Northbrook Park District names 2025 Coach of the Year

Last year, Ryan Dolin tried a new approach while coaching football to 10-year-olds: he told them the coaches would just sit on the bench and watch.

For that game, the kids got to call their own plays, as the quarterback led the offense and a linebacker guided the defense.

The result? The players were able to successfully run the offense and defense, and quickly reflect on any mistakes to figure out what to correct, Dolin said.

“They were seeing the big picture,” he said. “It was a really cool moment to see that.”

That’s one example of how Dolin, the Northbrook Park District’s 2025 Coach of the Year, always looks for effective and innovative ways to coach his players.

“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.”

A resident of Northbrook, 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).

He currently coaches basketball, football and soccer programs at the park district, as well as his oldest son’s Jr. Spartan football team and his two younger sons’ Northbrook Action baseball teams. In the spring, he coaches a whopping seven teams.

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.

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

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

Nowadays, Dolin relishes teaching the lessons he learned from his coaches — such as how to be resilient and how to tune into the moment — to his young players.

“I tell them that effort is a muscle. The first time it’s hard, but you keep going until the effort becomes better and better, and then it becomes natural,” he said. “Even if they are young, it’s always about effort and always trying your best.”

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. But I also tell them that they have to move past that, and I help them with that.”

Parents rave about Dolin’s knowledge and passion for sports, and his ability to share that with his players, Prazuch said.

“Ryan is amazing with the kids and teaches exceptional sportsmanship,” one parent said. “He highlights each member’s strengths, is very nurturing and fair, and is a great team builder.”

“The kids adore Ryan, and the parents trust him completely,” another said.

It’s essential for kids to have a good time and feel supported while they play sports, no matter their age or skill level,” Dolin said. “If the kids don’t have fun, they don’t want to come back.”

Dolin also credited the work of his co-coaches (“Their collaboration and assistance just means a ton,” he said) and the support of the park district.

“The park district has incredible (athletic) fields and great communication from staff,” he said. “They run a flawless program that is very kid-focused.”

While he treats all players equally, coaching his own children has allowed him to connect at a deeper level with them, he said.

Overall, his goal for all of his players is the same, Dolin said.

“I want to make sure the kids are not only great at sports,” he said, “but also great at life.”

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.