Developing Student-Athletes.
Building confidence, discipline, resilience, and habits that extend beyond the weight room and athletic competition.
NHSSCA State Coach of the Year
Local Leadership. Lasting Impact.
Honoring high school strength and conditioning coaches whose daily leadership develops student-athletes, strengthens school communities, and advances the profession across the states. State Coach of the Year recognizes the impact great coaching can make close to home.
State Recognition. Coaching Excellence Felt In Every Community.
The Meaning of State Recognition
Excellence Begins Close to Home.
Some of the most meaningful contributions to high school athletics happen far from the spotlight. State Coach of the Year honors recognize strength and conditioning coaches whose consistent leadership makes a lasting difference in their schools and communities.
State Coach of the Year
A Meaningful Honor. A Lasting Contribution.
The NHSSCA celebrates coaches whose contributions go beyond the daily training session. These professionals help develop young people, establish standards of excellence within their schools, and strengthen the role of high school strength and conditioning in their state.
The Impact of Great Coaching
Strengthening School Communities.
Creating positive training cultures, supporting sport coaches, and developing relationships that connect athletes, educators, and families.
Advancing the Profession.
Demonstrating professional leadership, mentoring other coaches, sharing knowledge, and raising the standard of high school strength and conditioning.
One Connected Recognition Process
One Nomination. Three Levels of Recognition.
State Coach of the Year is part of the NHSSCA's unified Coach of the Year recognition program. One nomination begins consideration for National, Regional, and State honors. Following National and Regional award selections, remaining eligible candidates are considered for State Coach of the Year recognition.
2026 State Coach of the Year
State Recognition. Lasting Contributions.
The NHSSCA proudly celebrates the 2026 State Coaches of the Year. These coaches represent the leadership, dedication, and professional excellence that make a meaningful difference in high school strength and conditioning across their states.
Meet the 2026 State Honorees
01
NHSSCA Region 1
Southeast
Alabama
Brad Fortney
Enterprise High School
Florida
Josh Boyer
Leesburg High School
Georgia
Ryan Licardo
Buford High School
North Carolina
Madison Nichting
Myers Park High School
South Carolina
Lilly Solebee
Dorman High School
Tennessee
Justin Louden
Ezell-Harding Christian School
02
NHSSCA Region 2
Southwest
Arkansas
Brandon Jay
Cabot High School
Louisiana
Chris Daigle
Lutcher High School
Oklahoma
Nick Davis
Christian Heritage Academy
Texas
Nick Mascioli
Second Baptist School
03
NHSSCA Region 3
Rocky Mountain
Arizona
Kyle Vanden Bosch
Brophy College Preparatory
Colorado
Justin Brennan
Holy Family High School
New Mexico
Nate Chavez
Portales High School
04
NHSSCA Region 4
Pacific
2026 Recognition
No State Coach of the Year recipient was selected in the Pacific region for the 2026 award year. Previous honorees remain recognized in the historical archive.
05
NHSSCA Region 5
Northwest
Idaho
Jamie Fuse
Preston High School
Oregon
Joey Jacinto
Franklin High School
06
NHSSCA Region 6
Mid-America
Iowa
Nate Graham
Gilbert High School
Minnesota
Andrew Pederson
Fillmore Central School District
Missouri
Sam McGriff
Pembroke Hill School
Nebraska
Mike Wright
South Sioux City High School
07
NHSSCA Region 7
Great Lakes
Illinois
Brian Adams
Sherrard School District
Indiana
Christopher Smith
Warren Central High School
Michigan
Bob Taylor
Berrien Springs High School
Ohio
Shelby Reichle
Columbus Academy
08
NHSSCA Region 8
Northeast
Massachusetts
Steve Kiely
Boston College High School
Virginia
Paul Carrezola
Norfolk Academy
State Coach of the Year History
Excellence Doesn't Begin or End With One Award Year.
Explore the coaches recognized in previous years, organized by NHSSCA region and state.
State Coach of the Year History
A History of Service.A Legacy of Impact.
Explore State Coach of the Year recipients by NHSSCA region and state. Each entry honors a coach selected during the listed award year. Not every state selects a recipient every year.
Select a region to explore its state-by-state history.8 REGIONS · PUBLISHED HISTORICAL RECORDS
01Southeast7 states · Select to view recipients
Alabama
2026
Brad FortneyEnterprise High School
2025
Chris CournoyerVestavia High School
2024
Ty BurtPell City High School
2023
Chad PhillipsWestbrook Christian School
2022
Kade McGeeAmerican Christian Academy
2021
Brandon HerringHewitt-Trussville HS
2020
Steward Carlisle
2019
Jon Hersel
Florida
2026
Josh BoyerLeesburg High School
2025
Nic GiblinCalvary Christian High School
2024
Taylor SmithThe Kings Academy
2023
Eric ShulzSaint Stephen’s Episcopal School
2022
Cory AunSt. Cloud High School
2021
Jeremy EvansThe Kings Academy
2020
Micah Kurtz
2019
Micah Stucky
Georgia
2026
Ryan LicardoBuford High School
2025
Cody MahlerPerry High School
2024
Dan MullinsAllatoona High School
2023
Stan LuttrellColquitt County High School
2022
PJ GraybeckRiverwoodInternational Charter SchoolName/school separator unclear in published record.
2021
Scott ThompsonDalton High School
2020
Peter Tongren
2019
Dustin Wolf
Mississippi
2025
Michael BrinsonJackson Academy
2024
Jason WilfawnOxford School District
2023
Andrew RaffertyClinton Public Schools
North Carolina
2026
Madison NichtingMyers Park High School
2025
Andre NoelBallantyne Ridge High School
2024
Travis WebbMarvin Ridge High School
2023
Derek ArmahSouth Garner High School
2022
Lew StephensConcord High School
2021
Brian BosmanArdrey Kell HS
2020
William Fly
South Carolina
2026
Lilly SolebeeDorman High School
2025
Chancen BlackwoodBoiling Springs High School
2024
Kyle PollardChesterfield High School
2023
Daniel RochesterT.L. Hanna High School
2021
Mike ArmstrongLugoff-Elgin HS
2020
Robbie Cole
Tennessee
2026
Justin LoudenEzell-Harding Christian School
2025
Fred EavesBattle Ground Academy
2024
Cody ColeyChristian Brothers High School
2023
Jacob ButtramSpringfield High School
2022
Zack FlemingDobyns-Bennett High School
2022
Andrew CaldwellSpartanburg High SchoolPublished under Tennessee; school location needs verification.
2021
Bryan VanvleetEnsworth School
2020
Lincoln Thomas
2019
Brandon Waters
02Southwest4 states · Select to view recipients
Arkansas
2026
Brandon JayCabot High SchoolSource lists this recipient beneath Oklahoma; displayed under Arkansas based on Cabot High School location. Verify award state.
2019
Tyler Weddle
Louisiana
2026
Chris DaigleLutcher High School
2025
Mark HarperEpiscopal School of Baton Rouge
2024
Joe RyanDenham Springs
2023
Ryan OjedaWest Feliciana High School
2021
Jeremy ManyWest Monroe HS
Oklahoma
2026
Nick DavisChristian Heritage Academy
2025
Brett SooterSpringdale High SchoolPublished under Oklahoma; school/state designation needs verification.
2025
Cade OllerPiedmont High School
2024
Dustin CoonBentonville High SchoolPublished under Oklahoma; school/state designation needs verification.
2024
Hunter HaralsonCollinsville High School
2023
John SimmonsMarion School DistrictPublished under Oklahoma; school/state designation needs verification.
2023
Chaz BracciMoore High School
2022
Price HolmesBatesville High SchoolPublished under Oklahoma; school/state designation needs verification.
2020
Colin Roberts
2019
Marty Barnett
Texas
2026
Nick MascioliSecond Baptist School
2025
Tanner SwinfordRockport-Fulton High School
2024
Leo BurksWaco HS
2023
Felicia BrockCollege Station High School
2022
Joey HeronAlice High School
2021
Rachel HayesDenton Guyer HS
2020
Seth Ford
2019
John Mitchell
03Rocky Mountain4 states · Select to view recipients
Arizona
2026
Kyle Vanden BoschBrophy College Preparatory
2025
Micheala BubakCasteel High School
2024
Dominick WoodardCasa Grande Union High School
2023
Bobby DavisSan Tan Charter School
2021
Ben BrandauRed Mountain High School
2020
Chris Musselman
2019
Nick Cornell
Colorado
2026
Justin BrennanHoly Family High School
2025
Karl BarthSummit High School
2021
Justin LoudonVista Ridge High School
2020
Shane King
2019
Mark Carnes
New Mexico
2026
Nate ChavezPortales High School
Utah
2025
Brock MoorePleasant Grove High School
2021
Drew RykertCedar Valley High School
2020
Jordan Blanchard
04Pacific3 states · Select to view recipients
California
2025
Bubba ReynoldsOrange Lutheran High School
2023
Michelle ToyBellarmine College Preparatory
2022
Humberto MedinaAnn Sobrato High School
2021
CJ Del BalsoBeckman High School
2020
Joe Morales
2019
Nick Garcia
Hawaii
2024
Joshua K MartinKauai High School
2022
Aaron MendozaPunahou School
2019
Joshua Roar
Nevada
2025
Lucas WeberMcQueen High School
2024
Chris DoukakisReed High School
05Northwest4 states · Select to view recipients
Idaho
2026
Jamie FusePreston High School
2025
Hailey LuskAmerican Falls High School
2024
Geoff RobertsBlackfoot High School
2023
Justin BurchCanyon Ridge High School
2022
Jason DiStefanoSkyview High School
2021
Cade AckleyHighland High School
2020
Jason George
2019
Josh Bravo
Montana
2025
Tyler KarlbergFlathead High School
2023
Patrick SargentMalta High School
2021
Jon BarnhartRichey School District
2019
Mark Johnson
Oregon
2026
Joey JacintoFranklin High School
2025
Jeremy DyalHood River Valley High School
2024
Tim PetersonRedmond High School
2023
Christi Smith-RyanCentral Catholic High School
2022
Dan LearyAstoria High School
2021
Rob KassebaumCentral High School
2020
Jacob Schauffler
2019
Josh Fagan
Washington
2024
Cassie SnellCheney HS
2022
Ken FrischEvergreen High School
2021
Eric GoughKamiakin High School
2020
Paxton Paynter
06Mid-America7 states · Select to view recipients
Iowa
2026
Nate GrahamGilbert High School
2024
Dave JenkinsAnamosa HS
2023
Jake LewisDallas Center-Grimes High School
2022
Ryan ArnoldPleasant Valley HS
2021
Jay M. DahlWaukee High School
2020
Preston Pedersen
2019
Brian Lutter
Kansas
2022
Lee WeberRose Hill High School
2021
Jeff BrullDodge City High School, USD
2020
Chris Bamberger
Minnesota
2026
Andrew PedersonFillmore Central School District
2025
Zach NauertWestonka High School
2024
Alex GreenwayTracy-Milroy-Balaton
2023
Jeff MummLincoln HS
2022
Lucas HeglandSt. Michael-Albertville High School
2021
Mike BreyenElk River Area High School
2020
Jessica GestName spelling pending verification.
2019
Amanda Berg
Missouri
2026
Sam McGriffPembroke Hill School
2025
Ty VanVelkenbergWindsor High School
2024
Monte YancyBaytown South High SchoolSchool/name spelling pending verification.
2023
Sean McCulloughMcDonald County High School
2022
Brendan GuberaCarl Junction High School
2021
Randall D. SchraderSavannah High School
2020
Nick Hoth
2019
Corey Roy
Nebraska
2026
Mike WrightSouth Sioux City High School
2025
Patrick DoyleGrand Island High School
2024
Amanda ThoberShelton High School
2023
Nick CrousePlatteview High School
2022
Craig SecoraOmaha Westside High School
2021
Trent ClausonConestoga Public Schools
2020
Amber Burson
2019
Brandon Mimick
North Dakota
2022
Kyle HeinzeKindred High School
South Dakota
2022
Kerry BrownBrookings High School
07Great Lakes6 states · Select to view recipients
Illinois
2026
Brian AdamsSherrard School District
2025
Joe CunnaneLockport High School
2024
Frank CampbellMascoutah High School
2023
Kevin BenagesNaperville North HS
2022
Ryan LottJersey Community High School
2021
Jeff LindemanLoyola Academy
2020
Doug Ludoph
2019
John Beerbower
Indiana
2026
Christopher SmithWarren Central High School
2025
Demarco HenryBen Davis High School
2024
Mark GarrettCrown Point High School
2023
AJ GrezenkoHanover Central Community Schools
2022
Marty MillsCenter Grove High School
2021
Danny StruckJeffersonville High School
2020
Scott Pherson
2019
Jim Schwingendorf
Kentucky
2025
Corey ChapmanMadison Central High School
2024
Tolliver HefnerBullit East High School
2023
Tyler FranklinMurray High School
2021
Ed TowleFrederick Douglass High School
2020
Andrew Hackney
2019
Tyler Matthews
Michigan
2026
Bob TaylorBerrien Springs High School
2025
David BeyersGaylord High School
2024
Adam StoyanoffGrand Rapids West Catholic High School
2023
Adam NelsonGrand Rapids Catholic Central High School
2022
Adam TaylorChelsea High School
2020
Ben WojtasAnn Arbor Pioneer High School
2019
Joe ChiaramonteByron Center High School
Ohio
2026
Shelby ReichleColumbus Academy
2025
Brian MongBishop Watterson High School
2024
Pete CollopyMcNicholas High School
2023
Terrell WilliamsSt. Xavier High School
2022
Daniel WeddingFitch High School
2021
Auggie PromersbergerSt. Edward High School
2020
Adam Atallah
2019
Mike Crissinger
Wisconsin
2025
Joel MroczenskiMarathon High School
2024
Dan MlachnikMuskego High School
2022
AJ GiovanettiNotre Dame Academy
2021
Jimmy LitscherSt. Thomas More High School
2020
Michael Duehring
2019
Dean Matsche
08Northeast8 states · Select to view recipients
Connecticut
2019
Brenden Ostaszewski
Maryland
2022
Eamon O’LiddyGeorgetown Prep
2020
Marty Klingelhofer
2019
Phillip Tran
Massachusetts
2026
Steve KielyBoston College High School
2023
Steve DarlingMilton Academy
2022
Blayne LapanWilliston Northampton School
2021
Bill McSheffreySt John’s Prep
2020
Nick Adams
2019
Brian Torres
New Hampshire
—
Michelle Hart-MillerYear not provided in published record.
New Jersey
2024
Mark DeppenDonovan Catholic HS
2023
Joe McAuliffeRed Bank Catholic HS
2022
Robert OrrokRumson-Fair Haven Regional HS
2021
John TorreyPrinceton HS
2020
Mike Skomba
2019
Nick Maruca
New York
2025
Tom LibardiEast Greenbush Central High School
2024
Chris GagstetterSyosset High School
2023
ZaQuan IrbyShaker High School
2020
John Martin
2019
Nate Vankouwenberg
Pennsylvania
2025
Brent NeeleySeton LaSalle Catholic High School
2024
Alex TresslerBishop Guilfoil High School
2023
Mike AdamsAltoona Area High School
2021
John EstokWilliam Penn Charter School
2020
Brandon Peifer
2019
Bill Marnich
Virginia
2026
Paul CarrezolaNorfolk Academy
Help Recognize Coaching Excellence
Local Impact Deserves Lasting Recognition.
Across the country, high school strength and conditioning coaches invest in young people, lead within their schools, and strengthen their communities. If you know a coach whose work deserves recognition, take the first step toward honoring their contribution.
Review Nomination Requirements
Both the nominator and nominee must be current NHSSCA Professional Members. Nominees must have at least five years of full-time high school strength and conditioning coaching experience.
One Connected Recognition Process
One Nomination. Three Levels of Recognition.
A single Coach of the Year nomination begins consideration for National, Regional, and State honors. You do not need to submit a separate State Coach of the Year nomination.
Official Requirements and Access
Start with the National COY Page.
Review the nomination period, membership requirements, experience threshold, exclusions, and access to the official form on the central NHSSCA Coach of the Year page. Nomination access is handled there rather than duplicated here.
Stronger Athletes. Stronger Schools. Stronger Communities.