2025 "More Than A Coach" Award Nominees
" To me Coach Perkins is more than a coach because he taught me how to work hard and he’s the reason I push myself to be better. He once told me that as long as I work hard and do my best eventually I’ll get noticed! He’s the one that gave me a chance and I took that chance and showed out in my freshman year I was promoted to varsity all thanks to his advice! He’s taught me to be my best no matter what anyone tells you and no matter if you get the chance you want or not."
Coach Robert Perkins
Orange Grove
"This lady goes above and beyond for her students and her athletes. She invests countless hours into making sure the kids have what they need and the proper skills to succeed. Not only in sports, but in life. She believes in giving everyone a chance and trust until she has reasons not to. She will never bad mouth a student or their parent but will only encourage what is right."
Coach BJ Kaiser
Springtown
"Coach Wagner saw Autumn, my daughter, and recognized that she was an athlete despite her being a wheelchair user. She realized that all that Autumn needed was a chance, and she reached out to a contact. Three years ago, Autumn got in her very first wheelchair racer, and she has been racing ever since. Currently, Autumn holds the national record for both the 100m and the 400m. This is due to encouragement and support from her coach, Coach Wagner. Her coach is always willing to meet for extra practices, research new techniques, and she has even traveled to cheer Autumn on in various competitions. Coach Wagner is definitely more than just a coach."
Coach Kelsie Wagner
Cisco High School
Coach Jacob Perez
Brownfield High School
"Coach Perez has not only been an amazing powerlifting coach for the Brownfield Program, but he is also his athletes biggest supporter in and out of the weight room. Throughout my high school years, I have witnessed Perez care for my teammates and I like no other. He is consistent, committed, hardworking, passionate, and trustworthy. He has shown us how to not only push through adversity, but to be resilient. He is caring, empathetic, and understanding of our struggles and has gone above and beyond to help us. The Brownfield Powerlifting program does not only have an outstanding coach, but also a friend, and a role model we all look up to."
Coach Latisha Clark
Breckenridge High School
"Latisha Clark is an exceptional coach and teacher. Her love for her students does not stop after a game, it keeps going. Mrs. Clark is so kind and looks out for her athletes. She sacrifices time with her own children to be a great example to her athletes and students. She goes above and beyond for all of them. Mrs. Clark has taken the time to invest in every child that comes her way. Mrs. Clark teaches her students to not only work hard but to always be a good example and good sport. Mrs. Clark teaches that you must first be a good person. All her students and athletes love her."
Coach Michael Cornelius Felton
Coach Mike’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally from Louisiana, he and his family were displaced by Hurricane Katrina, eventually finding a new home in Big Spring, Texas. As the oldest of six siblings, Mike quickly stepped into a leadership role that would come to define his life.
In the face challenges Coach demonstrates strength beyond his years. He returned to Big Spring after earning his college degree—not just to build a life of his own, but to take on the immense responsibility of raising his five school-aged siblings.
​
Mike didn’t stop there. He poured himself into coaching—not just as a job, but as a calling. For him, coaching became a way to give back, to inspire young people, and to show kids from all walks of life that they are capable of achieving greatness regardless of their background.
​
The fruits of Mike’s love and dedication are evident. His brother, Jeremiah Cooley, is currently in the NFL Draft pool. Another brother is proudly serving overseas in the military. His sister is thriving in college and involved in multiple sports. The youngest of the siblings, also passionate about athletics, recently earned a college scholarship and was accepted to Timble Tech. Mike has not just supported them—he has been the steady, encouraging presence they needed, acting as a big brother, mentor, and father figure all in one.
Now coaching in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Coach Mike continues to impact lives—still showing up, still believing in kids who need someone to believe in them, and still leading by example. As his youngest brother begins his journey at Timble Tech, Coach Mike continues to give back, mentor, and motivate those around him.
​
"If anyone is deserving of this award, it’s Coach Mike. His story is powerful, his impact immeasurable, and his life a true testimony to resilience, responsibility, and the power of love. He reminds us all that no matter what life hands you, it’s what you do with it that defines who you are."
​
Coach Keith Hughes
Leveretts Chapel
"Coach Hughes came into Leverett's Chapel at the end of last year, and made an immediate impact in our school, in our community, and in our kids. As the Athletics Director, head football coach, head basketball coach, powerlifting, track, and even helping with baseball and our girls sports, it is amazing he has time to also teach Math at the same time. The kids know he has their back, and we know how much he cares for our kids, which makes moms and dads happy. Coach Hughes has brought us all together closer than we've been in years and we are proud to say he is definitely more than a coach to us. GO LIONS!"
​
"Coach Hughes does, football, basketball, powerlifting, track, and baseball. He is also our Athletic Director, field maintenance guy, and teaches Math. He works harder than anyone I know and leads the right way. He is definitely more than a coach."
Coach Danny Franco
Gainesville High School
Coach Franco is making history here in Gainesville , Texas for the first time ever!
Our soccer boys went to the State Championship but aside from that he is just an outstanding coach . His love for the kids combined with the program he has built is just amazing!
He has done such an amazing job with both girls and boys soccer
We love you here in Gainesville Franco. #CONTODO #FAMILIA
Coach Josh Marler
Sterling City High School
"Coach Marler is an absolutely incredible person
He is not just a coach, he is a friend, father figure, teacher, and more. He coaches football, basketball, and track!
He will go out of his way for every kid in every sport and loves and treats them like his own. He will go above and beyond for anyone, no matter who you are
Coach Lee Lewis
Eastland High School
"Coach Lee Lewis is a true Godsend to Eastland, Texas. After a lifetime immersed in football, he transitioned a few years ago into the role of Cross Country and Track Coach—and our entire community is better because of it.
In a short amount of time, and through an incredible amount of personal investment, Coach Lewis has revived and elevated these programs in ways no one could have imagined. Under his leadership, both the girls’ and boys’ teams have reached new heights. But what sets him apart isn’t just his ability to coach—it’s his relentless dedication to every aspect of his athletes’ well-being.
Coach Lewis is more than a coach—he’s their mentor, biggest cheerleader, and consistent source of encouragement. He sends 500+ motivational messages, reminders about nutrition, hydration, weekend workouts, and the importance of rest. His presence doesn’t end when practice does; he’s there before school, after practice, on weekends, and at meets—not just guiding workouts, but checking in on their mental and emotional health. What’s even more remarkable is how much of his own money he invests into these kids.
In many schools, cross country is overlooked—but not here. Coach Lewis has fought hard for funding to get the very best gear, nutrition, and support for his athletes. He provides everything from power bars, drinks, and top-quality shoes to daily vitamins, fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, and even milk. At any given moment, his athletes can come in for a snack, a word of encouragement, or just to be reminded that someone believes in them.
Coach Lewis shows up—day after day, moment after moment—not for recognition, but because he truly cares. His love for the kids, the sport, and the future of Eastland is immeasurable. He’s changed lives, built a thriving program from the ground up, and become a beacon of what coaching should look like. Coach Lee Lewis is, without a doubt, one of the greatest blessings to our school, our athletes, and our entire community."
Coach Webb Murphy
San Saba High School
"Coach Murphy is a true leader of men through coaching and FCA.
He always wants us to be at our greatest potential in school and while we are competing. He cares not only who we are as athletes, but as good Christians and he does that by being a great role model.
He has been there for me on good days and helped me on bad days. I do not know how to thank him for making me the person I am today as he could really not understand the impact that he’s had on my life."
My nomination is Coach Jeremy Binion at Community ISD. He is an incredible person and an incredible coach. He makes an impact with any student he coaches and he leaves his mark where ever he goes either on the field, court, or classroom!
Coach Jeremy Binion
Community ISD
Coach Trynadee Greenwell
Early High School
"Coach G is so much more than just someone who tells me how to play a sport. She is like a mentor and a friend.
She is always there to support us, whether you’re winning or losing. She has taught me important life lessons about teamwork, dedication, and how to handle pressure.
When we;re struggling, She always believes in us and pushes us to do our best.
She helps me grow not just as an athlete, but as a person!
Coach G never fails to create a positive environment where we can learn from our mistakes and celebrate our successes together.
This makes the whole experience about building character and friendships that last beyond the court or track."
Coach Manuel Gamboa
Buena Vista ISD
"Coach Gamboa is a diamond in the rough. In a time where coaches are leaving the profession because of many reasons, he is one that is truly in it for the kids.
We all know that anything in the field of education is trying at best, coaching adds so many more layers to the already full plate of many of these educators. When Coach Gamboa came to Buena Vista this year, he took over a basketball program that was primed for greatness with many returning starters and lots of experience. What he also brought with him was the FCA program that led many of these student-athletes to finding their faith, which would be tested in
November when tragedy struck our small community. When this could have been something that some people would have tucked tail and run from, Coach Gamboa was a pillar of faith in our community, navigating these young men through a basketball season that didn't end how they'd hoped. My son was blessed to be coached on the basketball court by him, but I've seen the most growth from my daughter who he coaches in discus and shot put for track.
The amount of growth we have seen in my daughter since track season started has been ten-fold. The amount of positivity and encouragement he gives her (and all the athletes he coaches) is amazing to watch. He truly instills in her the belief that SHE CAN DO IT and it is a beautiful thing to watch. In a time where many of these kids are carrying heavy weights, it's been refreshing to see her be able to come into her own with the help of Coach Gamboa."
Coach Jacob Benavides
Buena Vista ISD
"I'd like to nominate Coach Benavides, an athletic director and coach of Buena Vista ISD, for this recognition. This year has been incredibly challenging for him, as he has lost three athletes whom he cared for deeply. Despite this heartache, he continues to strive for success and remains dedicated to his coaching. His passion for guiding and watching his athletes grow is unwavering, and the countless hours of hard work he puts in do not go unnoticed."
Coach Erika Pena
West Oso
Coach Pena goes above and beyond for her athletes. Coach Pena is a “ Yes,Coach” kinda coach.
She prioritizes the well being of her athletes making sure that they are present in the classroom, present at practices, and prepping her student athletes for their post secondary plans once they graduate.
Coach Pena is also a “Can Do” coach making herself available for her coaching colleagues. If that means getting there early and staying late Coach Pena will go above and beyond her duty!
Coach Ashley Dyches
Andrews High School
Coach Dyches has been the Andrews volleyball coach for 2 seasons!
She is more than a volleyball coach, she is the AISD students biggest cheerleader!
Coach Dyches goes above and beyond in creating relationships with these students. She gets there early and stays late everyday. Coach Dyches goes the extra mile.
"Coach Bunn works tirelessly for his student/athletes!
He led the team this year to their first playoff win in a few years and also assists in baseball and track!
On top of this he’s a great Christian example for the kids he coaches and Slocum ISD is fortunate to have him!"
Coach Mitchell Bunn
Slocum ISD
Coach Courtney Green
Lakeview High School
"Coach Green has gone above and beyond in her second year as the Head Coach at Lake View High School.
This year she put together the first alumni game, helped several players get to go on an international soccer tour, organized and ran a benefit 3v3 tournament, and invested in the youth by personally taking over young teams practices.
In addition in her second year she led her team to a Bi-District Championship!
She is one of the most high energy, positive and loving coach in the state, she would be a fantastic nominee."
Coach Joanna Vaden
Evant High School
"Coach Vaden came to Evant four years ago and has been a inspiration to our athletes on and off the court.
As the head volleyball coach she has inspired the team to make it to playoffs all 4 years. Coach Vaden has given our athletes so much more than just a coach on the court, but also a mentor in life that they will always strive to be.
She is a tough and respected competor, sometimes making the volleyball team do burpees during the game to get their heads right, and it almost always did the trick. She is one of kind and has made a mark in the hearts of the Evant athletes."
"Coach Gattis is the head boys baseball coach at Hawkins ISD.
are headed into the first round of playoffs this week and also are the co-district champions for the district.
He has done an outstanding job at facing adversity, busy scheduling and always putting the kids first. He’s been a great role model for all these young men."
Coach John Gattis
Hawkins High School
"Coach Sims has been the Boys Ranch head boys basketball coach for four seasons as well as the head girls track coach for two seasons.
He has taken the Roughriders to playoffs twice out of his four years coaching them. Additionally, he helped the girls track team win their first EVER district championship.
The girls went on to become the area champions as well. Coach Sims spends endless hours preparing practices and studying all of the ways to help his athletes improve.
He consistently holds them accountable and never allows them to settle for anything less than their best. Coach Sims truly brings out the best in all of his athletes. Being able to watch him work has made me a better coach."
Coach Dirvaun Sims
Boys Ranch
Coach Peyton Zandra
Sulphur Bluff High School
"Coach Zandra Peyton “Coach Z” is far more than a coach. She leads junior high and high school track, cross country, volleyball, and basketball, and still finds time to help with softball and golf.
On top of that, she’s a full-time teacher, bus driver, devoted wife, and mother of two student-athletes. She shows up early, stays late, and never complains running on little sleep and a lot of love for her athletes.
Coach Z pushes us to grow, not just as competitors but as people, coaching with intensity, heart, and unwavering support. She constantly puts students first, sacrificing her own time without hesitation. Coach Z is the heartbeat of our athletic program a mentor, a role model, and a life-changer."
"Over the past 10 years , Coach Wilkins has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and passion for her team, making a significant impact on both the athletes and the broader community.
Over the last three years he has made such an impact on Evadale Basketball as well as their athletic program. Pouring all of his time into training them In basketball and building a team that lift each other up no matter the outcome."
Coach Jason Wilkins
Evadale High School
Coach Lyhia McMichael
Frisco Emerson
"Coach Mac has many accolades before this year, but 24-25 has been a great one for her and still working to etch out more success. She was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at Mississippi State for her career in Softball.
She led her squad at EHS to its first playoff win against Creekview 14-8, also making history by being the first girls program win as well. In back to back season of playoff appearances, Coach Mac’s team is flourishing under her leadership.
Also for the record, she has coached for USA softball numerous years, has built herself a hitting program that she has shared with 100s of players from the ground up, and is genuinely a kind and passionate coach who’s players adore her completely."
Coach Anne Hurst
Abilene West Junior High
"Coach Ann Hurst. Coach Hurst is the greatest 7th grade English teacher at Abilene Wylie West JH. Her classroom is full of life and learning. She is also a HS Track & Field Coach at Abilene Wylie. Her specialty is not only coaching the discus but coaching youth in so many different ways.
From teaching them to love reading and thinking skills to encouraging them to not just be a good track & field athlete but to be unbelievable men and women who make a positive impact on society. Her light for Christ shows in her every step and every word.
She’s the giver of all pep talks, hard when she needs to be, loving when one needs kind words and times are tough. She is our hype woman, she’s intentional.
If you have ever watched her coach the discus you see the enthusiasm she carry’s and why kids keep coming back. And why kids continue to succeed. When the discus is through competing she’s around the track hollering for all Wylie athletes that round the track. I am proud to stand by Coach Ann Hurst, Wylie Track & Field would not be the same without her."
Coach Jackson Bussey
"In just his second year coaching basketball, football, and track and field (shot put/discus), Coach Jackson Bussey has already proven he’s much more than a coach—he’s a mentor, motivator, and positive force in the lives of his athletes.
He played D1 football at East Texas A&M university and loves the game. Whether it’s leading an intense practice, staying late for open gym, or offering a listening ear after a tough day, Coach Bussey consistently goes above and beyond to support his players. His dedication to development extends beyond athletic performance.
Coach Bussey makes it a priority to instill values of accountability, teamwork, and perseverance in every athlete he works with. He holds high expectations, not just for effort on the field or court, but for character and growth off of it. The time he spends investing in his athletes’ futures—academically, emotionally, and personally—shows just how deeply he cares.
When asked a technique question, he’s going to give you full details and pour his whole heart into the lesson he’s teaching. In every way, Coach Bussey is building more than strong teams—he’s helping shape strong young adults. His impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard, and for that, we’re proud to recognize him as more than a coach."
Coach Chris Harvey
Hamlin High School
"Coach Harvey has been the Hamlin Boys head boys basketball coach for two seasons as well as the assistant football and track coach for two seasons.
He has taken the Pied Pipers to the playoffs this year. Become bi-district and area champions, which haven't happened in over 30 years. Additionally, he helped the boys track team win district and area championship.
Coach Harvey spends hours and hours preparing practices and daily looking for ways to improve his athletes. He is always putting them and teaching them about the meaning of accountable . Coach Harvey is an assistant Pastor too, he truly wants you and everyone around to be the best version of you, you can be."