Head girls’ cross country coach Tim McDonald has received the IHSA Coach of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season. McDonald is a skilled coach who has carried his team through ups and downs, allowing the experiences to shape him into the attentive and adaptable coach he is today. Because of these qualities and the successes from recent seasons, he was recognized and nominated by IHSA Assistant Executive Director Kraig Garber.

“Coach McDonald’s selection was a result of his program’s climbing success over the past few years,” Garber said.

McDonald has not only sent programs all the way to Nationals, but he has already led the team into the top three for the state ranking during the current 2024-2025 season. While McDonald is grateful for the recognition and the award, he attributes the successes of the recent seasons to the athletes.

“While it’s an honor, it’s just as much these kids as it is anything else,” McDonald said. “We have a cluster of some of the greatest runners that have ever walked into this school, and they all happen to be here at the same time.”

Sophomore Evan Vlasic started running in middle school and was eager to begin her high school career last season. She believes that McDonald has been a big part of her improvement since her freshman year, as well as her commitment to continue getting better. He has been able to keep the team engaged and in love with the sport while also pushing them to be the best runners they can be.

“He’s helped boost my confidence because he always shows that he believes in you,” Vlasic said. “I feel like he’s only helped me improve.”

Through his dedication to the sport and his adaptability, McDonald has proven himself to be a strong coach. He has been a role model and leader for his runners, and continues to make an impact on all of the student-athletes in the girls’ cross country program.