DAPHNE, Ala. – Bayside Academy head volleyball coach Ann Schilling has been named the 2010 National Coach of the Year for her sport by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.

The NFHS selections are made from 20 high school varsity sports programs (10 boys, 10 girls) from across the country. Schilling has led the Lady Admirals of Bayside to 16 of their 19 total state titles in volleyball in Classes 1A, 2A and now 3A. The last nine (2002-10) state championships were won consecutively, an accomplishment no other coach in any sport in the state has achieved.

Schilling said she is humbled by the national attention.

“I was shocked. Still a little shocked, really,” she said. “Any time you get national recognition it's a very great honor, of course, and this is about as as big as it gets. But it's also a reflection on the school as a whole. I've been blessed to have had such a great group of kids, parents, assistant coaches and an administration that has supported us through the years. That is what makes it possible. But it's an incredible award and I'm honored to get it.”

The NFHS has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982.

Steve Savarese, Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association said Schilling's effectiveness and reputation make her a role model for others beyond the athletic arena.

“The AHSAA is extremely pleased that Coach Schilling was named as an NFHS

Coach of the Year," he said. “Joining a distinguished group of AHSAA coaches, coach Schilling has accomplished much in the sport of volleyball. But I am most gratified by her representation of this state as professional, demonstrating leadership characteristics that can be modeled by all who coach in this state.

“Coach Schilling is a teacher of student-athletes who learn lifelong lessons from her coaching characteristics. The AHSAA is pleased to have Coach Schilling represent our state association.”

Schilling's head-coaching record stands at 1,062-328. She led the Lady Admirals to state crowns in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 before the standing record-breaking streak from 2002-10. Under Schilling, Bayside reached the Elite Eight state tournament 22-straight years, has collected five runner-up trophies and only once failed to reach the semifinals. Her 2010 team finished 56-14.

Schilling played her high school volleyball for AHSAA Hall of Famer Becky Dickinson and the Dirty Dozen of McGill-Toolen Catholic in Mobile.

Schilling said she learned a lot about coaching from Dickinson, particularly that the best way to improve is by playing the best competition as often as possible.

“I try to schedule the best competition each year and I try to put them in every possible situation they might have to face,” she said. “That has really helped us prepare for the playoffs and the state tournament each year. Besides, our players look forward to the challenges.”

In 2011, Bayside will attempt to win it's 20th state title. Only one other AHSAA team has reached 19, McGill-Toolen Catholic. The Dirty Dozen won its last 6A state title in 2005. Bayside and McGill-Toolen have been reigning state champions in their respective classifications eight times.