DEBATE COACH OF THE YEAR
The Debate Coach of the Year award honors an outstanding coach who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering excellence in debate and unwavering support for high school debate activities across the state.
This recognition is awarded to a coach who not only develops skilled debaters but also cultivates a culture of critical thinking, advocacy, and sportsmanship. Their commitment to student growth, program development, and the broader debate community exemplifies the highest standards of coaching.
| Year | Name | School |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Sandra Worthington Silvers | Calhoun High School |
| 1984 | Martha Dye | Lee County High School |
| 1985 | Bruce Rogers | Northside High School |
| 1986 | Eric Brannen | The Westminster Schools |
| 1987 | Paula Nettles | Woodward Academy |
| 1988 | Chuck Spurlock | Pace Academy |
| 1989 | Richard Bracknell | Carrollton High School |
| 1990 | Ted Carter | Lee County High School |
| 1991 | Lionel Clark | Pickens County High School |
| 1992 | John McClellan | Warner Robins High School |
| 1993 | Leslie Watkins | Brookwood High School |
| 1994 | Chris Wheatley | Pace Academy |
| 1995 | Barbara Wilson | Rome High School |
| 1996 | Phillip Wertz | Thomas County Central High School |
| 1997 | Medgar Roberts | Hart County High School |
| 1998 | Donald Rhodes | Houston County High School |
| 1999 | Martha Kelley | Dublin High School |
| 2000 | Chuck Heywood | Lakeside High School |
| 2001 | Kenneth Grodd | St. Pius X High School |
| 2002 | Allan Hayes | Trion High School |
| 2003 | Frank Seaver | Woodward Academy |
| 2004 | Lisa Willoughby | Henry W. Grady High School |
| 2005 | Adam Smiley | Chattahoochee High School |
| 2006 | James Holt | Camden County High School |
| 2007 | Lee Robinson | Lincoln County High School |
| 2008 | Beth McMahon | Milton High School |
| 2009 | Beverly Kelly | Fayette County High School |
| 2010 | Jenny Heidt | The Westminster Schools |
| 2011 | Matt Bartula | Sequoyah High School |
| 2012 | Jeffrey Miller | Marist School |
| 2013 | John McClellan | Warner Robins High School |
| 2014 | Shunta Jordan | Pace Academy |
| 2015 | Garrett Abelkop | Chattahoochee High School |
| 2015 | Pamela Childress | Valdosta High School |
| 2016 | Maggie Berthiaume | Woodward Academy |
| 2017 | Lyndsey Hinckley | Columbus High School |
| 2018 | Jordana Sternberg | The Westminster Schools |
| 2019 | Jamie Wills | Cherokee High School |
| 2020 | James Brock | Houston County High School |
| 2020 | Lauren Ivey | Alpharetta High School |
| 2021 | Jonathan Waters | Northview High School |
| 2022 | Richard Bracknell | Carrollton High School |
| 2023 | Lucas Bailey | Midtown High School |
| 2024 | Matt Bartula | Sequoyah High School |
| 2025 | Abby Schirmer | Marist School |