Three coaches from St. Tammany Parish have been named finalists for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's (NHSACA) National Coach of the Year award. This is a remarkable achievement, as these coaches have not only achieved great success in their respective sports but have also been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the athletic community. What makes this even more impressive is that these coaches represent a diverse range of sports and backgrounds, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within the parish.
One of the coaches, Glenn "Benji" Benjamin, is a soccer coach at St. Scholastica. Benjamin, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, has led the Doves to three consecutive LHSAA state soccer titles. His passion for the sport is evident, as he was once a member of the Trinidad and Tobago U20 national team, participating in the 1991 U20 World Championships in Portugal. Benjamin's success as a coach is further highlighted by his impressive record of 89-21-18 in his six seasons with the Doves. He is also the Mandeville Soccer Club Academy Director for the U9-U10 programs, demonstrating his commitment to developing young athletes.
Errol Gauff, another finalist, is the boys' basketball coach at Hannan. Gauff has been with the school for nine years and has compiled an impressive record of 189-105. His coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and gratitude, as he believes in helping players enhance their gifts through dedication. Gauff's success is also reflected in his overall record of 567-220, which includes a 567-220 record from his 19 years at St. Thomas Aquinas. He credits his family, particularly his wife Medria and daughter Hailey, for their support and sacrifice, allowing him to focus on coaching.
The third finalist, Danny Tullis, is a volleyball coach at Mandeville. Tullis has won eight state championships in 27 seasons and has a career record of 786-177 at five different schools. He is currently coaching his son Collin's U17 Open volleyball team in the AAU Youth National Championships, which took home the national title. Tullis' coaching idol is Karch Karaly, a former Olympian who is now coaching Collin in the National Team Development Program. Tullis' success is a testament to his passion for the sport and his ability to inspire and develop young athletes.
What makes these coaches' achievements even more remarkable is the fact that they have been recognized on a national level. The NHSACA's National Coach of the Year award is a prestigious honor, and these coaches have earned their place among the best in the nation. Their success is not just a reflection of their individual talents but also of the support and dedication of their players, families, and communities.
In my opinion, these three coaches from St. Tammany Parish are not just exceptional athletes but also exceptional role models. Their success is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and dedication. It is inspiring to see how they have not only achieved great success in their respective sports but have also made a positive impact on the lives of their players and the athletic community as a whole. These coaches are truly making a difference, and their achievements deserve to be celebrated and recognized.
