Congratulations to Coach Larry Choates at Lewis High School who was named by the Washington Commanders as the team’s nominee for the 2022 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. The league-wide award honors high school football coaches who display the integrity, achievement, and leadership qualities exemplified by the winningest coach in NFL History, Don Shula. 

Choates has served as Varsity head coach at Lewis for two years and, according to the Commander's press release, "has made an immense impact on his team, school, and community. Choates has an empathetic and education-first mentality ensuring that his players feel supported in the classroom and in their personal lives. His goal is getting his athletes to graduate with honors, continue playing football in college, and leave high school with real world experience that will influence their lives for the better."

Lewis is the smallest high school in the county, and Choates fundraises tirelessly to ensure that his team has proper funding. Since he started, the high school football team has experienced a 100% graduation rate.

“We are so proud of the recognition that the Washington Commanders are extending to our football coach, Larry Choates. Coach Choates works tirelessly to not only coach our student-athletes on the field, but he serves our community by also leading our student-athletes off the field,” said Principal Alfonso G. Smith. “At John R. Lewis High School, we build bridges to connect all of our Lancers to their full potential. Coach Choates’ football program helps to make this happen with a very special group of our students.”

Don Shula Coach of the Year Award winners (one from the AFC & one from the NFC) will be announced by the NFL in the coming days. Congratulations Coach Choates! 

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