Ty Palmer was named the THSCA Regional Head Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year.

Ty Palmer, Head Girls Track and Field Coach at Early High School, was awarded this year’s THSCA Region 2, 3A Head Girls Track Coach of the Year. “It is an incredible honor from an association that means so much to Coaches In Texas. It’s a testament to our assistant coaches and kids and their willingness to buy in and work as hard as they do,” said Coach Palmer.

Coach Palmer has been coaching track for 15 years. He is drawn to the fact that kids see their success and progress instantly. “I have always said the stopwatch and tape measure don’t lie. It shows kids if they have worked or not. The array of events allows for a lot of different skill sets to contribute.”

He attributes the key to his program’s success to the fact that the girls have bought into and enjoy track. “A lot of places can’t say that. They work their tails off and we have made an individual sport team oriented. They run for each other and support each other.”

The Texas High School Coaches Association is a state wide organization for the benefit of Texas High School Coaches. “THSCA provides the highest quality representation, education, and services to Texas high school coaches and affiliate members, and enhances the professionalism of coaches and the schools they represent,” according to their Mission Statement.

After the state championships of each sport, members of the THSCA can nominate a head coach, and assistant coach. Each nomination goes to the THSCA Awards Committee, that chooses a Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach of the year, by region, division, sport, and gender.

We asked Coach Palmer about a moment he was especially proud of this season. While he said it was hard to choose only one, “the area meet when our girls set 4 school records and a record number of regional qualifier is high on the list,” said Palmer. “Having two medalists at the state track meet is a great moment as well.”

“We are blessed with amazing kids at Early,” said Palmer. “They have helped shape my belief that you can [balance athletic development with their personal and academic growth] simultaneously. We talk about life regularly during practice and how it relates to what we are doing.”

To have a great program comes with having great team culture, and a strong motivation to excel. For the Girls Track program at Early, Coach Palmer says, “We have a motto of “Run At Em’” which we derived from 1st Samuel and the story of David and Goliath. David didn’t wait, he ran at the challenge and attacked. They have embraced that this season. They realize they are a piece of the puzzle and must do their part. They are the closest group I have ever coached.”

Palmer’s coaching success is also shaped by one of his mentors who was his high school coach. Palmer says, “Kent Jackson is the reason I coach. He was my high school coach and has shaped my career more than anyone. We talk regularly and still ask him for advice.”

For any new or young coaches starting out, Palmer says you need to “Get involved. Don’t wait to be asked. Get your hands dirty and work. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Find people who do a good job and ask them for advice.”

Coach Palmer hopes that this recognition shines a light on the Athletes and Assistant Coaches. “They are the reason things like this are possible.”

Congratulations to Coach Ty Palmer on this deserving award.