know the Requirements.
The NHSSCA Coach of the Year program recognizes outstanding high school strength and conditioning coaches at the National, Regional, and State levels. Before submitting a 2027 nomination, please review the requirements, exclusions, and nomination timeline.
2027 Coach of the Year Nominations
October 1–31, 2026
Submit your nomination during the published nomination window. One nomination begins consideration for National, Regional, and State Coach of the Year honors.
October 2026
01–31
Nominee Eligibility Requirements
Years of Full-Time Experience
The nominee must have at least five years serving as a full-time faculty member in the role of strength and conditioning coach at a public or private high school.
Current Professional Membership
The coach being nominated must be a current NHSSCA Professional Member to be eligible for Coach of the Year consideration.
Nominated by Another Member
A nomination must be submitted by another current NHSSCA Professional Member. Coaches must be nominated by an eligible member.
Professional Membership Required
Both the nominator and nominee must maintain current NHSSCA Professional Membership. Membership eligibility is part of the nomination requirements.
Previous Honorees — Exclusions
Previous National Coach of the Year recipients and NHSSCA Hall of Fame inductees are not eligible for the 2027 Coach of the Year nomination process.
What Nominators Should Expect
What Happens After a Nomination?
The initial nomination starts the recognition process. It does not automatically make a coach a finalist or award recipient.
01
Submit the Nomination
A current Professional Member provides the nominee's contact information, school, state, and NHSSCA region through the 2027 nomination form.
02
Candidate Application
Notified nominees are invited to complete the Coach of the Year application. Completed applications are forwarded for State and Regional review.
03
Award Consideration
Candidates progress through National consideration. Remaining eligible candidates are subsequently considered for Regional and State Coach of the Year honors.
The Recognition Continues
Great Coaches Make an Impact. Help Us Recognize Theirs.
Every outstanding high school strength coach has a story worth telling. Behind each successful program are relationships built, athletes developed, and a commitment to making others better. Help us recognize those whose leadership and service deserve to be celebrated.
Professional Member Access
Ready to Recognize a Deserving Coach?
Coach of the Year nominations are available to eligible NHSSCA Professional Members. Sign in to review your access or explore Professional Membership.
Educate. Equip. Empower. Recognize Excellence.