ECS coach Dwayne Donnell named national girls basketball Coach of the Year

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Dwayne Donnell has been named the National High School Athletic Coaches Association's National Coach of the Year for Girls Basketball.

The recognition comes after Donnell won more than 660 games and two state championships during his coaching career. Six of Donnell's last 32 seasons as a head coach have been spent at Evangelical Christian School, where he has built one of Southwest Florida's most successful girls basketball programs.

"It's beyond basketball, it's about their lives, it's about what they're going to do when this basketball game is over, but if you're not ready for those doors because you only know about basketball, I failed them," Donnell said.

Those closest to Donnell say his impact extends far beyond the court.

"As coaches, when you see somebody give everything he's got to his players and the school he's working with, and it becomes an extension to the community… that's when you've left a legacy in the area," said Garret Copeland, Special Olympics coordinator at Fort Myers High School.

Brian Beasley, assistant coach for ECS girls basketball, said Donnell's longevity sets him apart. "When we started here, you know, 30 years ago, there were a lot of good coaches in this area, and there's been a lot of turnover since, but he's stuck with it," Beasley said. "He's been trying to grow girls' basketball in Southwest Florida for a long time."

Players who compete under Donnell's leadership feel his influence personally.

"He's like a father figure to me, like he always helps me out, helps me with school, drives me to practice and to go get food and stuff like he's really a father figure to me," said Sanaa Stillman, a girls basketball player at ECS.

As Donnell reflects on the latest honor in a career full of accomplishments, he recognizes the legacy he will ultimately leave. "My grandbabies will have something to share about their grandfather without having to say a word… Here's my granddad, his name is Dwayne Donnell… and that is… sorry… special," Donnell said.