The 2024 Coach of the Year is Chelsea Guempel of Edwardsville Varsity.

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Over the past five seasons, Chelsea Guempel has not only set and achieved goals for the varsity team, but she has also made significant contributions at the district level. A noteworthy accomplishment is her collaboration with the Athletic Department to introduce two competitive middle school dance teams within their district this season. Coach Guempel additionally played a pivotal role in finding appropriate coaching staff for those middle school teams.

 

Coach Guempel set ambitious competitive goals for her varsity team this year, aiming to become Southwestern Conference champions and qualify for the state finals with both IHSA and IDTA, all of which her team achieved.

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When she began the position with the Edwardsville program, the team consisted of 9 dancers. Under her dedicated leadership, the team now proudly boasts a flourishing roster of 20 dancers. Coach Guempel has created a positive and inclusive environment that has not only retained existing team members but also attracted a significant number of first year members to join the dance program. Her ability to inspire and connect with students has been a key factor in the program’s growth.

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In addition to hosting multiple youth dance camps within the district, Coach Guempel and the team’s community involvement and dedication to children extends to the Child Advocacy Center where they selflessly donate their time and efforts. During their visits to the Child Advocacy Center, they spend time organizing the center's contribution closet. They go above and beyond by creating laundry baskets filled with essential items for children and families facing challenging times. This level of leadership that extends beyond the performance floor builds compassionate and socially responsible individuals.

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In addition to coaching her team, Chelsea runs two businesses full-time and is a mother to two children under 5 years old.

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Here are some words from her nominators:

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“Coach will always be there for each of us no matter the circumstances. Watching her walk into practice with the bright smile she always has on her face lights up the room. She is our biggest cheerleader on the sidelines and always has been. She truly is a blessing to have, and we couldn’t be more thankful to call her our coach!”

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“She is an incredibly skillful leader. She always puts others before herself and continues to guide her student athletes to greatness. She sets achievable goals and if they are ever not met, she encourages and builds her athletes up instead of tearing them down. She is developing the best leadership training for these athletes, without even knowing it.”​​​​