Jefferson’s of Lawrence is pleased to announce that Jamar Reese has been named Jefferson’s Lawrence Coach of the Year. Reese coaches football for the Lawrence Hurricanes and basketball for Run GMC and has been coaching for 17 years.
Coach Reese 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 Lawrence’s many deserving coaches. Jefferson’s selected Reese as the Lawrence Coach of the Year for his unique ability to identify and nurture leadership qualities within every individual athlete.
“Coach Reese’s nominators described him as a stranger to no one,” said Jefferson’s President Brandon Graham. “He’s committed to inclusivity and equality, covering fees, equipment, and transportation for any who need it, as well as organizing fundraisers so anyone who wants to play has the opportunity. His nominators also emphasized his ability to impart hard work, accountability, perseverance, and teamwork to his athletes. Coach Reese is clearly beloved and respected by his players and community, and we’re honored to recognize him.”
Reese 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 Lawrence Jefferson’s.
“[One of my favorite coaching moments] actually comes from a kid who didn’t get to play a lot,” Reese said in a statement. “Academically, he had many opportunities, so when I asked him what kept him coming back over the years he told me ‘effort and discipline.’ He could’ve quit years ago, but instead he showed up every day and worked hard. More than anything, he was teaching our team how to be selfless and play for each other.”
Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program, with Kirk Mooneyham, youth baseball coach for the Lawrence Warriors, selected as Lawrence’s 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.