Not many coaches or athletes get to call it a career while they are on top, but riding off into the ultimate sunset is definitely what former Washington girls’ golf coach Len Kull is doing. The 41-year head man capped off his sixth state title last spring before announcing his retirement in the summer and now he gets to enjoy one final milestone before officially hanging it up. Kull was recently selected as a 2020-21 National Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Coaches Association.

The NFHS recognized 23 high school coaches from across the country with one being selected in each of the top 10 boys and girls sports and three others being chosen in separate categories. Kull was named the girls golf recipient under a criteria that focuses on the coach’s record, membership in and affiliation with coaching and other professional organizations, involvement with other school and community activities, and coaching philosophy. A total of 660 coaches received state and sectional awards with Kull being narrowed down to the top 23. 

Kull has been the only Demon girls’ coach since the program’s inception in 1980 with state championships coming in 2007, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021. He retired from teaching 13 years ago, had stints as a football and wrestling coach, and has officiated various sports since 1972.