2022-23 CIF Model Coach Award Winners Announced

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – The CIF State office today announced the 2022-23 Model Coach Award winners. Now in its 22^nd year, the CIF Model Coach Award program is designed to recognize coaches who have served as positive role models in their schools and communities, and who have exhibited the traits apparent in the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm.

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_sm.

“As we recognize and honor these model coaches who go above and beyond for their student-athletes, I want to thank them for their dedication to education-based athletics,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti.

Dave Albini (Marin Catholic High School) Softball

For the past 10 years, Albini has been dedicated to the sport of softball and the well-being of each of his players at Marin Catholic High School. He is admired for his ability to cultivate a healthy team culture that has both victory and enjoyment in mind. A strong and supportive leader, he truly cares about all of his players as people and does not just offer them tools to succeed in softball but to succeed in life, as well.

Tracy Beans (El Diamante High School) Cheer

A dedicated, impactful, and knowledgeable cheer coach, Beans has been coaching cheer for more than 30 years. She believes and sees the potential in not just athletes but people before they know it. Not only does she coach cheerleading to her athletes but coaches them life skills. Beans is a positive role model and influencer both in the school and the community. She not only has big dreams, but she has the power to inspire others to dream big as well and strive for excellence.

Clare Burger (Oakland High School) Tennis/Swimming

For the past decade, Coach Burger has been instrumental in organizing tennis for girls at Oakland High School. Her sense of compassion resonates with all students. She is a pillar in the community as an advocate for increased girls participation and has significantly contributed to tennis and swimming in the Oakland Section.

Sherland Chensam (Hamilton High School, Los Angeles) Basketball

Coach Chensam creates a loving community for Hamilton High School student-athletes through honesty, respect, and self-discipline. She is an incredible teacher of basketball and uses the game to teach life skills that her players embody daily. Her dedication and preparation become infused into her athletes, which carries into the classroom. Without a doubt, Sherland Chensam is a model coach, model mentor, and an overall model human being.

Stefanie Danna (Sutter Union High School) Softball/Cross Country

Danna is a teacher and coach at Sutter Union High School conducting herself in the classroom and on the athletic field consistently ensuring positive character traits are rewarded and internalized. She understands the importance of education-based athletics and the vital role they play in developing future leaders. Her greatest strength is an understanding that character is the foundation upon which each student-athlete will build a successful life.

James Davis (Granite Hills High School) Baseball

Davis has coached baseball for more than 20 years in the San Diego area and currently serves as the baseball coach and athletic director at Granite Hills High School. He has always set the highest standards for his student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Additionally, he has the ability to forge relationships that lead his players and community to understand their roles in helping student-athletes learn and thrive. Simply put, he is more than a coach, he's a counselor, an advocate, a philanthropist, and a friend.                       

Derrick Dunham (West, Bakersfield High School) Football

Serving as the West High School football coach for the past six years, Dunham has 25 years of coaching experience and has also taught for 16 years. He is a dedicated coach who believes in educating his student-athletes and instilling the importance of moral character. Dunham’s players learn to value themselves and their community because of his relentless determination to build a team of players with character. His leadership, guidance, and care for his athletes is more about life than football.  

Tim Keating (Pleasant Valley High School) Basketball

For the past 24 years, Keating has served as a basketball coach and math teacher at Pleasant Valley High School and is a consistent example of excellence, perseverance, and positivity. He sets clear expectations, holds his players accountable, and works tirelessly to give his student-athletes the tools to succeed. At the core of Coach Keating's teachings is commitment, dedication, team before self, pursuit of excellence, respect, discipline, and hard work. His passion for coaching and teaching is unmatched.

Dawn Lee (Cathedral Catholic High School) Soccer

Lee has coached girls soccer at Cathedral Catholic High School for 25 years. Her work with parents, students, staff, and coaches is exemplary. She leads by communicating effectively with all stakeholders, making tough decisions when necessary, and always treating her players and others with respect and kindness. Lee’s temperament and skills guarantee not only her success but also the improvement of the girls soccer program and the entire athletic department at CCHS.

Todd Mapes (Martin Luther King High School) Soccer

For the past 24 years, Mapes has served as a P.E. teacher and soccer coach at Martin Luther King High School. Both he and the student-athletes in his charge demonstrate sportsmanship, work ethic, and positive behavior every time they toe the mark. A humble person who is passionate about what is best for all student-athletes and the sport of soccer, Mapes will not sacrifice dignity, sportsmanship, or fair play in the pursuit of victory. He is, more than anything, a TEACHER of the game, actively teaching the lessons of life that education-based athletics has to offer.

Frank Marques (Hilmar High School) Football

Marques has served as the football coach for 20 years at Hilmar High School and is also a teacher. He is a true beacon of respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness, and his impact on numerous players and students as a teacher, coach, and mentor is vast. Marques' tireless dedication to not only the football program but also to the Hilmar community is only second to the devotion and love he shows his family, friends, and the players he coaches and has coached throughout the years.

Laura Shinar (Ramona High School) Softball

Shinar is a model P.E. teacher and softball coach at Ramona High School with a steadfast philosophy of providing a quality educational experience for her student-athletes. A highly motivated individual, Shinar diligently advocates for all students and is innovative in ways in which staff, students and all can benefit. Simply put, she is the best and most grounded person to work with.

Johnny Wiley (Granada Hills Charter) Cross Country/Track & Field

A dedicated, trustworthy, and passionate coach, Wiley’s passion is infectious. He is more than a coach, he is a mentor, a life coach. His teams have grown and developed under his watch as he builds his teams on character and commitment.  Wiley demands the best from his student-athletes yet is compassionate and caring. It is his devotion to his athletes that earn their respect. A reliable coach, Wiley is a complete joy to be around.

Matt Wilson (Capuchino High School) Baseball

As an athletic director, P.E. teacher, and baseball coach for 22 years at Capuchino High School Wilson has been a valuable asset and a positive influence for all. He is patient, intelligent, compassionate, and strong-willed with the determination and the skills that make him an excellent coach. Wilson’s strong love for the community is evident through his years of dedication to his craft and the student-athletes that he has impacted.