Leonard Kull selected as National Coach of the Year

WASHINGTON — Leonard Kull, the long time Washington girls golf coach was given the distinction of National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.

He was selected for the honor alongside 23 other coaches from across the country.

Kull has been a teacher, coach and official in the state of Iowa for over 50 years.

In addition to coaching both football and wrestling, Kull has seen profuse success coaching golf. Over the years, he has led his teams to six Iowa girls golf state titles.

His success has been recognized throughout the state, as he’s been honored as the Class 4 Coach of the Year four times, 2008, 2015, 2016 and 2018, and selected as the district coach of the year 12 times.

Alongside his coaching, he’s also taught science and chemistry, as well as being a high school sports official.

He officiated baseball and softball from 1972 to 1995, and has covered volleyball since 1995.

Since 1972, he has been a part of the Washington Officials Association, in which he served as the president for one term.

For Krull, coaching has been undeniable pleasure.

He said that he considers coaching young people to be “an absolute privilege.”

“Golf is an individual game, but I found that if team members concentrated on team successes before individual accomplishment, individual success took care of itself,” Krull said.

For selection, the NFHS receives nominations from its member state associations. An advisory committee then evaluates the state award recipients and the coach profile, which regards the coach’s record, membership in and affiliation with coaching and other professional organizations, involvement with other school and community activities and programs, and coaching philosophy.