ANNUAL COACH AWARDS

Since 1983, the Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) has honored excellence in coaching by naming a Coach of the Year, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on their students, programs, and the speech and debate community. This award highlights educators who go beyond competition results, demonstrating outstanding mentorship, leadership, and dedication to the activity.

In 2011, the Association expanded this tradition by introducing two distinct awards:

  • Debate Coach of the Year – Recognizing a coach who has demonstrated excellence in training debaters, fostering critical thinking, advocacy, and argumentation skills.

  • Speech Coach of the Year – Honoring a coach who has excelled in guiding students in interpretation, original oratory, and public address, shaping confident and expressive communicators.

These awards celebrate the dedication and passion of Georgia’s finest speech and debate coaches, whose efforts inspire and empower students both in competition and beyond.

DEBATE COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Debate Coach of the Year award honors an outstanding coach who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering excellence in debate and unwavering support for high school debate activities across the state. This recognition is awarded to a coach who not only develops skilled debaters but also cultivates a culture of critical thinking, advocacy, and sportsmanship. Their commitment to student growth, program development, and the broader debate community exemplifies the highest standards of coaching.

SPEECH COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Speech Coach of the Year award honors an exceptional coach who has demonstrated dedication to fostering excellence in speech and unwavering support for high school speech activities across the state. This recognition is awarded to a coach who not only develops talented speakers but also cultivates creativity, confidence, and a passion for communication. Their commitment to student growth, program development, and the broader speech community reflects the highest standards of coaching.