Local Coaches Named as National Coaches of the Year

The NFHS member state associations nominate the coaches each year, then the coaches have to complete a profile in order to be considered for the award. Award criteria includes coach’s record, membership in and affiliation with coaching and other professional organizations, involvement with other school and community activities and programs, and coaching philosophy. 

O’Brien is the boys head varsity tennis coach at The Barstow School in Kansas City, Mo. He guided his team to a 17-2-2 overall record in the 2020-2021 season. He capped off the season by guiding the team to its first ever state championship. 

The team also sent four players to the individual state championship. The individual competition was highlighted by Richey King becoming the third Barstow player to win an individual state title. 

Liles is the head boys and girls varsity coach at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Okla. She won the award in the girls sports division. She led both the boys and girls programs to state championships in 2021. These titles also brought her personal total up to 11 state titles throughout her coaching career.

For her efforts, Liles was named the 2021 Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Coach of the Year. She is a member of the Oklahoma Tennis Coaches Association and has been elected to its Advisory Board five times. 

Congratulations to both O’Brien and Liles for their successful seasons and this wonderful recognition.