Coaches Recognized with OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards
Sports — Northeast Ohio
Recipients selected by coaches associations during 2025-26 school year.
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, the coaches associations of the sports sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association selected one of their own for an OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award. Individuals selected reflect the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity through their professional responsibilities and are role models for student-athletes and others. The OHSAA congratulates the award winners and thanks all coaches for their outstanding service to Ohio’s student-athletes. The OHSAA is proud to recognize the following coaches who received OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards during the 2025-26 school year: Girls Sports Golf: Cindy Fesemyer, Ravenna Southeast Cross Country: Corey Culbertson, Beaver Eastern Volleyball: Meladee Hopkins, Worthington Kilbourne Soccer: Trevor Tolley, Columbus Tree of Life Christian Field Hockey: Bridget Ryan, Columbus Bishop Hartley Swimming and Diving: Hillary Paulsen, Granville Bowling: Jay Gibson, St. Marys Memorial Gymnastics: John Good, Miamisburg Wrestling: Mark Matt, Jamestown Greeneview Basketball: Mark Gregory, Convoy Crestview Tennis: Fredrik Nyborg, Solon Track and Field: Chelsey Copley, Oberlin Firelands Softball: Darrin Young, Cadiz Harrison Central Lacrosse: Holly Pope, Wooster Boys Sports Golf: Rick Rettig, Perrysburg Cross Country: Chris Ickes, Chagrin Falls Kenston Soccer: Andy Cousens, Columbus Tree of Life Christian Football: Chad Grandstaff, Zanesville Foxfire Swimming and Diving: Brent Ransom, Toledo St. Francis de Sales Bowling: Matt Hott, Cincinnati St. Xavier Ice Hockey: Michael Berg, Pepper Pike Orange Wrestling: Jordan Cramer, London Madison-Plains Basketball: Terry Rowe, Sugarcreek Garaway Tennis: Matt Rutherford, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange Track and Field: John DePietro, Youngstown Boardman Baseball: Chris Veidt, Mowrystown Whiteoak Volleyball: Sean Tierney, Cincinnati Elder Lacrosse: TBA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards?
They are awards given throughout the 2025-26 school year by the coaches associations of sports sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Each association selects one of its own coaches who reflects the values of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity and serves as a role model for student-athletes and others.
Which Northeast Ohio coaches received OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Awards?
Northeast Ohio honorees include Fredrik Nyborg of Solon (girls tennis), Chelsey Copley of Oberlin Firelands (girls track and field), Holly Pope of Wooster (girls lacrosse), Chris Ickes of Chagrin Falls Kenston (boys cross country), Michael Berg of Pepper Pike Orange (boys ice hockey), and John DePietro of Youngstown Boardman (boys track and field).
When were the 2025-26 OHSAA award winners selected?
The coaches were selected by their respective sport coaches associations throughout the 2025-26 school year.