Breting Named Top Coach By Northbrook Park District

NORTHBROOK, IL — Brandon Breting was stunned to learn he had been named the 2023 Coach of the Year by the Northbrook Park District. The real estate developer has coached primarily soccer, along with some baseball, for just over three years through the park district.

"Obviously, it's very rewarding," he said. "It makes you feel like some of that additional effort that you put in, people are acknowledging that."

According to the park district, Breting played soccer in high school while growing up in western Michigan, where he also coached young kids. He stopped playing competitively to attend the University of Michigan and participated in intramural leagues throughout his 20s.

Breting joined the Northbrook Park District as a volunteer coach after his daughters, now 6 and 8, started playing soccer.

"Brandon always provides a positive environment for the kids on his teams, and ensures the kids are having fun and are engaged," Recreation Supervisor Cameron Edelman said.

According to Edelman, coaches are nominated for the award by families who participate in youth sports leagues. Parents described Breting as "wonderful," "highly knowledgeable" and "a positive influence,", while also praising his ability to develop rapport with players and always encourage them to try their best.

Amazingly, Breting has coached while also receiving treatment for rectal cancer, which sometimes made coaching more difficult in the spring. For example, there were times in April when his face was numb due to the neuropathy caused by chemotherapy, according to the park district.

"I am trying not to make it the focal point for everything in my family," Breting said. "It's just an added activity."