Coach Of The Year 'Brings Infectious Energy' To Northbrook Teams

NORTHBROOK, IL — Known for his ability to find effective and innovative ways to coach his players, Ryan Dolin is the Northbrook Park District's Coach of the Year for 2025. He currently coaches basketball, football and soccer programs at the park district.

"I loved being competitive. I didn't play varsity, but I was always obsessed with playing sports and being outside with friends," Dolin, of Northbrook, said. "I also learned a lot of values that helped me become who I am today."

Dolin's coaching duties go beyond the park district as well where he is coaching his oldest son's Junior Spartan football team and his two younger sons' Northbrook Action baseball teams. In all, that means seven teams are led by Dolin this spring.

Dolin has volunteered as a coach for the park district for six years, always coaching teams for his sons (now ages 5, 7 and 10).

A native of Buffalo Grove, Dolin graduated from Stevenson High School and Purdue University in Indiana, where he studied industrial engineering, and works as an engineer for a pharmaceutical company, according to the park district.

Growing up, Dolin played baseball, basketball and football. His father had been standout athlete at Glenbrook North High School (where he still holds the shotput record from 1979) and the entire family shares a love for sports.

"Ryan displays an amazing commitment to serve as a high-quality coach for his teams," Northbrook Park District Athletics Coordinator Alex Prazuch said. "He brings infectious energy to all the many teams that he leads, and he sparks excitement within every member of every squad."

Officials say Dolin takes the time to watch game film at home, so he can observe players individually and help them perfect the skills they need. He also focuses on helping them learn how to manage their emotions about the game.

"It's normal to be upset after a bad loss, and I tell them," Dolin said. "But I also tell them that they have to move past that, and I help them with that."