SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – The CIF State office today announced the 2024-25 Model Coach Award winners. Now in its 24^th year, the CIF Model Coach Award program is designed to recognize coaches who have served as positive role models in their schools and communities and who have exhibited the traits apparent in the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm.

A model coach demonstrates and teaches the six core ethical values: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship (the “Six Pillars of Character”). The CIF believes that the highest potential of sports is achieved when teachers/coaches consciously Teach, Enforce, Advocate, and Model (T.E.A.M.) these values and are committed to the ideal of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm.

"Thank you to these outstanding coaches for their dedication to education-based athletics, not only developing skills but also building character in the student-athletes they serve," said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. 

Mike Benbow (Fortuna High School) Football

In 1993 Benbow began coaching girls' basketball, track, and JV baseball at Fortuna High School. His ability to challenge and support his players while nurturing their growth both as athletes and as individuals is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy. Additionally, Coach Benbow's influence extends beyond the football field. He serves as a role model, not just for his athletes but for fellow coaches and the community at large.

Robyn Berry (Archie Williams High School) Boys Cross Country/Track & Field

This year marks Berry’s retirement from coaching, concluding an extraordinary tenure serving the Archie Williams community. Her approach consistently transcended athletics, equipping her athletes with life skills and fostering a community of support and success. Additionally, her influence extends beyond athletics; she has been a mentor, a motivator, and a role model to athletes, parents, and colleagues alike.

Nancy Chicas (George Washington High School) Flag Football/Girls Basketball

A Half of Famer at George Washington High School, Chicas has coached multiple sports at her alma mater. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional coaching abilities and leadership, making her an indispensable part of the GWHS athletic department. Her unwavering commitment to her athletes' well-being and her ability to mentor and inspire them on and off the field make her an exemplary role model.

Ashley Faraone (Golden Valley High School) Girls Soccer

A soccer coach for more than 20 years, Faraone has served as the girls varsity soccer coach at Golden Valley High School since 2016. She believes in the importance of teamwork and team unity. Her teams are well-coached, ready to play, and demonstrate excellent sportsmanship no matter what the outcome. Additionally, they are fierce competitors while respecting their opponents, the referees, and the game.

Annie Fumelle (Magnolia High School) Tennis

For more than 30 years Fumelle has coached tennis, she also serves as a teacher and assistant activities director at Magnolia High School. A thoughtful and conscientious teacher and coach, she brings passion and commitment to work each day and has changed the lives of thousands of kids for the better through her work. Her endless dedication, generosity, and unwavering desire to build a community of kindness and service with students and staff is immeasurable.

Jesus Gomez (NOVA Academy) Cross Country/Girls Basketball/Boys Volleyball

Not only is Gomez an outstanding coach but also a transformative role model within NOVA Academy and the broader community. He inspires kids to get involved and try new things outside of their comfort zone. His leadership and ability to connect with a diverse group of students has grown the athletic department and he strives to provide his student-athletes with the necessary tools, knowledge, equipment, and resources to excel.

Brad Gunter (Valley Christian Academy) Baseball/Boys Basketball

With over two decades of service to Valley Christian, Coach Gunter has not only developed successful sports programs but also created an environment that deeply exemplifies the true meaning of a student-athlete. His programs are known for their sportsmanship, unity, and the strength of character demonstrated by his student-athletes. His legacy at Valley Christian is marked by the countless lives he has positively impacted.

Tawni Kramer (University Preparatory) Volleyball

With over a decade of coaching experience at the high school level, Coach Kramer’s influence on UPrep student-athletes and the broader community is immeasurable. Under her leadership, the volleyball program has excelled on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She cares deeply about her athletes’ well-being and displays that through offering time and resources focused on mental health and cognitive training, as well as nutrition programming.

Jason McFarlin (Coalinga High School) Boys Basketball/Softball/Boys Tennis/Cross Country

For more than 20 years McFarlin has served as a dedicated teacher and coach at Coalinga High School. He has mentored many student-athletes during his career, developing high academic, social, and professional standards. His commitment to fair play and good sportsmanship is a testament to his character and the values he imparts to his athletes.

Emily Novick (Coliseum College Prep) Girls Soccer

Novick is a dedicated educator and has served as the head girls soccer coach since 2016 but began her coaching career at Coliseum College Prep as the JV boys soccer coach. Her confidence and matter-of-fact instructional style have led to both the success of her teams and the respect of her athletes. Her accomplishments on the field translate to school culture. Her athletes are CCP campus leaders, mediators, and academically excellent.

Nicole Powell (South High School) Volleyball/Softball

Powell serves as a teacher and coach at South High School. She works hard to set the tone by establishing a team-first atmosphere with high standards for integrity, positivity, encouragement, and respect for referees. Her knowledge of sports, her ability to teach, and her dedication to her athletes are unparalleled. She is a winner, and she produces winners.

Lindsay Rubin (Brawley High School) Girls Volleyball

Coach Rubin has dedicated herself to not only developing talented athletes but also to nurturing their character and resilience. Under her guidance, players have blossomed not only as competitors but also as leaders within the community. The impact of her coaching goes far beyond sport, as she instills critical life skills such as perseverance, discipline, and cooperation.

Gabe Stewart (Los Altos High School) Baseball/Girls Flag Football

Coach Stewart has coached baseball for more than 10 years and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to his teams at Los Altos High School. Additionally, in 2024, he stepped up to coach the girls' flag football team during its inaugural season. His dedication to fostering an environment of trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship has made him an invaluable asset to LAHS.

John Studer (Corning High School) Football/Baseball

Coach Studer has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion in his roles as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at Corning High School. His innovative teaching methods and engaging coaching style have not only enhanced the academic and athletic performance of his students but have also instilled in them valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

Mike Voelkel (Palisades Charter High School) Baseball

Voelkel is not only an exceptional coach but also a vital member of the Palisades Charter High School family. His contributions to the students, staff, and community are immeasurable, and his consistency in excellence over the years is a testament to his character and work ethic. His ability to inspire, mentor, and positively shape the lives of young people is commendable.

Eugene Vrana (Lowell High School) Girls Soccer

Vrana has been a coaching fixture at Lowell High School for more than 20 years. His extensive experience and dedication to his student-athletes, combined with his passion for the sport and commitment to fostering personal growth and teamwork, have had a profound and lasting impact on the school community.

Camela Werner (Carson High School) Softball

For more than 20 years Coach Werner has been instrumental in the longstanding and sustained success that the Carson High School softball program has enjoyed. The commitment to fair play and equal opportunity is not just taught but also practiced during every practice and game. She is a truly outstanding coach and mentor who has made a lasting positive impact on her school and community.

Tim White (Borrego Springs High School) Football/Basketball/Golf

For the past 25 years, White has been an exceptional coach who has made a profound impact on both his athletes and school community through his unwavering dedication, character, and leadership. He consistently encourages his athletes to pursue their educational goals alongside their athletic aspirations and instills values of perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, and empathy in his athletes, both on and off the field.

Justina Williams (Archbishop Mitty High School) Field Hockey

For more than 20 years Williams has taught and coached at Archbishop Mitty High School. She is the perfect example of a coach who understands the purpose of education-based, high school athletics. Plain and simple, she gets it. She will not compromise when it comes to integrity, nor does she allow the balance of learning vs. winning to be compromised. During her tenure, she has emerged as both a master-teacher and a value-driven role model to the AMHS community.