USA Lacrosse has named Dejon Hush of Seattle, Washington as recipient of the organization’s 2023 Gerald J. Carroll, Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award.
Through the years, Hush has served as a coach on many levels in the Pacific Northwest, ranging from youth to college. He currently serves as boys’ head coach at Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle.
Established in 1994, the Gerald J. Carroll Award annually recognizes one high school boys' coach nationwide. The award measures the success of a coach not in victories but in the care and guidance he gives to the balanced development of the young men who play the game.
The letters of support submitted on Hush’s behalf noted his great passion for coaching and clearly demonstrated the widespread respect and appreciation he has from players, parents, and officials.
One colleague wrote, “Hands down, my vote for the best sideline coach would be Dejon, for his professionalism and obvious respect for the game. This attitude permeates to the players, fans and even the refs. He truly is one of the best boys game coaches in the area, and consistently works to not only grow the game but grow amazing young players. Dejon is the definition of an exemplary coach and so worthy of this honor.”
Hush, a former collegiate club player at the University of Michigan, has been an instrumental figure in the growth of lacrosse throughout the region. He has coached on the collegiate level (University of Washington), the high school level (at multiple schools in the Seattle area), and on the youth level.
His extensive efforts to bring lacrosse to as many kids as possible, including those from diverse backgrounds, is evidenced through years of camps and clinics that he has coordinated and hosted.
One member of the Washington Lacrosse Hall of Fame stated, “Beyond his great love of the sport, Dejon demonstrates his commitment to give back to young people by teaching many of the life lessons that he himself reaped from the game. Through lacrosse, Dejon has given them opportunities to see themselves as being capable of more, and has inspired many towards self-responsibility and a drive to accomplish more for themselves.”
For more information about the Gerald J. Carroll Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award, please visit usalacrosse.com/gerry-carroll-coaching-award.
Photo: Dejon Hush (holding plaque) receives the 2023 Carroll Award during halftime of a recent game, joined by his kids, Seneca and Tyree.
