COUNTRY Financial Teacher Spotlight: Kris Kleeman, Triad High School

The IHSA & COUNTRY Financial are teaming up to recognize the efforts of educators and coaches/advisors who go beyond the call of duty to positively impact the lives of Illinois high school students inside and outside of the classroom.

Kris Kleeman, who serves as a teacher and coach at Triad High School in Troy, is today’s honoree.

Current high school & roles: I am in my 12th year as the Troy Triad varsity softball head coach. I have coached Unified Special Olympics for four years. Previously, I was the varsity girls basketball head coach for nine years. I have been a head coach or assistant at Triad for 32 years. I teach physics and chemistry.

Favorite coaching moment: My favorite basketball game was against Highland for the 2010 regional championship at Troy. The atmosphere in the gym, which was packed, was unbelievable with the band, the cheerleaders, and the student section. My team, which set a school record for wins in a season, played with an amazing amount of passion, chemistry, and heart, but lost. I have never experienced a game like that before or since.

Most rewarding part of coaching: The most rewarding part of coaching is watching young ladies become successful. It is a ringside seat to watch them grow, work hard, and learn to believe in themselves. It creates a lifelong bond. I have had the privilege of watching my athletes become resilient, confident leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, spouses, and moms. Knowing that I played a part in their journey toward success is more rewarding to me than any trophy. Most rewarding part of teaching: The most rewarding part of being a teacher at Triad is being among educators who are dedicated to doing what’s best for our students. When that happens, it creates a team atmosphere where we collectively make a lasting difference in students’ lives. It has transformed Triad into one of the best schools in the Metro East area where families want to move, students want to attend, and the community wants to support.

Best high school performance you’ve seen in person: Triad’s best performance came from its 2021-22 girls basketball squad, which won the program’s first regional in 38 years, 55-53, in overtime against Waterloo. Triad was the underdog. It was a hard-fought game from the tipoff. It seemed every player contributed in some way. It will go down as one of my favorite memories at Triad.

Share a favorite coaching story: When I was coaching basketball, a neighboring town asked us to participate in a breast cancer fundraising game. When I was young, my mom died of breast cancer at a young age. In one of those moments that reminds everyone that the program is about more than sports, I walked into the locker room before the game to see my girls wearing pink shirts with my mom’s name on them. I was both speechless and brought to tears. Having them honor a woman they had never met was one of the most incredible moments of respect and unity I have ever encountered. It reflected a bond that I continue to cherish.

How do you build your program? Programs aren’t about one season. They are about creating consistent habits and relationships. Sports are always evolving, which is why it is imperative to stay current with new developments whether it’s attending a clinic, incorporating a new drill, or using new techniques and equipment that can help elevate your players. I try to make work meaningful at every practice emphasizing small improvements. Motivation will get players going, but it’s consistency and culture that build a program.

What is your team’s mindset? Our mindset is going to be that of a stonecutter hammering at a rock, perhaps a hundred times without a crack showing. Yet on the 101st-first blow, it will split in two. I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.

Which mentor made an impact on your career? Eugene “Bud” Vallino mentored me as a young basketball coach, sharing wisdom that went well beyond basketball. I developed my coaching philosophy with his help. Perhaps the best thing he ever did for me was tell me the truth, not just what I wanted to hear, in an approachable and encouraging way. I grew tremendously under his wing and am forever grateful.

Give an example of how you feel supported: I was hired as the science department chair early in my career even though I did not have as much seniority as other applicants. I felt that was proof the administration believed in me, my competence, leadership potential, and vision for the department. Instead of being in the wait-your-turn queue, I was empowered early with encouragement and trust, making me feel seen, appreciated, and greatly supported. My ideas mattered and my voice was valued.