Jefferson’s of Fort Payne is pleased to announce that Todd Phillips has been named Jefferson’s Fort Payne Coach of the Year. Phillips coaches football and softball at Fort Payne City Schools, where he has also been a teacher for 13 years. Phillips has been coaching for 15 years.
Coach Phillips 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 Fort Payne’s many deserving coaches. Jefferson’s selected Phillips as the Fort Payne Coach of the Year for his deep care and his commitment to nurturing his players’ whole-person development.
“Coach Phillip’s nominators spoke of how much he cares about his athletes,” said franchisee Jake Lund. “He makes sure his players are ready for the world beyond athletics and school, treating his athletes like his own children. His players spoke of the positive values Coach Phillips has instilled in them, emphasizing that to play for Coach Phillips is to know you are cared for. We’re honored to recognize him for his many years of service.”
Phillips 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 Fort Payne Jefferson’s.
“My favorite teaching memories come from seeing my athletes grow and succeed in life beyond school,” Phillips said in a statement. “I love hearing about them becoming great employees, supportive partners, and loving parents. It’s really special to see how the lessons they learned through sports and teamwork carry into the rest of their lives.”
Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program, with Jonathan Maxson, youth football coach for the Fort Payne Wildcats, selected as the first-ever Fort Payne Coach of the Year.Â
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.