Wheelchair-Bound Idaho Coach Chosen for Spirit of Sport Award

Acey Shaw, girls basketball head coach at Dietrich (Idaho) High School, has been selected as the 2016 Section 8 recipient of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.

During the past seven seasons, Shaw has led the program to four state titles, two runner-up finishes and one third-place finish.

However, shortly after winning his first state title during the 2010-11 season, Shaw was infected with a virus that attacked his nervous system. Working as a rancher in the Dietrich community, Shaw contracted the virus from a calf he rescued from the cold weather while putting it in the cab of his truck. The infection nearly cost him his life, has left him bound to a wheelchair since the spring of 2011, and has significantly impacted his ability to physically function.

Despite those significant setbacks, Shaw has continued his responsibilities as head coach and has continued to have exceptional success on the court. He plans to continue coaching in the future.

However, while his on-court coaching success is impressive and speaks for itself, Shaw’s success as a leader of the basketball program’s young women off the court is equally noteworthy. He is the model of determination, drive, hard work and a positive attitude for his student-athletes, the entire student body, the parents and the community.

About the Award

The NFHS divides the nation into eight geographical sections. The states in Section 8 are Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Nominations for this award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award Selection Committee composed of state association staff members.

While the national winner will be recognized June 29 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Reno, Nevada, the section winners will be recognized within their respective states and will receive awards before the end of the current school year.