Coaches do more than shape our runs — they shape our lives. The Brooks Inspiring Coaches Program is all about recognizing the coaches who help young athletes through their journeys.
Who
The program honors high school coaches who help and motivate young runners every day.
Why
Coaches are the mentors and inspiration behind millions of athletes. This recognition is just one way to say thanks.
How
If you know a high school coach who’s had an impact on student athletes, submit their name here.
Our 2019 winner coaches at Borah High School in Boise, ID and at the YMCA running club “Team Idaho,” a group he founded in 1979. Over the years, Coach Severa has become the center of his running community, working with youth at every level, organizing races, and helping Boise’s refugee population find stability and belonging. He has invited students from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya to be part of his team and to find success on and off the track.
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Header : Tim Severa
Body : Our 2019 winner coaches at Borah High School in Boise, ID and at the YMCA running club “Team Idaho,” a group he founded in 1979. Over the years, Coach Severa has become the center of his running community, working with youth at every level, organizing races, and helping Boise’s refugee population find stability and belonging. He has invited students from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya to be part of his team and to find success on and off the track.
See our 2019 winner in actionLearn more about Coach Tim Severa
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Subtitle : Learn more about Coach Tim Severa
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"Tim is a father figure to many of the refugee kids. Sometimes they come here with nothing. And it doesn’t matter their ability—he puts the same effort into every kid."
– Rick Bergeson, former student athlete
Positive
“He sets an example with his constant encouragement. He doesn’t let the kids think negatively of themselves.” – Jack Ward, fellow YMCA coach
Kindhearted
“He proves to the kids how much he cares. He inspires you to be a better person.” – Student athlete
Previous winners
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Nicole Vetter
Thomas Jefferson Track & Field, Council Bluffs, Iowa | For over 20 years, Nicole Vetter has made an undeniably positive impact on the Council Bluffs community as a physical education teacher, track coach, and Special Olympics coordinator.
Lexington High School Cross Country, Lexington, OH | Denise Benson has had success with state titles and all-star athletes; however, her true influence is in getting her teams to battle for something larger than themselves and to focus on growing together.
Issaquah High School Track & Field, Issaquah, WA | Gwen Robertson has inspired many young runners not just to realize their athletic potential, but to become leaders in the running community. More than 20 of her former athletes are now coaches themselves.
Athens Academy Cross Country, Athens, GA | Moving from Jamaica to the U.S. as a child gave Neville Anderson an understanding of sacrifice and ambition — something he uses today to help his athletes become the best versions of themselves.
Cary-Grove High School Girls Track & Field, Cary, IL | Splitting his time between coaching the Cary Grove High School track team and volunteering for his local chapter of the Special Olympics, Mark Anderson has always known how inclusive and empowering running could be.
See the fine print and tell us about a coach you know.
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Title : Nominate
Body : See the fine print and tell us about a coach you know.
CTA1 Title : Learn more
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Brooks Booster Club: Giving runners a leg up
The Brooks Booster Club is a needs-based program that provides performance running footwear, apparel, and funding to under-resourced cross country and track teams.
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Header : Brooks Booster Club: Giving runners a leg up
Body : The Brooks Booster Club is a needs-based program that provides performance running footwear, apparel, and funding to under-resourced cross country and track teams.
FAQ
Nominations are rolling year to year, so nominate away!
No way! We love to hear from parents, other coaches, former athletes, administrators, shop owners, observant passersby—in short, anyone who has been inspired.
Yes.
We will announce 2020’s winner in Fall 2020.
Each winner will receive:
- $10,000 in Brooks performance running footwear, apparel and accessories for their team(s)
- $2,000 cash for team expenses (paid to athletic departments, booster clubs or LLCs)
- Membership to the Brooks Inspire Daily (ID) program for the following year