Valley High School boys golf coach Philip Conover has been named the 2023-24 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association Section 4 Coach of the Year. 

Conover led the Tigers to the 2023-24 Iowa Class 4A State Championship and earned NFHS Coaches Association Iowa Golf Coach of the Year honors. Valley went on to take third place at the state championship during the 2024-25 fall season.

“It is truly an honor to be selected for this award,” Conover said. “We have great student-athletes at Valley High School. It’s a privilege to be their coach.” 

Conover was nominated for the elite award by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). He was selected as the winner in Section 4, which includes the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Conover took over as the head coach at Valley in 2021, leading the Tigers to four state championship appearances. During his career, he also earned Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association Class 4A Coach of the Year honors (2023-24) and won the IHSAA Coach’s Achievement Award (2023-24). 

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About West Des Moines Community Schools
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is a highly-ranked accredited public school district in Iowa with approximately 9,000 students in grades PK-12. The district offers one of the largest selections of excellent academic courses and programs in the state, allowing students a customized learning experience. Caring, experienced teachers partner with families to develop each child’s potential through innovative, proven methods. Through authentic learning that connects them with business, nonprofit and civic leaders, students can make a difference in their community.