Female Coaches of the Year
So many of the high school teams in Minnesota and around the country are being coached by men, while I appreciate the competitiveness and expertise they bring, it is important to recognize the women of the sport that are developing programs, growing skills, and being positive female role-models.
Here are a female coaches that earned recognition for their season this year:
1AA: Lisa Nelson, Zumbrota Mazeppa
Lisa’s young team is in the very competitive Hiwatha Valley Conference. She really worked to develop discipline and grit in her athletes. While they may not come away with wins against powerhouses: Stewartville and Kasson Mantorville, this year they have proven to be more competitive against such teams. Many of her players have been encouraged to take part in bigger clubs in the off-season, with many playing at Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV) and MN Northern Lights.
7AA: Melissa Lautiger (assistant), Eveleth-Gilbert
Although the Golden Bears varsity didn’t have their best season, coaches everywhere are noticing the volleyball taking place up north. Melissa is the assistant coach of the Bears and can always be seen offering an encouraging word, or technical advice.
3AA Heidi Deragisch (assistant), Marshall
Assistant Heidi, was also a big contributor in the Marshall’s 32-6 record. Her passion for the sport is evident during and after the season. She is currently the club director for the Marshall Tiger Volleyball club. There is no rest for Deragisch with tryouts taking place last Sunday. Her program looks to have approximately 12 teams this year.
Thank you to all the male and female coaches around the state training these young athletes. A complete list of the 2018 Section Coaches of the Year can be found here