Mountain Brook Coach Recipient Of ‘Making a Difference’ Award

MONTGOMERY, AL — The Alabama High School Athletic Association selected seven individuals who have made an impact as exemplary role models as the 2021 Making a Difference Award recipients.

One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was chosen from nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals, and Mountain Brook's Joe Webb was announced as the 6A recipient.

The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by the AHSAA and AHSADCA to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher or administrator to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. This year’s recipients include one baseball coach, one volleyball coach, one soccer coach, one track coach, one head football coach, another former head football coach who serves as head girls’ basketball coach, and one coach who serves as head track, girls’ basketball, and softball coach.

This year’s recipients are:

• Anthony Edwards, Loachapoka High School (1A) softball, basketball, track and football coach
• Matthew Kennedy, Westbrook Christian High School (2A) head baseball coach
• Ryan Hall, Oakman High School (3A) head football coach
• Eddie Bullock, Anniston High School (4A) head football and girls’ basketball coach
• Chris Bashaw, Guntersville High School (5A) volunteer track coach
• Joe Webb, Mountain Brook (6A) soccer coach
• Nancy Shoquist, Mary Montgomery High School retiring volleyball coach (7A).

Each honoree will be recognized at the 2021 AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet, which will be held Friday, July 23, at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center at 6 p.m.

“The recipients in this 2021 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who take their positions as role models for their students, faculty and community very seriously and have shown extraordinary determination in the challenges each has faced,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese. “Each has had a major positive impact in their communities and schools across the state and are excellent choices for what this award stands for. This award is the most important honor a professional educator in our state can receive. Qualities considered for this prestigious award include the recipient’s character, integrity, determination and service, all of which have enabled these individuals to have a life-changing impact on the community or school which they serve.”

Webb, a Huffman High School graduate, has been a high school soccer coach for 29 years, the last 25 at Mountain Brook High School. His Spartans team presented him with his 400th career coaching win in 2018.