Amanda Valle is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado by AZPreps365.com

Coronado now has a banner hanging in its Hall of Fame area showing its level distinction in the National Federation of State High School Associations edification services. It allows parents and students to see how much their coaches care about them thanks to Athletic Director Anthony Miller.

The banner sparks a question for people who don’t know what the NFHS is and allows them to learn that their coaches are trained and dedicated to their students. 

“It is important to me that our coaches get the best training there is,” said Miller. “Earning this level 2 distinction for the NFHS just goes to show how committed our coaches are to their players.”

Abby Toppe, a member of NFHS’s board, said you can tell when athletic directors are passionate. “He cares about professional development for his coaches and advocates on behalf of his coaches. He loves talking up his coaches.” 

The coaches of Coronado High School have taken the steps to improve themselves as coaches through the NFHS educational services, also known as the National Federation of State High School Associations. 

The NFHS is the national leader for high school athletics and performing arts programs, Based in Indianapolis, Indiana the NFHS works with schools in over 51 state associations (including Washington, D.C.). 

Working to create the best atmosphere for high school sports the NFHS’ goal is to “ensure that all students have an opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement and good sportsmanship in education-based activities.” 

The program has three levels of distinction ranging from 1 to 3.

“You know these adults are a teacher first and a coach second,” said Dan Schuster, Director of Educational Services for the NFHS. “Even though they may not be in the classroom anymore it is critically important that they know they really are a teacher for every one of these students' athletes.”  

This past school year Coronado became the ninth school to reach level 2 distinction in the country, completing a variety of courses to help them become the best coaches they can be for their athletes. The honor roll program started last year. 

For a school to earn any level of distinction they must have over 90% of their coaching staff complete the educational courses. Each level of distinction has four courses that must be completed. 

Level 1 includes courses on the fundamentals of coaching, concussion in sports, sudden cardiac arrest, and protecting students from abuse. 

“You have a pretty wide range,” said Toppe. “There are health and safety courses, coaching courses, and then there are those that show about caring for your students off the field or court.” 

Level 2 includes first aid health and safety, heat illness prevention, students' mental health and suicide prevention, and then a sports-specific course for each course.

Coronado is now working towards becoming one of the first schools to complete all the NFHS courses and reach the level 3 distinction.