Coach
SHERRI COALE WINS “2010 MOST POSITIVE COACH AWARD”
University of Oklahoma women’s basketball coach, Sherri Coale was named the winner of the inaugural ”2010 Most Positive Coach in the World” in a ceremony that took place during the pre-game of the Sooners game vs Kansas State in January.
The 2010 Positive Peace Award nominees were judged by a Voting Academy comprised of highly respected international service organizations such as Rotary International and Sister Cities International. Coale was presented the award on the court by
Rotary International District 5770 Governor Glenda Thomas during the pre-game of the OU vs Kansas State women’s game.
"This is really a program award,” Coale said. “I accept it on behalf of our current staff and players and all of our former coaches and players who continue to give back and lead through service in their respective communities. “I so appreciate the recognition for our program but, as our players past and present can attest, the rewards come from the doing. It is truly an honor to have such a platform from which to serve."
The Voting Academy used an established criteria of a coach’s local, national and international community involvement, as well as their leadership as the coach of their team, league and as a role model for young athletes.
"Sherri Coale is uniquely gifted as a leader, teacher, and mentor," said OU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "Her coaching accomplishments highlighted by significant numbers of victories and championships are overwhelming, but no more so than the profound impact she has had on the lives of those she has coached.
Coale was nominated by
Journey Church in Norman for her team's efforts in traveling to Port au Prince, Haiti to help serve earthquake victims, as well as numerous community project spearheaded by the 14-year head coach.
"Coach Coale cares deeply about her players and shows concern for their development off of the basketball court", said Adam Barnett of Journey Church. "The Haiti trip is a perfect example of the kind of leadership she provides her players, and the positive impact she has on the world."