Jefferson’s Rome announces 2025 Coach of the Year!

Jefferson’s of Rome is pleased to announce that Tony Choat has been named Jefferson’s Rome Coach of the Year. Choat coaches basketball for the Rome High School Wolves, and has been coaching for seven years. A former college basketball player, Choat stated that he knew he wanted to coach from a young age.

Coach Choat 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, serves to recognize one of Rome’s many deserving coaches. Jefferson’s selected Choat as the Rome Coach of the Year for his energetic leadership and his ability to inspire all of his athletes to reach their greatest potential.

“Coach Choat’s nominators spoke of how Choat positively connects and supports every individual on his team,” said franchisee Wayne Mullinax. “Everyone is valued. Everyone is supported. Everyone is inspired to give their best. He’ll come early and stay late, often providing rides and meals for athletes so everyone has an equal opportunity. Coach Choat’s athletes could not say enough of his positivity and affirming coaching style, and we’re honored to recognize him for his hard work.”

Choat will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and his achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Coach of the Year” plaque that will be displayed in the Rome Jefferson’s.

“The most fulfilling part of being a coach is seeing each player grow from start to finish and the excitement on their faces when they succeed,” Choat said in a statement. “I believe that you’re not in a kid’s life for just 3-4 years, you’re there to impact them for the rest of their lives. I hear from former athletes all the time, some that are now grown with kids, some that are still competing at the collegiate level. I will always help those kids in any way I can.”

Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program, with Josh Davis, baseball coach for the Pepperell Middle School Dragons, selected as the first-ever Rome Coach of the Year. 

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.