Brooks 2017 Inspiring Coach of the Year Mark Anderson of Cary-Grove High School

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Splitting his time between coaching the Cary Grove High School track team and volunteering for his local chapter of the Special Olympics, Mark Anderson has always known how inclusive and empowering running could be. In his 17 years of coaching, he has always relied on that understanding as he brought girls into the fold of the team, making them feel welcomed and providing both a home and a sense of purpose. It’s Mark’s ability to devote his time and energy to each of his young runners, including the athlete with autism who nominated him, that sets him apart as a Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year. She wrote, “He made me believe in myself. He made me a stronger, healthier person and made me discover things I never knew about myself. Coach Anderson changed my life.”