By Meagan Perle
For Hometown News
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY -- Terri Amy, Sebastian River High School girl's basketball coach was recently named the National Federation of State High School Association's 2012 Coach of the Year in the state for girl's basketball.
Ms. Amy was nominated for the award by her athletic director, Michael Stutzke, who said Ms. Amy has brought much more than basketball trophies to the school district.
"She has brought to Sebastian River High School and the district of Indian River County success at the highest level," Mr. Stutzke said. "This award represents years of hard work on her part and is richly deserved."
The NFHS was founded in 1920 and is based in Indianapolis. Its focus is interscholastic sports and activities that aid students in succeeding in their lives.
Ms. Amy, originally from Dumont, N.J., said she decided to get into coaching because of the influence some of her coaches had on her growing up. She played soccer and ran track.
"I have had amazing coaches and they have molded me into who I am," Ms. Amy said.
Before moving to Florida, Ms. Amy was teaching at the May Academy in Jersey City. She served as junior varsity head coach of the girl's basketball team at her old high school, and also served one year as the assistant basketball coach at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Ms. Amy said she wants her coaching work to go far beyond the basketball court. She wants to help kids succeed in life as well.
"Basketball is a way to connect with kids and help them reach their goals and become amazing adults," she said.
Ultimately, Ms. Amy credits this accomplishment to the hard work of the girls on her team and the assistant coaches.
"It isn't about just one person," she said. "It's a testament to what they've accomplished and how much they sacrificed, as well."