Legendary Glenbrook South High School Boys Tennis coach Larry Faulkner has been named the National High School Boys Tennis Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Faulkner is the 15th coach in state history to win national honors (
complete list) and the first in the sport of boys’ tennis.
“Larry Faulkner has enjoyed incredible success throughout his career, but he should be equally defined by his passion and support of high school tennis in Illinois,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Shaunda Brown. “He has given back so much to the sport and is a role model for how our younger coaches should present themselves on and off the court.”
Earlier this year, the IHSA staff selected the individuals listed below as the Illinois Coaches of the Year in their respective sports. Coaches of the Year are selected based on the results of the 2014-15 school year, as well as other elements such as career success, sportsmanship and contributions to the sport. State coaches of the year then complete further information for the NFHS, which a national committee reviews before selecting eight Section winners in each sport and one National winner in each sport. Illinois is located in NFHS Section 4 along with Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
“I was humbled and surprised when the IHSA nominated me and now I am even more surprised and humbled winning this national award,” said Faulkner. “There are so many incredible coaches in our state and across the country that to simply be mentioned with these talented coaches is very humbling.”
Faulkner has been coaching high school tennis for 40 years, amassing a record of 443 wins and 203 losses in that timeframe. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006, and was named the organization’s Coach of the Year in both 1996 and 2009. His teams have finished in the Top 5 in the IHSA state tournament nine times since 1995, including placing second in 2003.
“I feel so fortunate to have tennis in my life. To do something in life that you love to do is a privilege and to be able to do it for over 40 years is a blessing,” said Faulkner. “I have had incredible coaches to work with over the years and each of them has helped me be a better coach. Even many of the opposing coaches, that I am proud to call my friends, have influenced me by sharing some their wisdom."
Faulkner’s tennis team continues to conduct an annual service project, including having donated tennis gear to inner city programs and an Alzheimer’s walk to raise money for research. A retired high school teacher and administrator, he has also coached cross country, track & field, basketball, and girls’ tennis at times during his career.
“The opportunity to work with so many talented and wonderful players has been an experience of a lifetime,” said Faulkner. “Each coach and player should feel that they have contributed in some measure toward me receiving this award.”
2015 ILLINOIS NFHS COACHES OF THE YEAR Football - Jeff Reents, Wilmington
Boys Track & Field - Tim Gateley, Tolono (Unity)
Boys Basketball - Rodney Kellar, Colfax (Ridgeview)
Baseball - Jamie Murray, Algonquin (Jacobs)
Boys Soccer - Jeff Brooke, West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)
Wrestling - Pete Alber, Dakota
Boys Cross Country - Chris Muth, Yorkville
Boys Tennis - Larry Faulkner, Glenview (Glenbrook South)
Boys Golf - John Stock, St. Charles (East)
Boys Swimming & Diving - Monica Chiappetta, Rolling Meadows
Girls Track & Field - Brian Evans, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)
Girls Basketball - Joe Kilbride, Lisle (Benet Academy)
Volleyball - Brad Baker, Lisle (Benet Academy)
Girls Soccer - John Halloran, Mundelein (Carmel)
Softball - Tony Richardson, Wayne City
Girls Cross Country - Dan Iverson, Naperville (North)
Girls Tennis - Tom Stanhope, Lincolnshire (Stevenson)
Girls Swimming & Diving - Jim Bart, Barrington
Girls Golf - Laurie Glass, Metropolis (Massac County)
Spirit - Laura Duesing, New Lenox (Providence Catholic)
Badminton - Sue McClenahan, LaGrange (Lyons)
Boys Bowling - Steve Dessauer, St. Charles (East)
Boys Gymnastics - Adrian Batista, Skokie (Niles West)
Boys Volleyball - Christine Mayer, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
Boys Water Polo - Sean Wimer, Lincolnshire (Stevenson)
Girls Bowling - Art Cwudzinski, Lockport (Twp.)
Girls Gymnastics - Annette Nocek, Villa Park (Willowbrook)
Girls Water Polo - Matt Wendt, Winnetka (New Trier)