Jeff Sommer, the well-respected Estero High School cross country and track coach and athletic director, lived by the 3Ds – Discipline, Desire, and Dedication. His sudden passing in May 2015 reverberated throughout our community because of what he gave back to not just his athletes, but the Southwest Florida running community and Lee County schools.
The News-Press created the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award to honor his legacy. The award has been presented at the annual Southwest Florida Sports Awards since 2015 to recognize other coaches who show a similar passion for their athletes, sport, school, and community. Each area high school was asked to nominate one coach from its staff who best exemplifies Sommer’s 3D mantra. A group of judges, including Jeff’s widow Sue Sommer, went through the nominations to select the finalists for the award.
The 2024-25 winner will be announced during the Southwest Florida Sports Awards Show on Thursday, May 29 at Suncoast Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available online at https://sportsawards.usatoday.com/swflorida/. No tickets will be sold at the venue.
This year’s Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year finalists are:
Brad Crone
School: Fort Myers
Sport: Baseball
About: Crone has led a remarkable turnaround in his two seasons at Fort Myers. Hired after the Green Wave had their 2023 season canceled due to racial tensions that fractured the team, the Estero High alum led his team to a 13-14 record and to a district championship game, where it lost in nine innings to Island Coast 8-7. This season, the turnaround was complete as Fort Myers won the regional title for the first time since 1966 and reached the Class 5A state semifinal.
From the letter of recommendation: “Coach Crone’s influence extends beyond baseball. He is a mentor who challenges his players to be their best in every aspect of life. He emphasizes the importance of academic achievement and character development. This year, the baseball team holds an impressive 3.42 unweighted team GPA − a direct result of the academic culture Coach Crone promotes. He invests time in building genuine relationships with his players, fostering a team environment built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose.”
− Steve Cato, Fort Myers athletic director
John Damasco
School: Barron Collier
Sport: Boys Soccer
About: Damasco finished his 13th season as a Cougars coach and his fifth as varsity head coach. This year, he led Barron Collier to a 20-2 record and the Class 4A state title, the program’s first state championship. Damasco compiled a 63-23-9 record in his five years, including a 33-4-2 record the past two years, and never had a losing record. He was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year and the FACA Class 4A Coach of the Year.
From the letter of recommendation: “He pushed the athletes to work hard in the classroom and on the pitch. It wasn’t always easy, but he really tried to push the fact that it’s more important for them when they graduate to be remembered as a good person not just a strong athlete. He wanted them to understand it’s not always easy and it takes commitment, discipline, pride and a solid hard work ethic.”
− Michael Sartorio, Barron Collier activities director
Frank Turco
School: Canterbury
Sport: Baseball
About: Turco had a year to remember, as he won his 500th career game on April 11 vs. Bonita Springs, was inducted into the LCAC Hall of Fame, and capped it off by leading the Cougars to the Class 1A state championship. It was the fourth state championship he’s led Canterbury to, including 2016, 2017, and 2018. He has an overall career record of 533-191-1 between Estero from 2001-14 and with Canterbury starting in 2015, when he took over as baseball coach and athletic director. In his leadership, he continues to give back by volunteering as a mentor for at-risk youth, running leadership workshops, and spearheading community service initiatives involving his team.
From the letter of recommendation: “In the spirit of Coach Jeff Sommer, who embodied the highest ideals of coaching and mentorship, Frank Turco is a reflection of what it means to lead with purpose. His balance of Discipline, Desire, and Dedication is not only evident in wins and losses but in the lives he shapes daily. Coach Turco doesn’t just build athletes — he builds people.”
− Tariq Humes, Canterbury middle school athletic director
Marci Walker
School: First Baptist
Sport: Volleyball
About: Walker led the Lions volleyball team to one of its best seasons in program history, setting a new single-season wins record with a 23-5 mark. FBA won the Private 8 championship, district championship, and regional championship to advance to the Final Four, where it battled before falling to eventual state champion Westminster Christian 25-19, 25-14, 26-28, 25-11. It was the Lions’ 10th state playoff appearance under Walker since 2011 and fourth state semifinal appearance, but first for both since 2020.
From the letter of recommendation: “Beyond the game, Coach Walker is known for her positive influence in the lives of her players. She provides mentorship, supports mental and emotional well-being, and always puts the needs of her athletes first. Her impact reaches beyond volleyball, helping shape strong, confident, and Christ-centered young people.”
− Anthony Hernandez, First Baptist Academy
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