South Haven Athletics

Congratulations to Coach Smiley on receiving the 2025-26 I.M.P.A.C.T. Coach of the Year Award! This is the inaugural year for this award - The recipient is nominated by their student athletes and their parents along with their fellow coaches; they are chosen based on the amount of nominations and the testimonies within those nominations. Below is how the award is defined. The South Haven I.M.P.A.C.T. Coach of the Year Award recognizes a coach who exemplifies the true purpose of education-based athletics by making a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of student-athletes. This award honors a coach whose influence extends far beyond the scoreboard through impactful mentorship, passionate leadership, consistent advocacy for students, unwavering commitment to their program, and the trust they build with athletes, families, colleagues, and the community. The I.M.P.A.C.T. Coach of the Year is not necessarily defined by championships, records, or victories. Instead, this award celebrates the coach who best demonstrates the ability to positively shape character, inspire growth, teach life lessons, and create an environment where student-athletes feel valued, supported, challenged, and empowered to become successful both in competition and in life. This award recognizes the coach who understands that the greatest success in athletics is not measured solely in wins and losses, but in the lifelong impact made on the students they serve. --Testimonies for Coach Smiley-- “For caring an extra lot about the kids that he works with. For going the extra mile to show them that he loves them.” “Because he is always a positive force in everyone’s lives” “He always believed in me to do track and bugged me until I relented and did a track meet and found out I didn’t only like it a lot but that I was very good at it and I am grateful for that” “Because he always pushes use to be great.” “Coach Smiley continually pours himself into student athletes. Helping to hold them accountable in the classroom, while maintaining high expectations for athletes on the field. Pushing them beyond what they think they can do. All this while also meeting other needs that kids may have. He constantly makes them food, gives them rides, and makes himself available for any and all concerns. Very often providing life lessons and advice, Smiley shares his wisdom with them on how to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Many times he has helped kids realize that college is a possibility and with in their reach, regardless of sports or just to go. I have seen many now adults light up when they run into him, excited to remember the time spent with him in their youth and knowing that he impacted them and who they are today!” --All Coaches Nominated-- Coach Guthrie Coach O'Sullivan Coach Bautista Coach Smiley Coach Hanny Coach Dubina Coach Julie Coach Barry Coach Mara Coach Chalupa Coach Adamson Coach Burson Coach Weaver Coach Diaz Coach Eddy Coach Wilma