2024 Coach of the Year Finalists

Erin Hoffman

Keeping the streak alive, Erin Hoffman’s work with the Hornets volleyball team has turned it from a titleless squad to a state-renowned program, winning its fifth title in six years. Hoffman’s Advance squad lost just three games all season, all against large schools.

Joe Bickings

Under his leadership, the Eagles soared to their third state championship title, capping off a successful season with a 20-5 record. Their dominance was evident at the final four, where they secured two victories by a combined margin of 22-1.

Dayna Powell

Renowned for her efforts in helping the Cape Central boys swim and dive team to three consecutive state titles in the 2010s, Dayna Powell made history in February, leading the girls swim team to its first title and the first state championship in a female sport in Cape Central athletics history.

Tyler Davis

In his first year as the Poplar Bluff Mules head golf coach, Tyler Davis guided the Mules to a MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Golf State Championship.

Ryan Layton

One of many multi-sport coaches in the area, coach Ryan Layton had a year unlike any other as he brought home a boys cross country state championship and two additional high-level finishes at state with Woodland’s girls cross country and boys track and field teams.