Two coaches in Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) have been named the best in the state by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Fielding Crawford, the boys lacrosse coach at Atlee High School (AHS), and Andrew Steuart, the boys volleyball coach at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS), were selected as the 2022-23 Virginia Boys Lacrosse and Boys Volleyball Coach of the Year, respectively. In addition to being named the Virginia Coach of the Year, Crawford has been named the Section Coach of the Year by NFHS for the Mideast (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.). He is now in the running for National Coach of the Year.
The AHS boys lacrosse team won its second straight state championship last year. The program’s first title in 2022 was the first boys lacrosse state championship for a public school in the history of the Richmond area, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The PHHS boys volleyball team won its seventh consecutive state championship last year and has since extended its historic run, capturing its eighth straight title in November.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition although the dedication and drive from the players, coaches, parents, and administration is what makes our program successful on and off the field,” said Crawford. “I share this recognition with all of the Atlee lacrosse community.”
Said Steuart: “It is an honor to be nominated and recognized by one's peers.”
Crawford, a social studies teacher at Atlee, has coached the AHS boys lacrosse team for 10 years. He was previously the offensive coordinator for the University of Richmond Men’s Club team. He said his favorite part of coaching is “being able to guide players on the finer points of the game and build relationships as a unit makes coaching such a rewarding endeavor.”
“In addition, helping players grow into productive civic-minded young men is our most important coaching goal,” he said.
He added: “I would also like to thank my family. They have been unbelievably supportive of my passion to serve the student-athletes of Atlee High School.”
AHS Principal Dr. John Wheeler called Crawford “relentless.”
“Whether it is at practice, off-season conditioning, during a playoff game, planning for a season, or fundraising, he is absolutely relentless with his approach to the game of lacrosse,” he said. “Simply put, Coach Crawford is building a dynasty with the boys lacrosse program with a strong work ethic, attention to details, and his relentless pursuit of perfection.”
Steuart has taught math for 24 years, including the past nine at PHHS. He’s led the Patriots to a state championship and each of his two seasons as the boys volleyball coach. Steuart has coached swimming for 25 years.
He said his favorite part of coaching is the relationships he builds with players.
“Just like teaching, I enjoy the interaction with the kids and watching their growth and success as players, students and young adults,” he said.
Said PHHS Principal Chris Martinez: “Coach Steuart cares deeply for his students and athletes! We are lucky to have him leading our great program and look forward to the continued success through his leadership!”
In addition to coaching performance during the 2022-23 school year, Crawford and Steuart were also selected based upon lifetime community involvement, school involvement, and philosophy of coaching. The Virginia High School League nominated both coaches for the recognition.