NEDERLAND — Nederland cross country had an exceptional 2025 season under the leadership of Coaches Gavin Coombs and Kathy Butler.  After a record-setting performance at the state championships, the team ended the season on a high note, with both coaches receiving the Foothills League Girls Coaches of the Year award.

The Foothills League Coaches of the Year award is voted on by all coaches who are a part of the 2A Foothills division. Sean DePaula, Nederland Middle-Senior High School Athletic Director and Vice Principal, says that the Nederland Cross Country Girls’ Team has truly impressed him, and it is largely thanks to the coaches.

“It's by far the biggest number of athletes that the school has seen in years," DePaula said. "This would not have been possible without Kathy and Gavin."

DePaula added that, as a coach, to be able to get this many kids to come out and work hard is something Coombs and Butler should be immensely proud of.

“It is a testament to them being positive, kind, and caring coaches the kids want to come out for.”

Coombs and Butler make running fun. It's not just long runs and workouts for the team, but also fun games and team bonding.

Every night before a race, the team hosts pasta dinner nights. This allows the team to get to know each other, and become a strong, accepting place where anyone is welcome.

Both coaches have been a part of the Panthers cross country community for many years, with Coombs completing his fifth official full year as head coach of both cross country and track this year.

Butler first started working with the high school team 10 years ago, where she coached for seven years before taking a break to work with the middle school team, and eventually returning to high school last year. 

“My favorite thing about Kathy and Gavin is how kind, nice, calm and caring they are," DePaula said. "They are very easy to be around and they put the kids first. It's really no surprise they have been awarded coaches of the year."