IDTA Coach of the Year
The Coach of the Year is awarded to a current coach who has made a remarkable positive impact on their team and community this season. The recipient of this award is selected via board review of the content of all nominations submitted by the public. Recipients are announced at the awards presentation at State Finals.
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Nomination and consideration criteria for
Coach of the Year include:
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- Goal setting and achievement
- Demonstration of team improvement
- Demonstrated effort to improve coaching skills
- Demonstrated positive community contributions
- Overall impact on their team
The 2025 Coach of the Year is Kari Marino of Eureka Flags and Mahomet-Seymour Flags.
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Kari's coaching career began in 1998. In 2016, she began coaching a second competitive program at her alma mater. Her three flag programs have won numerous championships over the years. She continues to instill a love for the flag corps through coaching and working with other area teams. When she isn’t coaching for her two flag programs that span almost 60 miles, she can be found teaching grade school as well as supporting her three very active children.
Some words from those who nominated her:
“She is an amazing coach and deserves every good thing that comes her way.”
"She is a trusted mentor and an expert at understanding each student's personality and their needs.”
“She has shown me that hard work and focus can really take you far in life.”
"She is quiet, and calm and has the ability to react to any situation perfectly. She has always been my hero, my comfort blanket and my best friend."
Kari Marino
Past Recipients
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2024 - Chelsea Guempel, Edwardsville Varsity
2023 – Lauren Metz, Washington High School
2022 – Amanda Chamblin, O’Fallon High School
2021 – Courtney Gillette, Hinsdale South High School
2020 – Jennifer Duesterhaus, Quincy Notre Dame High School
2019 – Kelsey Duncan-Savage, Clinton High School