What a Celebration

by Ryan Krzykowski

Sunday April 26 — a date that was circled on the CFC calendar for quite a while.  It was the evening of the 2026 Sharon Thompson Metro KC Coach of the Year awards celebration.  Alec and I put a good amount of energy into the entire process: nominations in February, finalist selection, podcast recording, venue set up, and most importantly, engaging with the coaches who are being recognized.  We worked with Sharon on this event for 7 years, and to her it was the best thing we do all year.  So when we lost Sharon unexpectedly in 2024, it was an easy decision to name the event and awards in her memory. 

The evening of 4/26 was made extra meaningful as Sharon’s husband, son and daughter in law, and parents were able to join us.  Having their support, and getting to experience the evening’s joy together with them is a huge gift.  A new addition to this year’s party was a message from a past award recipient.  Coach Kayla Barnes of Olathe West HS shared some personal perspective about goals — about the joy found in coaching when athlete and coach goals align and we’re pulling in the exact same direction.  Thank you, Coach Barnes.

We were blessed with the opportunity to recognize Margo Todd, a track/field athlete at Wichita State who also coaches young people when home on breaks with the 2026 Rising Star Award.  Margo, keep up the amazing work.

To the Coach of the Year finalists who were honored: Christyn Haberly, Kelsey Hasselbring, Jeff Diskin and Todd Lewis — thank you for not only being a part of this year’s group of outstanding coaches, but for the important work you do every day.  You are making this city a better place.

Finally, to the 2026 Coaches of the Year: Kayla Hamner and Jeff Sopha, congratulations and thank you for being coaches who change lives.

Alec and I are incredibly grateful to all who nominated coaches, voted for their favorites, and provide support and encouragement to us and CFC as we work to provide that same type of support and encouragement to our city’s coaches.

Let’s Coach With Purpose…