STUDENT/STAFF CELEBRATE COACH PIERCE

The Sedro-Woolley Athletic Department has collaborated with junior student-athlete Rylee Cates through our Cub Leadership Academy for student-led interviews throughout the school year. Rylee is a multi-sport athlete, ASB Junior Class Treasurer and constantly works to make our school a better place! Recently, Rylee was able to interview people on our coach Doug Pierce who was just named the Northwest Conference Girls Golf Coach of the Year by his peers. This was a fitting recognition for Doug and the impact he has made on student-athletes at Sedro-Woolley High School.

Since joining the district in 2004, Doug has been a consistent and positive presence both in the classroom and on the golf course. While his teams have achieved success competitively, his greatest accomplishment may be the relationships he builds with students and the confidence he helps them develop. Whether teaching the game of golf, encouraging a struggling athlete, or simply making practice fun, Doug's influence extends far beyond scores and results. The following testimonials reflect the lasting impact he has had on those around him.

Testimonials:

“Mr. Pierce is always encouraging and makes sure everyone is having fun, and he makes it fun to go to practice. He helped me improve my skills and made me love golf.”

Kylie Fitzgerald

SWHS Student-Athletes

“The main thing I love about having Pierce as a coach is that no matter how good or bad we do, he is never disappointed in us; he’s only ever disappointed for us. I also love that he is willing to do embarrassing things for us. Like wearing ribbons on his hat or making Instagram videos. He’s a super good coach, and I’m glad I got to be on his team for the last two years.”

Sammy Brown

SWHS Student-Athletes

“I thought starting a high school sport with no experience would be terrifying, but it wasn’t; instead, Mr. Pierce made it a fun and supportive environment, where the only expectation is to put in effort and try your best. Mr. Pierce has a talent for teaching a hard game like golf in a way you can understand and stay encouraged, but most importantly, he makes golf genuinely fun, inspiring the team to work hard, stay motivated, and enjoy every moment together.”

Gracey Meeker

SWHS Student-Athletes

“Mr. Pierce was my coach during my senior year. I am forever grateful that he was the last coach I experienced not only for my high school career, but in sports as a whole. Not only did he change my mindset toward the game of golf, he changed my mindset as a whole when it came to who I want to be as a person. He is a stand-up guy who unconditionally shows his support to those around him. I never felt as if I was only his golfer/student but I felt as if I mattered as a person outside of my sport and my academics. 

He knew how to keep things light-hearted like making us listen to El Chombo on the way to matches, but also showed me how to re fall in love with a sport. 

I am forever grateful for the experience of having Mr. Pierce as a role model through all aspects of life.”

Kate Elms

Former Student-Athlete

“Doug has built a golf program centered on encouragement, growth, and enjoyment of the game. His athletes consistently describe him as a coach who creates a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued, regardless of experience level or performance. Doug helps students develop not only their golf skills but also their confidence and love for the sport, and Woolley is lucky to have him!”

Kevin Owen

SWHS Athletic Director

“He is definitely dedicated to helping students (both in his math classes and on the golf course)! His positive attitude, patience, and commitment to student success make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people he works with every day.”

Sarah Dahl

SWHS Assistant Principal

“Doug is one of the best golf coaches in the state.  He is able to maximize athletes' abilities on the course.  His calm, patient and kind demeanor makes him an ideal golf coach and very deserving of this award.”

Chris Spencer

SWHS Assistant Principal