Photo credit Jacob Thompson `23
“Stephen Manfred's coaching legacy isn't just measured in miles run or success of his athletes, but in the incredible, empowered, and good-to-the-core human beings he has supported in their formation as students, athletes, and people,” said assistant coach Liz Slamkowski.
During his coaching tenure, Manfred twice led the girls team to state—in 2012 and 2017—along with numerous individual runners who advanced to state nearly every year. The 2023 squad earned academic all-state honors last fall, a testament to the commitment to excellence in the classroom.
"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as the cross-country coach at Gonzaga Prep for the past 16 years. Working alongside such exceptional athletes and coaches has truly been a blessing,” Manfred said. “The level of dedication and commitment they have demonstrated over the years is truly remarkable. Witnessing athletes face challenges and overcome them has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my coaching journey."
Manfred's goal has always been to inspire every student-athlete to see running as a lifelong pursuit. Molly Niedermeyer `19 was one of them: “Manfred was truly an exceptional coach. Under his mentorship, our team not only enhanced our running abilities but also formed lifelong friendships. His influence instilled in me the values of teamwork and perseverance, and has ultimately made me a lifelong runner.”
Slamkowski emphasized that among the many gifts he brought to coaching was the keen insight that preparing students for cross country and track parallels readying them for life's ups and downs. “Learning and growing alongside him has been an honor. He will be missed!”
Manfred will continue to serve as the Math Department chair and teacher and serve as senior class moderator. A job search for a new varsity girls cross-country coach is currently underway.