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Florala High School’s Daniel Green recently received word he had been selected as the Alabama Football Coaches Association’s Class 1A Assistant Coach of the Year.

Each winner was nominated by a member of the ALFCA, recommended by a committee, and selected by a vote of the ALFCA board of directors. Each recipient will be honored at the ALFCA Coach of the Year Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery. Winners will receive a Coach of the Year plaque as well as a Coach of the Year ring provided by Balfour.

“I am truly humbled at even being nominated for such a prestigious award and want to express my sincere gratitude for being honored. This recognition truly means the world to me, but more importantly, it reflects the incredible efforts and dedication of our players and coaching staff. I see this award as a testament to the collective hard work and commitment of everyone involved in our team. Without the exceptional players and the collaborative efforts of my fellow coaches, this achievement would not have been possible. They are the ones who truly deserve the spotlight for their unwavering dedication to the sport,” Green said.

A 2004 Auburn University alumnus, Green holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and takes pride in helping the Wildcats achieve success academically and athletically.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a fantastic group of athletes who give their all on the field day in and day out. Their resilience, determination, and passion for the game have been the driving forces behind any success we’ve achieved. This award is a reflection of their talent and the positive team culture we’ve built together. Moreover, I owe a great deal of thanks to my fellow coaches. Coaching is a collaborative effort, and the success of our team is the result of the collective expertise and hard work put in by each member of the coaching staff.”

According to Green, the insights and support from the coaching staff as well as their shared commitment all play a pivotal role in the team’s accomplishments.

“In essence, this award is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the entire team’s success. I’m incredibly thankful to be part of such an amazing group of individuals, both players and coaches, who have made this recognition possible. It’s a privilege to work with them, and I look forward to continuing our journey together, striving for even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Upon finding out of his selection, Green was both humbled and overwhelmed with emotion.

“My immediate reaction was one of deep appreciation for the recognition, but my thoughts quickly shifted to the incredible team of players and coaches I have the privilege of working with. It was a moment of reflection on the collective efforts that brought us to this point. I couldn’t help but think about the hard work, dedication, and camaraderie that define our team. My joy was rooted in the shared successes we’ve experienced and the growth we’ve achieved together throughout the season. I continue to be inspired by the dedication and passion each team member brings to the table. This recognition serves as a reminder of the positive impact we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal,” he said.

When he is not on the field coaching or painting the field in preparation for game day, Green can be found in the classroom. He has taught agriscience to Florala High School students for 16 years and coached for 12 years.

“Serving as the assistant coach for the Florala Wildcats is an immense source of gratitude for me and is rooted in the remarkable individuals that make up this team. The Florala Wildcats community has made my role as an assistant coach incredibly fulfilling. The sense of unity and shared purpose within the team has created an environment where everyone is invested in each other’s success. This camaraderie extends beyond the field and forms the foundation for the positive culture we’ve cultivated together. Being part of the Florala Wildcats is about being part of a close-knit family that works together, celebrates successes, and supports one another through challenges.”

Green enjoys making a profound impact on the players the most.

“Witnessing their growth, both as athletes and individuals, is incredibly rewarding. It goes beyond the wins and losses on the field. It’s about fostering a positive environment where they can develop essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Coaching allows me to contribute to the development of young athletes and help them unlock their full potential. The role goes beyond the X’s and O’s of the game. The genuine sense of community and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of these young athletes are the aspects of coaching that I treasure most,” he said.

The local community’s support and team mean so much to him from a personal level.

“The Florala Wildcats community plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the team. It goes beyond individual achievements and emphasizes the collective journey we undertake together. Encouragement from the Florala community is not just about wins and losses. The support from the Florala community and team is a driving force behind the success and positive atmosphere we’ve cultivated. I am truly grateful for this support.”

As Green moves forward, his primary focus is to leverage the acknowledgment to further elevate his team. He feels the recognition serves as a testament to the collective efforts of the players and coaches rather than it being a personal accolade.

“I see this as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and dedication of our players. I intend to use this platform to highlight their achievements and contributions to the sport. I aim to use this acknowledgment to further strengthen our teamwork, fostering an environment where everyone’s expertise is valued, and each coach contributes to the team’s success. I want to ensure this honor becomes a catalyst for even greater achievements for the Florala Wildcats as a whole.”

He thanked all the individuals around him for their continued love and support.

“As I reflect on being awarded the 1A Assistant Coach of the Year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To my wife Amy, thank you for your unconditional love and support since the very beginning. To my fellow coaches, your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment to our players have been the bedrock of our success. I am honored to work alongside such a talented and supportive coaching staff. To the players, your passion, hard work, and resilience on and off the field inspire me daily. This recognition is a testament to your exceptional talents and the positive team culture we’ve cultivated together. To the Florala community, your steadfast support is the heartbeat of our team. This award belongs to you as much as it does to me. This award is not about me; it’s about the extraordinary individuals who make up the Florala Wildcats family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Green said.

FHS Head Coach Jordan Cantrell feels Green is a special, one-of-a-kind person whose jobs are endless.

“When I was hired, Mr. Max Whittaker explained to me all that Coach Green does at the school. As soon as I got here, I realized the special person he is. There have been many head coaches who have come through, but he has been the consistent coach and role model everyone looks up to. He is the defensive coordinator and maintains, cuts, fertilizes, and lines the football, softball, and baseball fields. He also leads the ag tech programs along with FFA. I have been coaching and teaching for 17 years and have never seen a coach who does so much. He is truly the best I have been around,” Cantrell said.