The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA} and Texas Farm Bureau Insurance released the regional Coach of the Year honorees for soccer on May 21 – selecting Christian Guzman from Royal High School as the Region 5 4A boys coach of the year, and choosing Erin Poyner of Katy ISD’s Freeman High School as the Region 5 4A girls coach of the year. Freeman’s Cody Kendall was selected as the Region 5 4A girls assistant coach of the year.

“This well-deserved recognition follows an unforgettable season for Royal Boys Soccer, including a historic run to the 2026 UIL 4A Division II State Championship and a state runner-Up finish,” Royal ISD said in a May 26 post on the district’s Facebook page. “Coach Guzman’s leadership, dedication, and belief in his athletes helped guide the Falcons to one of the greatest seasons in Royal history.”

“Honored to be named the Texas High School Coaches Association Region 5-4A Boys head Coach of the year,” Guzman said in late May to a local media representative. ”This recognition is not possible without the amazing players, coaches, families, and community that have supported our program every step of the way. I’m thankful for the opportunity God has given me to coach and mentor such an incredible group of young men both on and off the field. I’m proud of what we accomplished together and grateful for everyone who has been part of the journey. “

Go to www.thsca.com/coty to access the complete list of 2025-26 Regional Coach of the Year honorees.

THSCA members are offered a chance to nominate a head coach and/or an assistant coach for the Coach of the Year award after the state championships in each sport. Nominations are reviewed and chosen by the THSCA Awards Committee, which is comprised of Athletic Directors representing all areas of Texas.

The partnership with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance honors these coaches and their commitment to supporting the communities they serve. High school athletics play a pivotal role in shaping young individuals, teaching them valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. By recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of coaches, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance aims to inspire excellence both on and off the field of competition. This collaboration highlights their passion for investing in the development of student-athletes, reinforcing the importance of strong role models and positive influences in the lives of young Texans.

About the Texas High School Coaches Association

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) is Texas high school coaches' principal advocate and leadership organization. The THSCA provides the highest quality representation, education, and services to Texas High School coaches and affiliate members by enhancing the professionalism of coaches and the schools they represent. The mission statement is simply this: To help and serve Texas high school

coaches as they work to help and serve student-athletes. "HELPING COACHES HELP KIDS." For more information on THSCA, visit www.thsca.com

About Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation

The mission of the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation is to develop funds from a broad range of donors to provide professional education programs that will strengthen, reinforce, and enhance professionalism in high school coaches throughout Texas. These programs provide instructional material and training in character development to coaches in Texas at both the high school and middle school levels. They can directly impact the lives of over 1.5 million student-athletes each year. The two established events are the Texas Coaches Leadership Summit and the R.O.C.K. Mentoring Workshop.