By Steve Williams
The TSSAA calls it the “Dead period.” But some see it as a vacation for all with all the work they put in, particularly the 12 head coaches who led their team to a state championship in 2025-26.
Now for the best news that comes with being No. 1 in the state. It can never be taken away.
Let’s take a look at the coaches who made it to the top:
Girls’ Golf: Christian Academy of Knoxville, Division II-A, coached by Donnie Cooper.
Cooper is known for praising a relentless work ethic. He holds his players accountable, rewarding drive and improvement.
He has successfully cultivated a culture of winning at CAK, leading his squads to multiple state titles.
Boys’ Golf: Hardin Valley Academy, Class AA, coached by John Williams; and First Baptist Academy, Division II-A, coached by Johnny Cox and his wife, Karen.
Williams is best known for leading the boys’ squad to their first-ever state title.
At FBA in Powell, a husband-and-wife coaching duo directs the golf program. Alongside their son, Jeremy, they have been credited with building the school’s competitive program from the middle school up to consistent state contenders.
Girls’ Cross Country: Webb School, Division II-AA, coached by Dan Murray.
The Webb girls cross-country program boasts 13 team state titles including this past season. Coach Murray is a former North Carolina State distance runner.
Boys’ Cross Country: The King’s Academy, Division II-A, coached by Jeff Ayers.
Coach Ayers is recognized for his focus on motivating student-athletes, teaching leadership, and building consistent year-over-year growth.
Girls’ Soccer: Bearden High, Class AAA, coached by Ryan Radcliffe.
Radcliffe is a cornerstone of the BHS athletics program and has been highly successful in his roles. He started coaching both the girls’ and boys’ programs in 2014 and has led the Lady Bulldogs to multiple state titles.
Girls’ Basketball: Webb School, Division II-AA, coached by Greg Hernandez.
Hernandez took over the storied Webb girls program in 2023 after spending several seasons at Seymour. He has cemented the Lady Spartans as a powerhouse with back-to-back state championships. He heavily emphasizes trust, grit and player development.
Boys’ Lacrosse: West High, Class A, coached by Chandler Klinck.
Coach Klinck led West to an historic milestone, capturing the program’s first-ever state title with a 6-5 win over Page.
Unified Flag Football: Hardin Valley Academy, coached by Kristofer “Ryen” Minton.
Alongside coaching flag football, Minton serves as the co-defensive coordinator for the school’s varsity football program.
Girls’ Track and Field: Webb School, Division II-AA, coached by Jerome Romain.
A former Olympic finalist and World Championship bronze medalist in the triple jump, Romain has led the Lady Spartans to multiple TSSAA state crowns.
Boys’ Soccer: Grace Christian Academy, Division II-A, coached by Isaac Brooks.
As a former player and NCAA coach for Union University, Brooks has been a guiding force for youth and collegiate athletes for over a decade.
Baseball: Farragut High, Class AAAA, coached by Garrett Copeland.
A fixture in the program and a former player under legendary coaches, Copeland seamlessly maintained the Admirals’ championship culture by securing another state crown in his debut season in 2025 and topped it with another cherry this season.
TSSAA DEAD PERIOD: It started on June 20 and will end on July 5. During this time, there is no coaching, observing, or contact between coaches and players. The last day for workouts was June 19 and practices are set to start on July 6.
