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The 2019 winner, Tim Severa, smiling at the camera in front of a track; the sun is out and his shirt reads Borah Track.

Brooks Inspiring Coaches Program

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.

Nevill Anderson coaching his athletes as they run by during an event; the sun is out and there are tents and athletes in the background

Who

The program honors high school coaches who help and motivate young runners every day.

Denise Benson running down a line of athletes in the gym and giving out high fives

Why

Coaches are the mentors and inspiration behind millions of athletes. This recognition is just one way to say thanks.

Nicole Vetter coaching athletes while they warm up; they are in a green field and the sun is out.

How

If you know a high school coach who’s had an impact on student athletes, submit their name here.

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A picture of Tim Severa from behind; in front of him, athletes run by on a track

Tim Severa

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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See our 2019 winner in action 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
Tim Severa talking to a student athlete; they are standing together on a track and the student's uniform reads 'Borah'.

Positive

“He sets an example with his constant encouragement. He doesn’t let the kids think negatively of themselves.” – Jack Ward, fellow YMCA coach

Tim Severa in a gym, celebrating as he crosses a finish line that reads 'Brooks'; there are students around him cheering

Kindhearted

“He proves to the kids how much he cares. He inspires you to be a better person.” – Student athlete

Previous winners

Nicole Vetter facing the camera, standing in a gym with her hands on her hips

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.

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Denise Benson facing the camera and smiling; the background is of a field and the sun is out

Denise Benson

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.

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Gwen Robertson smiling at the camera with her arms crossed; there is a garden behind her with green bushes and trees

Gwen Robertson

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.

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Neville Anderson smiling at the camera; behind him, there are trees and the sun is out

Neville Anderson

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.

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Mark Anderson from the side, smiling; behind him is a track

Mark Anderson

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.

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Nominate

See the fine print and tell us about a coach you know.

Jemez Valley school team taking a group picture and celebrating; the students and coaches are cheering and have their arms in the air

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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FAQ

group of High School runners on a track

  • 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.

Coach Mark Anderson speaking to a group of young runners

  • We will announce this year’s winner in Fall 2019.

  • 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

More questions?