City of Vancouver honors first recipient of new Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award

Director David Perlick (on right) and award winner Karon Lewis (on left) are shown here in front of the Dave Miletich Coach of the Year award display at the Firstenburg Center. Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

The Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award will be presented annually to one outstanding volunteer coach

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has established the Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award and recognizes Coach Karon Lewis as the first recipient for the 2024–2025 youth sports season.

Karon Lewis was selected as the inaugural winner. As a youth basketball coach, he is recognized for his ability to inspire young athletes, teach with patience and enthusiasm, and create an environment where kids grow their skills, have fun and leave every game smiling.

The new annual award celebrates volunteer coaches who demonstrate the compassion, encouragement and community spirit that defined the late Dave Miletich, a longtime city employee and cherished mentor who died in November 2023.

Miletich served the city for more than 17 years as recreation manager and assistant parks and recreation director. He was instrumental in the construction of Firstenburg Community Center in 2006 and the renovation of Marshall Community Center in 2007. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Miletich was a dedicated volunteer coach for his three sons and a champion for community-based recreation.

The Volunteer Coach of the Year Award was created to honor Miletich’s enduring influence and recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteer youth coaches who exemplify his spirit of service in Vancouver.

“Volunteer coaches are the heart of our youth sports programs,” said David Perlick, director of Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. “It’s exciting to honor them through an award that also celebrates Dave Miletich’s legacy. Dave was an incredible colleague and leader who believed in the power of teamwork, fun, and helping others grow, the same values that make a great coach.”

“Our family is honored that the Volunteer Coach of the Year Award is named after Dad,” said Dave’s son Brady Miletich. “His commitment to making youth sports fun and inclusive impacted many families directly as a coach and indirectly by the example he set. We appreciate that his legacy is being recognized and instilled in coaches today and in the future.”

The Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award will be presented annually to one outstanding volunteer coach. In addition to receiving a personal certificate, the winners will be displayed on a plaque at Firstenburg Community Center, 700 N.E. 136^th, Vancouver.

For more information, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/coach-award.

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.