The 5 Best Youth Sports Coaches

A good youth sports coach teaches more than the fundamentals of a game. Through practices, competitions and encouragement, coaches help young athletes develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and resilience. Across Steamboat Springs, dedicated individuals guide students in sports ranging from swimming and soccer to hockey and skiing. The Best of the Boat 2026 honors youth sports coaches whose instruction and mentorship contribute to athletic development throughout the Yampa Valley.

Alexa Kaminski || Steamboat Springs High School

Alexa Kaminski works with student-athletes through the Steamboat Springs High School athletics program, emphasizing skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship. Her coaching incorporates structured practices, technical drills and competitive preparation while encouraging discipline and physical conditioning. Kaminski also focuses on leadership development and helping student-athletes balance their academic responsibilities with the demands of school sports.

Celine Sargis || Steamboat Springs Swim Team

Celine Sargis coaches young swimmers with the Steamboat Springs Swim Team, which trains at Old Town Hot Springs. Working with athletes at beginner, intermediate and advanced competitive levels, she provides instruction in stroke technique, turns, race strategy and endurance. Her approach emphasizes goal setting, sportsmanship and steady improvement as swimmers prepare for seasonal meets and regional competitions.

Christie Stepan || Steamboat Soccer Club

Developing confident, capable soccer players is central to Christie Stepan's work with Steamboat Soccer Club. As a youth coach and administrator, she helps players strengthen ball control, technical fundamentals, field awareness and communication skills. Stepan supports athletes across age divisions, encouraging recreational participation while helping competitive players prepare for travel team opportunities.

Adam Grimes || Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association

Adam Grimes helps young hockey players develop their skills through the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association at Howelsen Ice Arena. His coaching covers skating fundamentals, puck handling, positional play and teamwork across different age groups. Through organized practices and competitive games, Grimes emphasizes player safety, sportsmanship and continued skill development while encouraging enthusiasm for ice hockey.

David Haupt || Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

David Haupt works with young winter sports athletes through the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, providing technical instruction, physical conditioning and competition preparation. His coaching supports skiers and snowboarders training at Howelsen Hill and Steamboat Ski Resort, with an emphasis on mountain safety and developing strong fundamentals. Haupt also incorporates mental preparation and sportsmanship into his approach, helping athletes build confidence as they progress through their training.

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