COMMUNITY FOR COACHES

Jeff Sopha KC Area Baseball What was shared about Coach Sopha:   Jeff Sopha loves baseball more than anything, and he wants to impact the lives of as many people he can with the sport of baseball. And he’s giving kids all over the metro opportunities to play and grow.  He’s been instrumental in launching and growing baseball opportunities for high school-aged athletes who haven’t made their school...

Todd Lewis Volleyball – MAVS What was shared about Coach Lewis:  Todd Lewis embodies the very essence of what Community for Coaches celebrates — he uses the game of volleyball not merely to teach sport, but to transform lives and build character in young people. Todd consistently creates an environment where players feel seen and capable of growth. Rather than focusing solely on wins and losses, h...

Jeff Diskin Baseball – Pembroke Hill School What was shared about Coach Diskin:   Jeff has served as the assistant athletic director and MS English teacher during his time at Pembroke Hill. As an administrator he modeled servant leadership, often 1-step ahead of his coaches who needed things done for their programs to run smoothly. He was an encourager and supporter when things were both up and do...

Margo Todd – 2026 Rising Star Award Recipient Sports Performance, Ignite What was shared about Coach Todd:  Margo just finished her first year coaching at Ignite. WOW! She was incredible! She had a true knack for winning the hearts of young kids… in particular, Margo really excelled in helping kids who actually didn’t want to attend our program AND kids who were a little bit unmotivated. Margo dev...

Kelsey Hasselbring Cross Country/Track – Blue Valley Middle School What was shared about Coach Hasselbring:   Coach Hasselbring has created a warm, welcoming environment where students are surrounded by peers who are motivated to grow and improve. She consistently encourages students to challenge themselves, push past their limits, and strive to get better at every practice. Her positive energy an...

Christyn Haberly –  Volleyball, Aubry Bend Middle School What was shared about Coach Haberly: Christyn Haberly is a coach who is truly using sport to change lives. As the head volleyball coach at Aubry Bend Middle School, she has built a phenomenal, highly respected program that reflects both excellence and genuine care for her athletes. She holds her student-athletes to high standards, but what m...

Kayla Hamner Soccer – KC Fusion What was shared about Coach Hamner:   Kayla currently serves as the Academy Coach for the 2015 Girls and the Aspire Coach for the 2009 Girls. In both roles, she goes far beyond teaching the technical and tactical elements of the game. Through competition, she intentionally teaches life skills such as leadership, accountability, resilience, communication, teamwork, t...

David Durand is a visionary coach and author behind "B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond." David brings a unique blend of experience, insight, and skills to working with athletes, coaches, and teams through his business, Real Development LLC. With a background in coaching, strength and conditioning, and psychology, he is dedicated to helping athletes reach...

Nikki Hoffman Basketball and Track, Olathe South HS What was shared about Coach Hofffman:   If you have been around Coach Hoffman for very long, you will recognize that more than winning games, although she wants to win more than most, she wants her athletes to understand that their approach to playing the game matters more than the scoreboard. For sure character is what Coach Hoffman believes dri...

Karli Angle –Soccer, Athena FCCoach Angle’s podcast interviewWhat was shared about Coach Angle:Karli teaches our athletes life-lessons like teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, helping players develop both on and off the field. Karli inspires our athletes to overcome challenges and grow their confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Kayla Barnes Cross Country, Swim, Track, Olathe West HS What was shared about Coach Barnes:   Kayla is an incredible leader and motivator.  There aren’t very many coaches out there who love and care about their athletes the way Coach Barnes does.  She is a new Mom, coaches three sports and helps lead the FCA huddle at West.  Kayla is tireless and enthusiastic…an absolute dynamo! 

Sam SolidayVolleyball, Maranatha Christian Academy and MAVSWhat was shared about Coach Soliday: He is building more than just a volleyball team; he is helping build a family. Coach Soliday brings people together through one common goal and makes them better people. He teaches us friendship, leadership, humility, and confidence. No player leaves the same as when they started and that is all because...

Stephan Gordon Football and Wrestling, Summit Christian Academy What was shared about Coach Gordon:  He’s been a wrestling & football coach for about 6 yrs. & has encouraged many in that time. He was a huddle leader in FCA to serve many young kids. He uses Joshua 1:9 to emphasize being strong & courageous in Christ. There’s not enough space her to do justice to what he’s done thus far...

Steve Essex Football, Basketball, Track, Prairie Star Middle School What was shared about Coach Essex:   Coach Essex is truly the heartbeat of PSMS, playing an integral role in nearly every sport offered at the school. He is not only the most liked teacher but also the most approachable. Steve is always willing to lend a hand and offer support to anyone in need. Through his coaching and servant le...

Karsen Ong –2025 Rising Star Award Recipient Sports Performance, Ignite What was shared about Coach Ong:  Karsen has been a total game changer for our staff. He’s one of the youngest coaches I’ve ever added to our staff in the 19 years of Ignite. But Karsen has risen to the occasion. It’s INCREDIBLE watching him interact with young kids… everyone loves him! Additionally, he’s earned the respect of...

🎙️ Podcast Episode: 2025 KC Metro Coach of the Year Finalists – Celebrating Coaches Who Transform Lives In this special episode, we shine a spotlight on the 2025 Sharon Thompson KC Metro Coaches of the Year finalists, honoring the men and women who are transforming lives through coaching. Presented by Community for Coaches , this award exists to celebrate coaches who are using sport as a platform...

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Wilson , a former Division I and WNBA basketball player, as well as the founder of  Positive Performance Training  and the  Mindset Coach Academy Podcast . Lindsey shares invaluable insights on coaching athletes to develop a healthy mindset, both on and off the court or field. She discusses practical strategies and tools for fostering mental resilience, se...

Dave Francis shares from his vast experience in high school and youth sports as a player, coach and parent. Dave is the founder of both Repurposed Coaching and the Enjoy the Game. Enjoy the Game partners with youth sports programs to improve education for parents and coaches. Repurposed Coaching connects retired coaches interested in filling a support role in the lives of new coaches.

Anders Hanson –2024 Rising Star Award Recipient Cross Country/Track, Olathe East HS Coach Hanson’s podcast interview (coming soon) What was shared about Coach Hanson: Anders is incredibly relational and encouraging to all the runners he works with at Olathe East. He is able to meet student athletes where they are, and make them feel valued as individuals, not simply by their performance. He brings...

Basketball, Olathe North HS Coach Olerich’s podcast interview (coming soon) What was shared about Coach Olerich:  Adam constantly uses basketball to teach high school boys at Olathe North life lessons and that success comes from hard work and being about the right stuff. https://communityforcoaches.org/2024-coach-of-the-year-finalists/

Aaron Davidson Cross Country/Track, Blue Valley West HS What was shared about Coach Davidson:  Aaron demonstrates his faith by pouring into the lives of his athletes. He was the head coach at Shawnee Mission North High School for a number of years before transitioning to Blue Valley recently. He has made a huge impact in the district and among his fellow coaches, both at SMN and at BVW. https://co...

Lauren Paccapaniccia Soccer, Athena FC Coach Paccapaniccia’s podcast interview (coming soon) What was shared about Coach Paccapaniccia:   Lauren Paccapaniccia is a tremendous coach.  She actively engages in the lives of her players and provides the type of  guidance/coaching that makes athletes the best version of themselves, while also improving the overall team’s skill. https://communityforcoach...

Michelle Abshire Volleyball, Blue Valley West HS, MAVS, Blue Valley Rec Coach Abshire’s podcast interview (coming soon) What was shared about Coach Abshire: Michelle Abshire is a passionate, hard-working, and dedicated coach. She has been a staple on the volleyball sidelines for decades. Her passion for the sport is contagious, inspiring her team to push beyond their limits and strive for excellen...

Jerald Long Football, Track, Pleasant Ridge MS Coach Long’s podcast interview (coming soon) What was shared about Coach Long: Jerald Long goes above and beyond to make better athletes and better people. He’s not just about winning games; he’s about building character, discipline, and resilience in every player. You can ask anyone who has ever been around Coach Long or has had kids coached by him a...

Amy Hoffsommer-Griffin: head volleyball coach at Olathe West High School. What was shared about Amy: She has consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication and an unmatched level of care for the student-athletes in the Olathe West volleyball program. Volleyball, and sports, in general, is not just about wins and losses; it’s about the profound impact a coach can have on the lives of their playe...