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Earlier this year, Western Illinois University alumnus James "Jim" Valla won a Co-Coach of the Year Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA), and he was inducted into the IBCA's Hall of Fame. Valla earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from WIU in 1985 and his master's degree in kinesiology from Western in 1995. He is pictured here with his IBCA Hall of Fame plaque.
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WIU Alum Recognized as IBCA Coach of Year, Inducted into Hall of Fame

September 14, 2015

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MACOMB, IL — James "Jim" Valla's everyday goals are the very same as when he first started his career in 1986 in Plymouth (IL).

"On my very first résumé, one of my goals as a physical education teacher and a coach was to have a positive impact on all my students each day I go to school, and that is still my goal. I continue to try and do that," noted the teacher at Elmwood (IL) Elementary and coach of boys' seventh/eight grade basketball.

With his recent recognition as one of the recipients of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Co-Coach of the Year Awards and his 2015 induction into the IBCA's Hall of Fame, Valla—who earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Western in 1985 and his master's degree in kinesiology in 1995—has demonstrated that his seemingly simple objective can help lead to the kind of career achievements one dreams of as a young coach.

In February, Valla's seventh-grade boys' basketball team brought home the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 7-2A state title for the very first time. In previous years, Valla and his Elmwood basketball teams had gotten close—three of his boys' teams had finished second (in 2012, eighth grade; in 2011, seventh grade; and in 2010, seventh grade). And, even before the state title, Valla's coaching record was something to be proud of: a junior high record of 686 wins-333 losses; 18 conference championships; 23 regional championships; 16 sectional championships; five state trophies; and three second-place state titles.

But while Valla said he is proud of his winning record and successes over the years, he always keeps in mind that coaching "is all about the players."

"I've been very blessed to have talented kids who work hard and listen—a lot of good players who have helped me achieve success," he noted. "I've also been lucky to have a lot of support from my school."

According to Elmwood Elementary Principal Tony Frost (who is also a graduate of WIU), the program that Valla has built over the years has also been good for the school.

"Jim was already here when I got here about 16 years now, so I have been able to see the program get to where it is today," Frost explained. "This is Jim's passion. He is a well-respected coach in the area and has a program that kids want to play for, and I think that is part of the success he has developed. He has kids lined up just waiting to be a part of it, and the way he works with the kids is rewarded by the effort he gets from them. I think that is part of being a good coach—creating an environment in which kids want to be a part of it. He has done that very successfully."

Valla, who started pursuing his master's degree at Western while he was teaching and coaching in the Plymouth school district in the late 1980s, said he knew when he was young he wanted to coach kids and teach physical education.

He noted, though, that WIU Dept. of Physical Education faculty members like David Beaver (who retired from Western in 2001 after 25 years of service) and John Colgate (1964-94) affirmed his decision to teach P.E. and serve as a coach for kids' teams.

"Dr. Beaver, who was good at working with and teaching students with disabilities, made an significant impact on me. He showed me how important physical education is for all students," Valla said. " I was heavily involved with intramurals at Western, and Dr. Colgate, who was the director of them [1971-1994], was a good influence on me, as well."

Valla was officially inducted into the IBCA's Hall of Fame May 2 in Normal (IL).

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
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