Jennifer Shade, who coached the Brownstown Central volleyball team to the Class 3A state title in 2019, has been honored for both her coaching achievements and lifetime community contributions by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The Brownstown school board last week acknowledged Shade’s receipt of the recognition at one of its meetings after the school was sent a certificate taking note of the accomplishment.
This honor originated with a nomination from the Indiana High School Athletic Association and also noted her being selected as the Indiana girls volleyball coach of the year.
A letter of praise from the federation included comments crediting Shade with “lifetime community involvement, school involvement” and her “philosophy of coaching. It is our pleasure to recognize you as a leader and role model. Again, thank you for your many contributions to the youth of our country and your community.”
The federation said what it looks for in its nominees are “those who are leading their sport, shaping their athletes and contributing in a positive way to their community.”
Shade has coached the Braves since 1998, and her teams have regularly won sectional and regional championships. The team won the 3A state title for the 2019-20 school year in November 2019. The Braves defeated Bellmont 22-25, 25-21, 34-32, 25-19. It was the first time Brownstown won a state championship in any sport.
In her college days, Shade competed for IUPUI.
Shade was grateful for the national attention, though she was told problems stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic may have delayed the process and the certificate reaching Brownstown.
“I think it’s quite an honor,” said Shade, whose team has already completed another successful season since the title-winning campaign, going 22-12 in 2020. “I’m humbled by it. I have a lot of good supporting people around.”
Shade was proud of the fact more than sport itself was included in the appreciation.
“It’s not just volleyball,” she said. “It’s community service and there’s more.”