As a part of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coach of the Year program, the IHSA administrative staff annually honors individuals as NFHS Coaches of the Year in their respective sports. Coaches of the Year are selected based on the results of the previous school year, as well as other elements such as career success, positive leadership, sportsmanship, and contributions to the sport.
State coaches of the year then complete further information for the NFHS, which is reviewed by a national committee who selects eight Section winners in each sport and one National winner in each sport. Illinois is located in NFHS Section 4 along with Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
“Congratulations to all of these worthy individuals on being selected as IHSA Coaches of the Year,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “As a former high school coach myself, I understand the time and commitment it takes to help shape young people. Clearly, all of these coaches are making a significant impact on their respective schools and communities. We are proud to have them represent Illinois and the IHSA and wish them luck in this awards process at the national level.”
Select 2024 NFHS coaches of the year:
Badminton, Gena Fite, York;
Baseball, Dave Kalal, York;
Boys Cross Country, Andrew Derks, Plainfield North;
Boys Lacrosse, Jordan Bobbo, Neuqua Valley;
Boys Swimming & Diving, Don Kura, Maine South;
Boys Tennis, William Stastny, Prairie Ridge;
Boys Water Polo, Kelly Reif, Naperville North;
Girls Cross Country, Tim McDonald, Downers Grove North;
Girls Lacrosse, Amanda Kammes, Benet Academy;
Girls Swimming & Diving, Glenn Brown, Rosary;
Girls Tennis, Courtney Bison, Hinsdale South;
Girls Water Polo, Steven Anderson, Lincoln-Way East;
Cheerleading, Zenia Boyd, Homewood-Flossmoor;
Wrestling, Jake Oster, Yorkville.
—Illinois High School Association