The 16 winners, nominated through their local CIF Section office, will receive an award and be honored at their sport’s State Championship or at an event of the recipient’s choosing.
A model coach demonstrates and teaches the six core ethical values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship (the “Six Pillars of Character”). The CIF believes that the highest potential of sports is achieved when teachers/coaches consciously Teach, Enforce, Advocate and Model (T.E.A.M.) these values and are committed to the ideal of Pursuing Victory with Honor.
“There is more to education-based athletics than just winning and losing. We honor and recognize those coaches who teach student-athletes not only the skills needed to excel, but also those who are dedicated to teaching them the values of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm and the Six Pillars of Character," said CIF Executive Director Roger L. Blake.
2015-16 CIF Model Coach Award Winners
Chris Ancheta - Granada Hills Charter High School (LACS), Boys Golf
Julie Berggren - Gilroy High School (CCS), Softball
Joe Berticevich - Pioneer High School, San Jose (CCS), Boys Basketball
Stan Bickley - Tri-City Christian School, Oceanside (SDS), Basketball
Vickie Carrington - Horizon Christian Academy, San Diego (SDS), Girls Basketball/Swimming/Cross Country
Chris Ferree - Atascadero High School (SS), Wrestling/Football/Water Polo
Kelly Freeland-Sloat - Fall River High School, McArthur (NS), Girls Volleyball
Sylvia Goodman - Tamalpais High School (NCS), Cross Country
Patrick Hendricks - Exeter Union High School (CS), Girls Water Polo
John Mitchell - Pleasant Valley High School, Chico (NS), Volleyball
Troy Mott - Napa High School (SJS), Football
Kay Nekota - Vacaville High School (SJS), Track & Field/Cross Country/Girls Basketball
Eliot Smith - Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco (NCS), Basketball
Leslie Sorenson - El Diamante High School, Visalia (CS), Volleyball
Jessica Torres - Garfield High School, Los Angeles (LACS), Girls Basketball
Maggi Twinem - Wilson High School, Long Beach (SS), Girls Swimming
Jessica Torres (Garfield High School) Girls Basketball
Torres has been the head girls basketball coach at Garfield High School since 2007-08 and is also a P.E. teacher. More impressive than her on-court success, she has been able to create an environment of high academic expectations throughout her program. A 1998 alumnus of Garfield, she is well known and respected by the local community organizations as well.