Earlier in the 2021-22 school year, the Abilene ISD Athletics Department implemented a new award to honor its coaches at both the middle school and high school levels. The winners as the March Coaches of the Month are Madison Middle School’s Cassie Dowdy and Abilene High School athletics trainer Billy Abbe.
Dowdy, a graduate of Abilene Christian University, is in her 10th year of teaching and coaching. She coaches volleyball, girls’ basketball and track and field at Madison.
“As a student-athlete, I was impacted in such a positive way by many great coaches,” Dowdy said. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in a profession where I could continue to impact the next generation of female athletes. I love getting to teach skills, but more importantly, I value teaching and modeling the importance of leadership, integrity, and character development.”
One of her athletes believes that Dowdy’s positive attitude with her students and athletes is one of her biggest attributes.
“Coach Dowdy is super encouraging to all the girls,” the student said. “She is knowledgeable in all sports and she cares for us deeply. She pushes us to be our best and holds us accountable in a positive way.”
Abbe, a graduate of Tarleton State University, is in his 16th year working as an athletics trainer. He has served as the head athletics trainer at Abilene High since 2012.
“I have a passion for the medical field, all sports, and helping people,” Abbe said. “Athletic training gave me the opportunity to reach my goals in all of these passions. I love working with student-athletes. I get to be a part of positively impacting student trainers, student-athletes, and the Abilene community.”
One of Abbe’s student trainers said Abbe takes a real interest in the athletes and his student trainers, and that’s what makes him a popular figure in the AHS athletics department.
“Billy takes the time to get to know each of us on a personal level,” the student said. “He is interested in our families, our college interests, and all the other aspects of our lives. He understands the difficulties that many of us face and he helps us navigate through those challenges. He is like a second father to many of us.”
