COACH AWARDS


​CIF MODEL COACH AWARD
  • Now in its 24th 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 Honors.
  • 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 Honors.
  • "Thank you to these outstanding coaches for their dedication to education-based athletics, not only developing skills but also building character in the student-athletes they serve," said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti.

2024-25 CIF Model Coach Award Winners
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Name School (Section) Sport(s)

Mike Benbow - Fortuna (North Coast) - Football
Robyn Berry - Archie Williams (North Coast) - Boys Cross Country/Track & Field
Nancy Chicas - George Washington (San Francisco) - Flag Football/Girls Basketball
Ashley Faraone - Golden Valley (Sac-Joaquin) - Girls Soccer
Annie Fumelle - Magnolia (Southern) - Tennis
Jesus Gomez - NOVA Academy (Southern) - Cross Country/G. Basketball/B. Volleyball
Brad Gunter - Valley Christian Academy (Sac-Joaquin) - Baseball/Boys Basketball
Tawni Kramer - University Prep, Redding (Northern) - Volleyball
Jason McFarlin - Coalinga (Central) - B. Basketball/Softball/B. Tennis/Cross Country
Emily Novick - Coliseum College Preparatory (Oakland) - Girls Soccer
Nicole Powell South, Bakersfield (Central) - Volleyball/Softball
Lindsay Rubin - Brawley (San Diego) - Girls Volleyball
Gabe Stewart - Los Altos (Central Coast) - Baseball/Girls Flag Football
John Studer - Corning (Northern) - Football/Baseball
Mike Voelkel - Palisades Charter (Los Angeles City) - Baseball
Eugene Vrana - Lowell (San Francisco) - Girls Soccer
Camela Werner - Carson (Los Angeles City) - Softball
Tim White - Borrego Springs (San Diego) - Football/Basketball/Golf
Justina Williams - Archbishop Mitty (Central Coast) - Field Hockey



Eugene Vrana (Lowell High School) - Girls Soccer
Vrana has been a coaching fixture at Lowell High School for more than 20 years. His
extensive experience and dedication to his student-athletes, combined with his passion for
the sport and commitment to fostering personal growth and teamwork, have had a profound
and lasting impact on the school community.


Nancy Chicas (George Washington High School) - Flag Football/Girls Basketball
A Hall of Famer at George Washington High School, Chicas has coached multiple sports at her
alma mater. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities and leadership,
making her an indispensable part of the GWHS athletic department. Her unwavering commitment
to her athletes' well-being and her ability to mentor and inspire them on and off the field make her
an exemplary role model.

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