Every year, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recognizes coaches across the nation for their contributions as “leaders and role models at the interscholastic level” and awards them the title of Coach of the Year. For his coaching excellence this past school year, during the 2018-2019 boys soccer season, the NFHS named Heritage Boys Soccer head coach Todd Goodman the Florida Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.
Goodman, who the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) nominated for the award, led the Patriots to back-to-back state titles in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. Per the NFHS, nominees considered for this year’s honor were “selected based upon their coaching performance in the 2018-2019 school year, lifetime community involvement, school involvement and philosophy of coaching.”
“It’s always self-gratifying to be recognized for your body of work,” Coach Goodman said after receiving the honor. “Being the two-time defending state champion will certainly garner individual awards, but they pale in comparison to the relationships which are fostered and the positive impact a coach can have on a student-athlete’s development. Life lessons can be learned through athletics and ultimately, these lessons are much more important than the result of any given match.”
Although it was Coach Goodman leading the charge for the Patriots during their back-to-back title run, he also recognizes that he could not have earned the honor alone.
“It’s a total team effort, both on and off the field,” Coach Goodman said. “Obviously our players, through their diligence, commitment and hard work, which is equally matched and supported by our coaching staff, our administration and our parents, [contributed to the award].”
With the title of Coach of the Year now under his belt, Coach Goodman plans to continue leading the boys soccer program on the path to bringing home another state banner to Plantation.
Coach Goodman (right) leads the Patriots during their victory at the FHSAA 3A State Championship at Spec Martin Stadium in Deland, where they beat Daytona Seabreeze 3-0. The win marked their second state title in as many years. (Photo submitted by Coach Goodman)
“This achievement really solidifies many principles of play which we’ve implemented into our program. Even though soccer is a relatively simple game, it’s forever evolving and as a coach, you must continue to be a student of the game, which, in itself, is always the best teacher.”
The Patriots’ (8-4-2) run for the title will continue Friday, Jan. 24 when they host Coral Glades (6-3-4) at 7:00 PM for Senior Night.
