Orland's Valentin named CIF Model Coach

It's extremely poetic that George Valentin has been recognized for his excellence as Orland High School's tennis coach. For Valentin, whose name falls just one vowel short of the name of the "holiday of love," any day he can share his love of the sport with eager young athletes is "Valentin's Day."

Valentin's love affair with tennis, as well as the lessons in character, sportsmanship and physical skills he imparts in the athletes who enthusiastically play for him, were honored recently when Valentin was one of just 13 coaches statewide selected as a 2008-09 Model Coach Award by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

A CIF press release states that the award recognizes coaches who have served as positive role models in their school and communities, and who have exhibited the traits apparent in the CIF's 16 principles of "Pursuing Victory with Honor."

The release described Valentin as "an example of what a coach should be: a positive role model; a sportsmanship model; a person with integrity; and a knowledgeable teacher with the highest regard for building character.

He has coached tennis at Orland High School for 11 years, and during that time he is credited with restoring pride and a winning tradition to the program, which has won three Section championships and four league titles.

An unassuming man, Valentin declined a request for an interview, wishing instead to focus on the players he coaches. The players, on the other hand, offer up glowing impressions of the impact he has had on their tennis games and lives faster than an overhead smash.

Orland senior Colby Lavey, who paired with teammate Sophie Wackerman to capture this year's BVL doubles crown, said, "I know that no other coach is as deserving of this award as Coach Valentin. He inspires and challenges his tennis players, and has helped so many of us succeed not only in our tennis matches, but also in the game of life." She added, "I hope that every athlete gets the chance to have a coach like him."

Lavey explained that Valentin's coaching methods always remain positive, while challenging each athlete to develop to his or her highest potential.

"He is so positive about everything and is always pushing us to reach our goals. I believe his coaching made me the player I am today; my skills have improved greatly," she said.

"This is the highest and most prestigious award the CIF bestows upon its coaches," said Marie M. Ishida, CIF executive director. "We are honored to be able to recognize coaches throughout the state who are dedicated to impacting the lives of high school student-athletes, by [teaching them] that there is more to participating in sports than just winning and losing."

Valentin's success is a lot like a scoreless tennis match - it's all about "love"