ELIZABETH BITTING – COUPEVILLE CROSS COUNTRY + TRACK & FIELD

Coach Bitting exemplifies the U.S. Army values through her selfless service and dedication to mentoring student-athletes, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the field. She fosters inclusiveness and understanding by respecting athletes’ individuality, modeling integrity, and offering unconditional encouragement. Her leadership, rooted in love and personal connection, makes her an outstanding coach and mentor.

SHAUNA CARPENTER – TENINO VOLLEYBALL

Shauna dedicates her time to supporting student-athletes and building Tenino High School’s volleyball program, while also involving her team in the community through events and fundraising. She is always there for her players and holds them accountable when needed, while also mentoring new coaches and helping grow Tenino athletics. Her selfless dedication makes her an ideal candidate for this award.

OSCAR GARZA – CONNELL FOOTBALL

Oscar Garza, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is not only a man of great character but also a dedicated football coach. He teaches life principles like loyalty, duty, respect, and selfless service, using football as a platform for character development. His focus on shaping young men of integrity, along with his powerful lessons like “The power of attitude,” makes him a valued leader both on and off the field.

MYLEA HUGHES – CASCADE CHRISTIAN VOLLEYBALL

Mylea is a thoughtful, selfless leader who prioritizes relationships and personal growth above all else. While leading a successful volleyball team, her main focus is developing young women of character, using the sport as a platform to teach life lessons. Her humility, determination, and dedication to building the next generation make her a beloved role model and an influential figure both on and off the court.

AUBBREE MOSES – HERMISTON SOFTBALL

Aubbree embodies the U.S. Army value of respect as Head Slowpitch and Assistant Fastpitch Coach, valuing each athlete’s individual challenges and needs. She dedicates countless hours to preparing the field and providing practice opportunities, while offering thoughtful support to players on tough days. Her genuine care fosters a safe, respectful environment, empowering athletes to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

GORAV SINGH – HAZEN SOCCER

Coach Singh embodies the U.S. Army values through his journey from engineer to educator and soccer coach at Hazen High School, showing personal courage and selfless service. He supports students both on the field and in the classroom, building trust and offering unwavering commitment, staying late for practices and attending every game. His dedication, respect, and mentorship make him a true role model to his players and students.

CORBY SCHUH – MARYSVILLE-GETCHELL BASKETBALL

Corby has created an atmosphere of integrity. Not only does he create a community of young athletes that are respectful, but also supports his community with different events to engage players of all levels. He personifies many qualities of the U.S. Army values and helps his players achieve those values as well.

KEVIN RENTNER – THREE RIVERS CHRISTIAN CROSS COUNTRY

Kevin’s loyalty and selfless service to his school’s cross country program is incredible. He goes above and beyond to make sure that his student athletes are not only excelling in their sport, but also in life.

KELSEY LENNOX – PE ELL GIRLS BASKETBALL

After taking over the team earlier this year, Kelsey championed the team’s values and continued to encourage them toward a successful season. She is, and will be, a valuable part of the coaching staff, teaching that sports are sometimes more than just a game, but also life lessons.

MIKE GONZALES – ZILLAH WRESTLING

Coach Mike Gonzales fearlessly leads by example, showing his wrestlers how to tackle challenges head-on and grow stronger from setbacks. His dedication to his athletes’ mental toughness empowers them not just on the mat, but in life’s obstacles too.

NICOLE BONNELL – NORTH MASON GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Bonnell encourages each athlete to be not just a better soccer player and teammate, but also encourages a deep sense of self-worth. Coach Bonnell exemplifies leadership and a positive role model by finding positive attributes in each athlete and celebrating accomplishments.

NICK ABEL – EMERALD RIDGE TRACK & FIELD + FOOTBALL

Coach Abel is the epitome of loyalty and commitment. He jumps in and serves wherever he can to be an asset to his school, community, and athletics. Coach Abel is the type of person you want to serve alongside, as you know he has your back, will work to the best of his ability, and will consistently do what is best for kids!

JOHN EMERY – CLOVER PARK WRESTLING

John is a passionate, hard-working coach that leads with integrity and pride. He deserves this recognition because of the characteristics of grit and determination he instills in his athletes. Clover Park is fortunate to have such a dedicated coach for their wrestlers!

ZACH BURNHAM – BAINBRIDGE BASKETBALL

Zach is a police officer in his community who continues to work hard and give back to the community through hours of selfless service. Through his coaching he teaches his girls what it means to be a team and work together.

JAKE WILCOX – EVERGREEN (VANCOUVER) WRESTLING

Jake has selflessly served the entire Vancouver wrestling community as a coach and mentor to the youth. On a daily basis, he preaches and displays integrity, courage, honor, and respect. He’s teaching our youth not only to wrestle but to be outstanding members of society and how to conduct themselves in life.

JOSE MARIN – WAHLUKE WRESTLING

Coach Marin goes above and beyond with coaching. He makes sure students come every day ready to learn and leave ready to compete. His loyalty to his athletes and his honor for his sport does not go unnoticed.

RYAN SCOTT – WEST VALLEY (YAKIMA) FOOTBALL + BASEBALL

Coach Scott exemplifies the army values both on and off the field. His unwavering loyalty to his players and staff fosters a cohesive team environment built on trust and camaraderie. Coach Scott upholds the highest standards of honor and integrity, serving as a role model of ethical behavior.

VALERIE HERNANDEZ – WARDEN WRESTLING

Coach Hernandez’s loyalty and dedication to her athletes is clearly seen in her day-to-day. In addition to her passion for her program in warden as well as her leadership as a pioneer of Washington women’s wrestling personifies all of the U.S. Army values.

EBANY HERD – ARCHBISHOP MURPHY BASKETBALL

Coach Ebany is a hard-working and loyal coach. She is constantly looking for new and better ways to communicate with her players. She enjoys teaching them life skills that work beyond the basketball court.

DAKOTA MCQUAIN-CLIETT – JENKINS (CHEWELAH) BASKETBALL

Dakota is very well received and respected by his players. Coach pushes our student athletes to be the best version of themselves on and off the court. He continues to work towards completing his teaching degree, while working to support his family and sacrificing his personal time to make our town a better place for all.

ROGER MIRON – LINDBERGH SWIMMING

Coach Miron is worthy of this recognition because of the countless athletes he has coached to make them better swimmers and individuals of character. His commitment to building the program and establishing relationships has earned the respect of every parent and athlete.

JOEL RAGAZZO – EATONVILLE WRESTLING

Coach Ragazzo has proven to be a team builder in a sport identified by individual effort. He pushes his athletes to be exemplary on the mat, in the classroom, and in life. Joel’s background at West Point Military Academy has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a coach and mentor.

MATT ROBLES – STEILACOOM BASKETBALL

Coach Robles models and promotes the values of loyalty, respect, and honor every single day to his players. His dedication to loyalty and honor is demonstrated by his teamwork-driven approach to the game.

VERONICA SANTANA – SELAH VOLLEYBALL

Veronica embodies loyalty through an unwavering commitment to her athletes’ growth and success. This loyalty is evident in her constant support, even during challenging times. Veronica remains dedicated to player development by recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses.

TAMERA CHALFANT – SHADLE PARK DANCE/DRILL

Tamera is the type of coach that every high school student should have in their life. Not only does she create an amazing dance program, but she teaches confidence, respect and hard work. When you ask Tamera what her “why” is, she says, “to provide a safe space for kids to be their authentic selves while learning to be better humans”.

KARLA DEVRIES – NORTH KITSAP GIRLS BASKETBALL

Karla bleeds integrity in every facet of her life. She leads by example as an educator and as a head basketball coach. She is a model of rectitude and exudes that value into each and every one of her players.

MASON FLEMMER – CENTRAL VALLEY FOOTBALL & ORCHESTRA

Mason is an extraordinary coach, teacher, conductor, and current member of the United States Army. He’s brought years of military experience to the field, stage, and classroom in a positive light. His tireless commitment across all grade levels demonstrates how he goes above and beyond the duties of his title.

SARAH ORTEGA-RUSSELL – LAKESIDE (NINE MILE FALLS) CROSS COUNTRY

Sarah loves her students. She is caring, encouraging, and motivating to the runners, coaches, and parents in her program. She always shows respect to the other coaches and teams and makes that a key lesson in teaching her student-athletes.

DAN PARRISH – GARFIELD-PALOUSE FOOTBALL

Coach Parrish’s commitment to his program, school, community, and most importantly, his student-athletes, has been unwavering. He has spent countless hours on the field and in the film room all in the name of furthering his program and helping young people learn the game of football and how to play it with integrity.

KARIM SCOTT – ROGERS (SPOKANE) BOYS BASKETBALL

Karim is everything a player could want in a coach. He respects his athletes in the same way that they respect him. He’s a coach that does everything right and will sacrifice his time and energy for the betterment of his program.

MARYANN BAKER – EATONVILLE BOYS & GIRLS TENNIS

Coach Baker has served as a Guidance Counselor and Tennis Coach at Eatonville High School for over 20 years. She has been a beacon of light in the community during challenging times, including her support of her husband while he was battling cancer. She is not the loudest voice in a room but she is a treasure of wisdom and consistency for the Eatonville school and community.

ALLEN CULP – WASHINGTON CROSS COUNTRY

Coach Culp has coached cross country and track for 24 years. His dedication to the student-athletes is unquestionable, and he puts his whole heart and soul into coaching consistently demonstrating all of the Army values. He is one of the most hard-working and dedicated coaches you will find.

SARAH HAUER – MCKNIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Hauer can always be counted on to bring her best for her players, leading by example to show integrity and respect. She goes above and beyond, making sure they have what they need to flourish as a team, and as individuals. She works hard to create a cohesive team between school staff, volunteers, and athletes.

ROGER HOELL – OTHELLO FOOTBALL

Coach Hoell is a Washington State Hall of Fame coach who has coached at Othello for 30 years. As a former Army Ranger, he models ALL of the US Army values, putting countless hours into his work for his students’ benefit. His student-athletes highly respect his leadership and the care he shows to each and every athlete, often using his own resources to help individual students in need.

MARAH NORRIS – TONASKET GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Norris is selfless and giving with her time. Every day she works hard putting together plans that incorporate each and every girl on her team. She brings out the best in them and pushes each girl to improve while simultaneously feeling seen, loved, and respected. She makes sure to interact with each girl and talk to them about life and their particular areas of focus.

JIM PETERSON – MOUNTAIN VIEW BOYS GOLF

Recently retiring after 15 years as Head Coach of the Thunder Boys Golf Team in order to spend more time with family, Coach Peterson has been an incredibly loyal coach. He remains as a volunteer assistant and discusses golf, mental aspects of sports and course management with players daily. His ongoing commitment to his school, program and players is exemplary.

JO BUSHNELL – FIFE BOYS & GIRLS SWIM & DIVE

Coach Bushnell has been a Special Education and Physical Education teacher for 30 years. She does everything in her power to make sure that her students are treated fairly and equally. Coach preaches, “No one will remember your wins and losses, but they will remember your character and how you treat others.”

MARK CROSS – RENTON FOOTBALL

Coach Cross personifies the U.S. Army values through his commitment to building a culture for his athletes and eliminating barriers of entry for high school athletics. He wants each student athlete to have an equal opportunity at success so he goes above and beyond to make sure his athletes can reach their highest potential.

AMANDA GRUTAS – CLOVER PARK GIRLS SWIM & DIVE

Coach Grutas is driven to create amazing opportunities for her athletes, dedicating countless hours to help them maximize their potential. Not only does she work hard during the  season, but she also works hard on improving her coaching skills in the off-season with clinics and certifications.

MANDY JONES – SOUTH WHIDBEY VOLLEYBALL & SPARKLE CHEER

Coach Jones’ work throughout the school district perfectly exemplifies acts of selfless service. Both as a volleyball coach and sparkle cheer coach, she’s spent extra time helping athletes navigate difficult experiences at home and in school. Her relentless commitment to her athletes in all student populations is representative of a life in service to others.

CHRIS MILLS – GLACIER MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLING

Coach Mills is a perfect example of all the U.S. Army values. He is a police officer who works a split shift during the wrestling season so that he is able to attend practice. Coach Mills holds his student-athletes to high standards, valuing honor, service, respect and integrity.

JEREMY PROCTOR – RIVERSIDE GIRLS & BOYS SOCCER

Coach Proctor’s loyalty to the Riverside Soccer Program is a true testament to his character. He has spent 10 years building a great culture with a foundation of accountability and pride. He is committed to representing the Ram Nation honorably and teaching his athletes what it means to be part of that family.

AHMAD APYAPONG – CHIEF LESCHI FOOTBALL

Coach Ahmad has recently taken over the Chief Leschi Program after being the assistant coach and I have seen him truly motivate the players to give their best. He gives his time and heart to the young men he coaches.

TAWNYA BREWER – BURLINGTON-EDISON VOLLEYBALL

Tawnya has been coaching volleyball and track for the last 30 years and has been an incredible mentor and coach for many young women and men. Her loyalty to those she coaches is evident in not only her team’s success, but the lifelong impact she has had on her athletes.

NATALEE HAYES – DAVENPORT VOLLEYBALL

Natalee leads herself with the Army values of loyalty, integrity, and courage daily. She teaches with great courage and leads with love every day, which is the greatest gift she gives her athletes. Her desire to build them up and teach them respect and gratitude is unparalleled!

MARC HUGHES – GLACIER PEAK SWIM & DIVE

Coach Mark is selfless, honorable, and teaches all who work for him to be courageous in the face of adversity. His impact goes beyond the confines of the seasons that he coaches. He has been an instrumental part of the growth of the sport of diving and has been an invaluable leader of the team.

PAT JOHNSON – STADIUM FOOTBALL/FLAG FOOTBALL

Coach Johnson is a Colonel in the Army Reserves, a teacher at Stadium, and the head football coach. His tireless work ensures every student, regardless of ability or background, has a chance at a positive experience.

BRAD LUVAAS – ORTING WRESTLING

Brad’s selfless commitment to helping his student-athletes reach their full potential is truly remarkable. He dedicated an extensive amount of his time to training and guiding these young athletes. Brad uses his coaching as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons of honor, integrity, and courage.

COURTNEY COTTER – CENTRAL KITSAP FASTPITCH

Coach Cotter is one of the most respected coaches in her conference and is lauded for the countless hours she dedicates to her players, both on and off the field. Her loyalty and selfless service to her community and players is absolutely exemplary.

RAMIRO GOMEZ – PASCO WRESTLING

Coach Gomez is an Army Veteran who consistently lives his core values in his approach to coaching. His loyalty and selfless service to the wrestling program is unparalleled. He always goes above and beyond for the benefit of the program and is always giving his best for the student-athletes and the wrestling program.

DEAN KLEPEC – OKANOGAN BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER, GIRLS WRESTLING

Coach Klepec’s unwavering dedication to his role as a coach is truly commendable. His commitment to treating others with respect, regardless of their background or skill level, sets an exemplary standard for all aspiring coaches. He goes above and beyond for his athletes and consistently puts their needs and growth above his own.

KEN RYAN – CHENEY GIRLS BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, TENNIS

Coach Ryan is committed to creating a positive experience for all of his student-athletes. He respects all of his colleagues, parents, community members and most importantly his student-athletes by being steadfast in his words and actions. His selfless service has increased the commitment of all stakeholders in his school district.

EMILEE STROT-SMITH – HERMISTON TRACK & FIELD, SPEED & STRENGTH, TRAINING & CONDITIONING

Coach Smith epitomizes selfless service through her unwavering dedication to improving academic and athletic culture. With 9 years of experience as the Head Track & Field coach, Head Strength & Conditioning coach, and a vital member of the academic leadership team, She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to nurturing the abilities of her students and inspiring her colleagues.

MIKE WASHINGTON – WALLA WALLA BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Washington goes above and beyond for each and every athlete making sure they all feel valued, heard, respected, and challenged. He respects athletes and empowers them to reach their fullest potential by providing them opportunities to lead and have school pride. He also gives back to the community through coaching younger athletes, clubs, trainings, and professional development.

DANA EVANS – WALLA WALLA GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Evans personifies all of the U.S. Army values, going above and beyond to provide access and increased participation opportunities. She’s brought new life to the Blue Devils’ girls soccer program during her 9+ years of coaching and has led them through some significant adversity with great integrity and personal courage. Most importantly, she has shown her athletes that no matter where you come from, you can still partake in selfless service.

CHRIS KUNZELMAN – KENTWOOD + KENT-MERIDIAN SWIM & DIVE

Coach Kunzelman is a loyal role model to all the swimmers she coaches. She coaches two high school teams that co-op with each other (Kent-Meridian and Kentwood High Schools) and does an amazing job helping her student-athletes become the best they can possibly be by stressing honor, integrity, and personal courage. She embodies what every coach should bring to their teams and athletic programs.

KEITH LOVINS – SILAS GIRLS WRESTLING

On a daily basis, Coach Lovins demonstrates his loyalty and his commitment to the program and to the young women he coaches at Silas. He is a passionate advocate for his athletes and his Army background has helped him instill a high level of discipline and integrity among the team members. In the 2022-2023 season, he built on the growth of the program by qualifying three girls to Mat Classic XXXIV.

JUSTIN SINN – EAST VALLEY (SPOKANE) BASEBALL

After honorably serving our country, Coach Sinn returned from a tour in Afghanistan and now dedicates his free time to coaching high school baseball. Last year, in his first year of coaching, he led the Knights to their first winning season in seven years. He has helped his players come together as a team and earned their trust by consistently showing them respect and loyalty and showing up for them when they need him the most.

DENISE SMITH – JENKINS TENNIS

For 43 years, Coach Smith has amplified loyalty among the athletes of the sports she coaches. To ensure her tennis team had the best possible court on which to compete, she worked long hours to ensure the project was done right. That dedication has led to nine League Championships on the courts she help build. Over the years, Coach Smith has provided selfless service as a mentor to countless student-athletes in her community.

KINARD WILDER – SPANAWAY LAKE JV BOYS BASKETBALL

Coach Wilder is an exemplary leader at Spanaway Lake. He dedicates a considerable amount of time and effort to help his players be successful both on and off the hardwood. He takes his position as a leader of young men seriously, believing that trust is earned. As a former Army officer, he has an unconditional commitment to duty and loyalty, and is always willing to go the extra mile for his players, regularly checking in on them throughout the year to make sure they are better people from the first day of tryouts to the last game of the season and beyond.

CHRIS BERGGREN – WASHINGTON BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER

Coach Berggren makes his players feel important, not only as athletes, but as people. He demonstrates selfless service, duty and loyalty both on and off the field by donating his time to serve as league soccer commissioner to positively impact the game on a broader level.

BOBBY GREEN – REARDAN MS BASEBALL, FOOTBALL

Coach Green embodies selfless service, giving freely both his time and personal resources to do what’s best for kids in his programs. He goes above and beyond as the leader of his school’s football and baseball teams both on and off the field.

JACI GROSS – LAKE ROOSEVELT FASTPITCH

As a long-time member of the Lake Roosevelt community with 20+ years of teaching and coaching experience, Miss G works hard to provide the best opportunity for her school’s student-athletes by offering skilled training, care, concern, support and setting high standards of excellence for her teams.

KURTIS JOHNSON – DAVIS BOYS & GIRLS TENNIS

Coach Johnson is the epitome of a selfless leader who cares about everyone in his program. Whether he comes into your life for a moment, a season, or a lifetime, the lives of those who know him are better because of the loyalty, selflessness and integrity he brings to his relationships.

LISA MARQUART – KING’S GIRLS TENNIS

Coach Marquart is the heart and soul of the King’s tennis team, coaching them to love and respect the sport, and instilling the courage that is required to make mistakes and get better by learning from them. She is fully committed to helping all her athletes reach their highest potential.

CASI MESSINEO – PUYALLUP SWIM, TRACK & FIELD

Coach Messineo challenges her student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones and push their personal limits both physically and mentally. She holds them to high standards of excellence and integrity while also showing compassion and care.

CARI O’LOUGHLIN-BRITT – REDMOND GIRLS BASKETBALL

Using sports as a platform to teach life lessons, Cari imparts to her athletes the belief that duty is essential to teamwork, trust and leadership, which are all critical parts of being a team. For Cari, coaching is not a hobby. Rather, it is her calling.

NICHOLAS BROWN – DEER PARK FOOTBALL & BASKETBALL

Even though he is battling stage-4 colorectal cancer he puts aside his personal well-being to make sure that their team is well equipped for the season. He has gone above and beyond by taking them on recruitment trips to make sure they reach their goals even after high school. The student-athletes look up to him as a role model, and the kids know that he believes in them.

ANNALISE MUDALIAR – LYNNWOOD VOLLEYBALL

Coach Mudaliar exemplified honor, respect and personal courage when her program lost an athlete to suicide. She used the tragedy to bring her high school community together, honoring the student and her family at a special match, creating shirts with sunflowers and raising awareness of mental health issues among the students at her school.

ARNOLD AROSTEGUI – FIFE FOOTBALL

Coach Arostegui is loyal to the Fife community, always shows integrity with all his decisions, and teaches his student-athletes how to be true Trojans. His courage to learn a new culture and language and participate in athletics has been a big part of his relationship with the students.

KAMBER JOHNSON – MONTICELLO TRACK & BASKETBALL

She holds her athletes to high standards while supporting their individual needs. Her impact is felt throughout her school as students apply what they learn from practice into the classroom. Kamber is able to relate to her students because she understands their struggles.

WAYNE MAXWELL – WOODINVILLE FOOTBALL

Coach Maxwell has maintained the foundation of his football program during the most trying of times, all while battling cancer. Without a doubt, Coach Maxwell personifies all of the values of the U.S. Army because he holds his athletes to the highest level of class through his Falcon Core Principles.