Catalyst Maria's Jose Burgos is National Winner of Champion Coach Recognition Program!

We are honored to announce that Catalyst Maria teacher and head soccer coach Jose Burgos has been named the national winner of the Champion Coach Recognition Program - an awards program to recognize coaches putting positive coaching values into action within their teams and their communities. 

Mr. Burgos was selected from 300 coach nominees from 29 different states in 25 different sports who embody the values promoted by TrueSport - sportsmanship, character-building and life skills, and clean and healthy performance.

Mr. Burgos joined Catalyst Maria as Head Soccer Coach and Spanish teacher in 2018. He was recognized for creating a strong supportive team community within the school and within the community-at-large to provide physical and psychological safety for his athletes. Born in Chile, Burgos emphasizes the idea of soccer as "family" and "community" rather than just a game. He organized the first-ever Catalyst Futsal Cup for 6-8 graders to begin broadening the impact and opportunities that soccer can provide for the youth in the community.

On Tuesday, December 10, Mr. Burgos was presented with the award and was recognized in front of student-athletes, school staff, fellow coaches and his family (including his father who flew from Chile to share the moment with his son!). 

A Chicago community leader, Joel Farran, nominated Burgos. "Coach Jose's love of soccer is matched only by his love for people and helping people find and become their best selves," stated Farran. "Spend any time with Jose and you will experience his energy and passion to be infectious. The community, the school, the sport, and most importantly the youth are fortunate to have Coach Jose on their side."

Congratulations Mr. Burgos and thank you for all that you do to embody the Catalyst's mission of Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts!