The Winter Park Wildcats girls cross country team repeated as 4A team champions in 2015. Head coach Kristin McWilliams also received recognition as she was named the 2015 National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) "National Coach of the Year in the sport of Girls Cross Country."
The award is based on accomplishments as well as service to the community and state. Once the state winner is selected, their is a section winner (from numerous southeast states), and from there one national recipient. The award is giving to ten sports with the highest participation.
Last year, McWilliams was recognized by the NFHS as the 2014 Florida State Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. We caught up with her to talk about the award and what it means to her and the Winter Park program.
Flrunners.com: What does it mean to you be named 2015 NFHS Girls XC National Coach Of The Year?
Coach McWilliams: I am humbled and honored by this recognition. Over my 16 years of coaching, I have been blessed with amazing athletes, parents, assistant coaches and school administrators. Currently at Winter Park, I have a dream situation and am so proud to be a Wildcat! Since it so rewarding to coach at WP, I also work extremely hard as FACA State Cross Country chairman to try to give back to the cross country community.
FLR: The girls won their second consecutive 4A Cross Country Finals state championship. How would you sum up the year?
CM: I am very proud of my team and their back to back state championships. They remain humble, focused and dedicated. They continue to strive for excellence in academics and on the track and I am so proud of their tireless work ethic.
FLR: Who would you like to thank for helping you win this award?
CW: I would like to thank my amazing athletes past and present! No matter how high I set my expectations, you answered the challenge and in many cases surpassed it. Thank you to my amazing assistant coaches Kathy Anguish and Tracy Nolen Bruce as well as our boys cross country Coach Will Anguish, and Track coaches Brandon Roulhac, James Hampton and Mark Rose. Thank you to my athletes' families, my family, Principal Timothy Smith, and Athletic Director Michael Brown. A huge thank you to the Winter Park faculty and staff! I would also like to thank my many coaching colleagues who have helped me develop as a coach and provided life long friendships as well as flrunners.com for their support!
