Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler was the first stop on the Phoenix Suns Charities tour as they deliver personalized commemorative banners to its past award-winning coaches.
Karen Self, Seton girls varsity basketball coach, received the Spirit of Cotton Award from Phoenix Suns Charities in 2008. The award recognizes a high school coach who, like former Suns head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, consistently demonstrates the best qualities of coach, educator, mentor and community leader.
The awards are now in their 10th season with nominations accepted through March. 31.
Robin Milne, Phoenix Suns Charities executive director, said it was uplifting to return to Seton and see Self still inspiring the girls team both on and off the court.
“The bond between Coach Self and her players was evident and we were thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Spirit of Cotton Award by hanging a banner in Seton’s gym to acknowledge Coach Self for all her years of success,” Milne said.
Self has dedicated 23 years to coaching at Seton under whom the Sentinels won nearly 600 winning games and brought home seven state titles. The latest was the 2014 Division II Girls State Championship.
Self also teaches algebra and economics at Seton Catholic where she has mentored hundreds of students on achieving athletic and personal success.
