MITCHELL — The South Dakota High School Coaches Association has unveiled its winter sports coaches of the year for the 2025-26 season, and one familiar name is making history once again.
Sherri Johnson, head coach of the Estelline/Hendricks gymnastics team, has been named state gymnastics coach of the year for the fourth time in her remarkable career. Johnson previously earned the honor in 1994 during her tenure at Mitchell, then again in 2019 and 2023. This season, she guided the Redhawks to their fourth consecutive Class A state team title in 2026, a testament to her program's sustained excellence. The team also captured four of the five individual state championships, showcasing their depth and talent. Johnson was nominated alongside Callie Aylward of Harrisburg, Rachelle Engbrecht of Brookings, and Angela Grupe of Britton-Hecla.
In boys basketball, Tim Buddenhagen of Huron takes the spotlight as state coach of the year. Buddenhagen led the Tigers to their first state championship in 20 years, a milestone that marked his third state title in a 39-year coaching career with Huron. He previously won the same award in 2004. Other nominees included Freeman's Lance Friesen, West Central's Dave Hollenbeck, and Wall's Ryan Kjerstad.
On the girls' basketball side, Matthew Rama of Mahpiya Luta repeats as coach of the year for the second consecutive season. In his eighth year at the helm, Rama guided his team to a second straight Class A state runner-up finish. His program has produced seven all-state players, and five athletes from the 2025-26 squad have signed to play college basketball. Mahpiya Luta has qualified for the Class A state tournament in six of the last seven seasons and boasts six consecutive Lakota Nation Invitational titles. Other nominees included Kent Kolsrud of O'Gorman, Adam Quail of Lennox, and Tom Young of Ethan.
In girls wrestling, Joel Martin of Spearfish earns coach of the year honors after 29 seasons with the program. Martin, who is retiring at the end of this school year, led Spearfish to a third-place finish at the state meet, with six of their seven qualifiers earning podium spots. He was nominated alongside Josh Blindert of McCook Central/Montrose, Dexter Gaikowski of Watertown, and Chris Waba of Madison.
Rounding out the winners, Mike Abell of Sturgis was named boys wrestling coach of the year. In 11 years as head coach, Abell has built a powerhouse, winning three state individual points titles and three state dual championships—sweeping both in 2026. He previously won the award in 2024. Other nominees included Darren Kriz of Bon Homme, Spencer Novotny of Winner, and Jeremy Swenson of Canton.
All winners will be celebrated at the SDHSCA awards banquet on Sunday, July 19, at 1 p.m. at the Mitchell High School Performing Arts Center.