Jefferson’s in the Nashville area announce 2025 Coaches of the Year!

Jefferson’s is pleased to announce their Coaches of the Year for the Nashville metro area. Each Jefferson’s location in the Nashville metro has recognized a winner:

• Brentwood: Chad Legate, Brentwood Academy Eagles, coaching for 17 years
• Columbia: James Dickinson, Whitthorne Middle School football, coaching for 35 years
• Fairview: Kaylee Heggie, Fairview High School volleyball, coaching for eight years
• Murfreesboro: Charlotte Peay, Oakland High School softball, coaching for 17 years

Each coach was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by athletes and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Coach’s Day on Oct. 6, aims to recognize a few of the many deserving coaches in the Nashville area. Jefferson’s selected Legate, Dickinson, Heggie, and Peay as the Coaches of the Year for leading with generosity, passion, and deep care.

“Coach Legate, Dickinson, Heggie, and Peay are all coaches that have inspired and uplifted their communities,” said Jefferson’s President Brandon Graham. “Their nominators spoke of their selflessness. These coaches set up study halls to help their athletes in the classroom, volunteer with local charities, and make sure every child has the equipment they need and a ride to practice. These extraordinary coaches have dedicated their lives to caring for these kids as their own and giving back to their communities at every turn, and often with little recognition. We’re honored to recognize them now.”

Each coach will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s. Their achievements will also be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Coach of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.

Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program. Jefferson’s recognized Will Hester (Brentwood), Devin Symlar (Columbia), Ron King (Fairview), and Travarus Holloway (Murfreesboro) as the Coaches of the Year for their neighborhoods.

The Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award was open to coaches of any sport working with athletes of any age. Coaches could be nominated by athletes, parents and guardians of athletes, school officials, or other community members.