Throughout Special Olympics North America, more than 116,000 dedicated individuals donate their time and expertise as Special Olympics coaches. Their support, both on and off the field of play, helps Special Olympics athletes share their gifts, achieve new goals and showcase the best sports have to offer. In 2024, six of these incredible coaches rose to the top and were recognized as Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach award winners. Hailing from the United States and Canada, the one thing these coaches have in common is their passion for Special Olympics.
Within the Rising Star category, Morgan Jardine from Special Olympics Canada and Lindsey Smith from Special Olympics Rhode Island were recognized for their significant contributions in relatively short coaching careers. Jardine started with Special Olympics in Prince Edward Island as part of a post-secondary partnership placement in 2022 and has been involved ever since, continuing to go above and beyond as she coaches floor hockey and Motor Activity Training Program.
“Morgan is a perfect example of someone who this award intends to recognize,” said Danielle Emmons, Associate Director, Athlete & Coach Development for Special Olympics Canada. “She has a heart that genuinely wants to get to know each individual, understand their needs, and ensure that she can give athletes the best opportunity to succeed.”
Smith’s employment as a teacher for DelSesto Middle School in Providence keeps her incredibly busy, but she finds a great amount of fulfillment in coaching basketball and athletics. It’s something her athletes recognize and appreciate.
“Ms. Smith shows us a lot of new things at each practice,” athlete Yariana said in the nomination form. “Ms. Smith is always encouraging us to try new skills and drills during practice to help us improve in the sport. Ms. Smith is consistent with encouraging us to be the best we can be.”
Roughly eight hours down the road, Special Olympics New York coach Kevin Anderson has almost a decade and a half of Special Olympics coaching experience. Since 2010, he has been a mainstay on the pool deck, golf course and bocce court as he coaches the Chautauqua Lakers. A bocce coach for Team New York at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Anderson is also a member of the SONY Statewide Coaches Committee.
“Kevin is the glue that holds the Chautauqua Lakers training club together and is beloved by the athletes,” Michael Paglicci, Director of Program – Western Region, Special Olympics New York, said about Anderson being recognized as a SONA Outstanding Coach in the community category. “The respect and admiration his athletes hold for him is always noticeable and unique even in the organization. Kevin also holds great relationships with other coaches throughout the region and state - he is held in high regard for his commitment and demeanor.”
Special Olympics Oklahoma coach Renee Shoaf has also coached Special Olympics for 14 years, bringing her determination and inclusive attitude to the athletes of ten different sports. Her position as a special education teacher has also helped her lay the groundwork for Yukon Public Schools to become more involved with Special Olympics by increasing Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming throughout the district. She’s part of Special Olympics Oklahoma Education Leaders Network, providing state-level thought leadership aimed at advancing the Unified Champion Schools® strategy in policy and practice. But her impact is most directly felt by the athletes and Unified partners lucky enough to call her coach.
“Growing up watching, learning from and helping her has taught me and countless others lessons we will take with us throughout our lives and help us improve the lives of those with disabilities in Oklahoma,” said Phoenix Garner, Yukon Alumni Unified partner.
Special Olympics Florida coach Valerie Lundin and Special Olympics Pennsylvania coach Lester Loner were each awarded the Annette K. Lynch Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes contributions over the entirety of a career by a Special Olympics coach. With over 35 years of Special Olympics coaching under his belt, Loner’s list of accolades is long: Pennsylvania Coach of the Year in 1995, Pennsylvania Family of the Year in 1996 and SONA Coach of the Year in 2007. But Coach Lester isn’t focused on chasing accolades, he’s focused on chasing progress.
“His saying is ‘one inch farther or one second faster,’” said Jackie Lipenta, Sr. Director, Athlete & Volunteer Experiences for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. “He always has established training programs ready for the athletes on a weekly and seasonal basis to help the athletes establish and reach their goals.”
Lundin has been coaching for four decades. In that time, she has coached 11 different Special Olympics sports, served on Special Olympics Florida’s Games Management Team and contributed meaningfully to training and mentoring the next generation of coaches.
“Over 40 years, Val has been a mentor to so many coaches. Introducing a new coach or volunteer to the world of Special Olympics and amazing athletes is Val’s greatest goal,” said Jessica Ott, Regional Director, West Coast Region, Special Olympics Florida. “She has said her biggest life accomplishment has been being involved with Special Olympics. She shares her passion with volunteers, athletes, parents, coaches and potential coaches every day.”
The six coaches recognized as part of Special Olympics North America’s Outstanding Coach Awards have committed themselves to being a pivotal figure in so many athletes’ lives. They’ve helped develop athletes both on and off the field of play, creating their own memories that will last a lifetime and featuring heavily in the memories of others.
