COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced its annual award recipients for eight coaches and support staff of the year for 2022. The recipients span seven different sports, including three winter and five summer coaches.    

The award recipients include Bobby Kersee as Olympic Coach of the Year and David Hoff as Paralympic Coach of the Year. The winter award recipients include Mike Peplinski as Developmental Coach of the Year and Jacob Roberts as Volunteer Coach of the Year. The summer award recipients include Ryan Martin as College Coach of the Year, Jose Polanco as Service Provider of the Year, Dr. Christine Brooks as Coach Educator of the Year and Tom West as the Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award winner.  

“From building the grassroots to supporting Team USA athletes as they train and compete at the highest levels, coaches and support staff are an integral part of helping the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams achieve sustained excellence on and off the field of play,” said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport performance and athlete services. “As we continue to celebrate the historic achievements in 2022, it is an honor to recognize these individuals and showcase their commitment to furthering the success of their athletes, their National Governing Bodies, and Team USA.”  

National Governing Bodies nominated their 2022 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, and the winners were then determined by a USOPC selection panel. The USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program aims to recognize and award the work of quality coaches and providers that are creating significant impact in their sport and NGB throughout the year. 

College Coach of the Year – Ryan Martin (National Wheelchair Basketball Association)

In his dual role as the director of the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNY) Adaptive Sports Program and head coach for both the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams, Ryan Martin has worked tirelessly to bring adaptive sports programming to New York City college campuses. He created the first adaptive sports team in CUNY history, which now competes nationally within the National Wheelchair Basketball Association collegiate conference and has inspired disabled athletes to return to college. Known for his exceptional work in philanthropy, Martin also founded and now leads The Ryan Martin Foundation which connects youth and adult athletes with disabilities through sports training, mentoring and education. In addition, Martin has worked with numerous colleges on the implantation of adaptive sports programs – most notably at the University of Michigan.