Coaches are at the very heart of sport and sport experience. They play a vital role in shaping the lives of athletes, programs, and communities at every level. From Olympic and Paralympic leaders to youth volunteers, from service providers to coach educators, each coach brings a unique impact to the field. Coaches guide skill development, instill values, and create environments where athletes can thrive - whether on local fields, college campuses, or international stages.
Recognizing coaches across categories - including Developmental, Volunteer, College, Doc Counsilman Science & Innovation, and others - celebrates the full spectrum of their contributions. By honoring their dedication, innovation, and care, we elevate the profession and reinforce a positive, inclusive, and athlete-centered sport culture.
Thank you for being here to join us in celebrating these coaches, and coaches everywhere. Learn more about the recognition and award opportunities available to coaches through the USOPC, as well as view the honorees who have been recognized through these opportunities below.
Each year, the USOPC honors the best in coaching and high performance support as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition program. The finalists must be actively coaching or within one year of retirement to be eligible for the award.
Finalists are selected in the following categories:
An independent selection panel of coaching and sport education professionals selects national recipients in each category. The USOPC recognizes each NGB Coach of the Year with a unique award and all recipients are honored by the USOPC in late spring.
Read the full press release for 2024 Coach of the Year recipients HERE.
Established in 1996, the Olympic Coach of the Year is presented to a coach of an elite-level club, collegiate or national-level team, or the coach of an elite athlete who competes at the highest level of their sport. Previously titled the National Coach of the Year award, this was added to the Team USA Awards program in 2017 and renamed the Olympic Coach of the Year award. In years in which the Olympic and Paralympic Games are contested, an Olympic coach is honored as part of the Team USA Awards presented by Dow, Best of Games.
Established in 2004, the Paralympic Coach of the Year is presented to a coach of an elite-level club, collegiate or national-level team, or the coach of an elite athlete who competes at the highest level of their sport. Previously titled the Paralympic National Coach of the Year award, this was added to the Team USA Awards program in 2017 and renamed the Paralympic Coach of the Year award. In years in which the Olympic and Paralympic Games are contested, a Paralympic coach is honored as part of the Team USA Awards presented by Dow, Best of Games.
Established in 1996, the Developmental Coach of the Year is presented to a coach at the youth club, high school or junior level, or a coach who is directly responsible for training athletes to reach the junior and/or elite level.
Established in 2003, the Volunteer Coach of the Year is presented to a coach who does not receive payment in any form for their involvement in coaching at any level.
Established in 2004, the Doc Counsilman Science Award recognizes a coach who utilizes scientific techniques and equipment as an integral part of their coaching methods or has created innovative ways to use sport science.
Established in 2019, the College Coach of the Year is presented to a coach who coaches at the NCAA level.
Established in 2019, the Service Provider of the Year is presented to an NGB/HPMO affiliated service provider such as a strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist, sport psychologist, dietician, or other that has made an impact in their NGB.
Established in 2019, the Coach Educator of the Year is presented to a Coach Educator or ADM Sport Educator that has made an impact in the Coaching Education space.
The Order of Ikkos was established to recognize the coaches whose athletes medal during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This medal is inspired by Ikkos, the first recorded coach in Ancient Greece. He was known for his coaching ability as he led two fellow Tarentine athletes to gold in the same event, pentathlon. The USOPC established the Order of Ikkos prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and provides the opportunity for athletes to recognize their coaches for their leadership and inspiration to achieve world-class, podium performance.
The USOPC is proud to recognize the efforts of America’s finest coaches with the Order of Ikkos. The medallion is a symbol of excellence in coaching as represented by athletes’ achievement as an Olympic or Paralympic Medalist.
It is not tradition for the International Olympic Committee to recognize coaches for medal-winning performances at the Games. The USOPC’s Order of Ikkos allows for each U.S. Olympic or Paralympic medalist to acknowledge a coach for their leadership in achieving world-class success.
For more information and to view a complete list of past recipients, view the Order of Ikkos Honor Roll lists by Games below.
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