Gary Lehnhart

Gary Lehnhart stands as one of the most accomplished and transformational high school soccer coaches in Alaska history. As the head coach of the Juneau-Douglas High School boys soccer program in 1993, Lehnhart built a small-town program into a statewide powerhouse while shaping generations of young men into leaders of character.

Over more than three decades at JDHS, Lehnhart’s teams compiled an extraordinary record of 411 wins, 116 losses, and 59 ties, qualifying for every ASAA State Tournament since its inception. His Crimson Bears captured seven state championships (2001, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2022, 2023) and finished runner-up nine times. His teams earned the ASAA GPA Award ten times and the Sportsmanship Award seven times, reflecting his unwavering emphasis on excellence both on and off the field.

Lehnhart’s individual honors mirror his team success. He was named 2003 U.S. Youth Soccer Coach of the Year, 2008 NSCAA Coach of the Year, and 2022 United Soccer Coaches Regional Coach of the Year, in addition to numerous state Coach of the Year awards voted on by his peers. He coached six Gatorade Players of the Year and served more than 15 years as an Olympic Development Coach. His Arctic Winter Games teams earned multiple podium finishes, including gold medals in 2006 and 2016.

Yet those who know Gary best insist his legacy extends far beyond trophies. Former Alaska High School Hall of Famer Justin Dorn wrote, “Gary has been the most transformative coach of my life… Gary refused to give up on anyone, ever.” He continued, “If I were looking for a coach to induct into the hall of fame, I’d expect to find someone who not only creates great

athletes, but great human beings, and that is who Gary is.”

Lehnhart built his program on mottos like “We go one, we go all” and “Winners find a way to win,” emphasizing accountability, resilience, and unity. A tradition known as the “lunchbox” — awarded after each game to the hardest-working player rather than the top scorer — symbolizes his philosophy that effort and character matter more than statistics.

Former Principal and ASAA President Ronald Gleason affirmed that Gary designed his entire soccer program to maximize participation and structured it to teach players to be learners, community-minded individuals, and responsible citizens. Parents Bonnie and Tory Bennetsen wrote that while his résumé lists championships, what you won’t find as readily is the other part of what makes Gary an excellent coach: he doesn’t just inspire great athleticism, he creates solid young men.

Beyond the field, Lehnhart’s commitment to students has been profound. He wrote grants to sustain the program during budget cuts, quietly supported players facing financial hardship, led workouts during COVID shutdowns, and consistently placed the well-being of his athletes above winning. A longtime librarian once described him as one of the most vital,kid-centered, creative, enthusiastic teachers she had ever seen, calling him a champion for kids.

After more than 30 years, Gary Lehnhart remains guided by a simple belief: build people first, championships second. The record books confirm his competitive excellence. The generations of alumni who return to support the program confirm something even greater.

A transformational coach, educator, and mentor, Gary Lehnhart’s legacy is measured not only in state titles, but in lives changed. He is a deserving member of the Alaska High School Hall of Fame.