ABILENE – The Abilene ISD Athletics Department implemented a new program to honor its coaches at both the middle school and high school levels earlier this year, and the winners in October as the Coach of the Month are Cooper High School assistant football and boys’ basketball coach Josh Alcorn and Mann Middle School Lisa Macias-Martinez.
Macias-Martinez – a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University – is in her 12th year teaching and coaching. She coaches cross country, volleyball, basketball and track and field for the Lady Falcons.
“I chose a career in education because my Dad inspired me to be a coach,” Macias-Martinez said. “It was a lifelong dream of his and I have always had a passion for sports and fitness. I hope to inspire my students to dream big and to become the best they can be, not only as an athlete, but also as a person who reflects good character and integrity.”
Her goal to make her father proud seems to have paid off, according to one of her athletes.
“Coach Macias-Martinez lets us grow in who we are but coaches us to be great,” the athlete said. “She is very encouraging and that motivates us to be better players and better people. Most of all, she is very sweet!”
Alcorn – also a graduate of Hardin-Simmons – is in his 14th year teaching and coaching. He coaches the defensive backs for the Cougars, and is also an assistant basketball coach at CHS.
“I chose coaching as a career because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of many of my family members,” he said. “I want to use sports as an avenue to help mold young men and assist in the preparation for their futures.”
It seems as though his goal to use sports to mold young men has paid off, according to one of his athletes.
“Coach Alcorn is the hardest working man I know,” the athlete said. “He is incredibly prepared at practice and holds everyone to a high standard. He is honest and he tells you the truth. If a player does not meet his expectations, he lets you know. We never want to let him down.”
