More than 125 GFS coaches lead the Tigers on 70 Varsity, JV, and MS teams in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. This year alone, the coaches led the Tigers to seven FSL Championship, state and national competition, program records, and multiple college commitments. 

“Our coaches cultivated an environment where their student-athletes and teams succeeded in the win-loss column, and in life!” said Director of Athletics Katie Bergstrom Mark. 

Developing positive learning environments is a craft that Bergstrom Mark says that GFS coaches are astute. “This can be particularly challenging for our coaches who have athletes of varying abilities and interests. We have beginner to elite athletes, athletes focused primarily on health and wellness, and athletes primarily striving for national competition. Our coaches’ specialized instruction kept all of our athletes engaged and allowed for each athlete to develop to their full potential.

“Our coaches are also skilled at identifying and managing team dynamics with an emphasis and priority on impeccable sportspersonship, safety, and fun. They help students develop confidence in their skills. They possess positive outlooks which impact everyone and lead to better group dynamics, a sense of belonging, and success."

Bergstrom Mark also pointed out that GFS coaches are unique in their ability to foster a deeper understanding of concepts  – explaining the why behind the drill – which creates a stronger buy-in from the student-athletes and motivates them to succeed in their training and in competition. The coaches also maximize training time with the athletes, understanding that many have varied commitments outside of their team.

“All these attributes are critical to successful coaching, and so is experience and knowledge. This year alone, our coaches sought out professional development to build on their game; more than 50 attended seminars, meetings, and events and made time to seek sport-specific training and accreditation. I am thankful for their ongoing dedication to our program!”

Congratulations to the GFS coaches for an outstanding 2021-2022 academic year! 

View the gallery featuring many of our stellar coaches and staff in action.