Winners of the February Coaches of the Month are Craig Middle School’s Ana Muniz and Cooper High School’s Morgan King.
King, a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, is in her ninth year of teaching and coaching. She coaches girls’ basketball and track and field at Cooper.
“I originally chose coaching as a career because I love the competition of sports and coaching is a way to stay connected to that passion,” King said. “I continue to coach, not because of the love of sports, but because I love these kids. I cherish the relationships that I build with them. Seeing student-athletes grow and become successful is the biggest reward for me.”
One of her athletes believes that King’s positivity is, perhaps, her biggest attribute.
“Coach King is always so positive and patient with us,” the student-athlete said. “She knows how to connect with kids. She treats everyone equally and is very understanding of the problems that we face. Her passion is obvious, and we recognize and appreciate how hard she works.”
Muniz is a graduate of a Tarleton State University and is in her seventh year of teaching and coaching. She coaches cross country, girls’ basketball and track and field at Craig.
“I was inspired to coach by one of my middle school coaches: Ronnie Clifton,” Muniz said. “He recognized the potential I had and gave me the confidence to try. I was not very athletic, but his words gave me confidence. Additionally, my high school coach, Perry Simmons, coached us hard and held us to a high standard. As a cross country/track coach, I want to share my passion of running and help students set goals and reach their goals. I want to help those who may be ‘unseen’ to be ‘seen’ by never giving up.”
Those characteristics have shone through to her student-athletes.
“Coach Muniz cares about us deeply and is interested in our lives outside of sports,” one of her student-athletes said. “She treats everyone fairly and finds ways to help us get better in a positive manner.”
