02/25/2026
🏀✨ Huge congratulations to our very own Dave Schlabach on receiving the John Wooden Legacy Award!
A true leader, mentor, and champion on and off the court.
6 state titles • 16 Final Fours • 689 wins
Legacy: unmatched. Impact: unforgettable.
We’re proud of you, Coach/Boss! 🎉👏
Dave Schlabach Honored for Lifetime of Excellence at Hiland
BERLIN, Ohio — Dave Schlabach built one of the most respected girls basketball programs in the country during his three decades at Berlin Hiland High School.
Schlabach grew up in Holmes County, where he developed his passion for basketball under Hall of Fame coach Charlie Huggins. He later coached alongside Perry Reese at Hiland High School. For 10 years, he also worked beside his brother, Mark Schlabach, who led the Hiland boys program to two state championships and multiple Final Four appearances. Those early experiences shaped his coaching philosophy and commitment to developing young athletes.
Although Schlabach is a successful business owner, his greatest passion has always been coaching girls basketball. Over 30 years, he turned the Hiland Lady Hawks into a national power. His teams won six state championships and finished as state runner-up five times. They made 16 Final Four appearances, captured 19 district titles, earned 28 sectional championships, and claimed 26 consecutive league championships.
Schlabach finished his career with a 689-99 record. His teams posted an 87.4% winning percentage.
He received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was named National Federation Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2008. He earned National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors in 2012. In 2010, he coached in the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Beyond wins and awards, Schlabach emphasized player development. Fifty of his athletes earned college scholarships totaling more than $6 million. For 23 years, he helped create and host the nationally recognized Classic in the Country. The annual event in Berlin draws thousands of fans and hundreds of college coaches. It has become a staple of the high school basketball calendar.
Schlabach credits much of his success to his family. He and his wife, Tonya, have been married for 30 years. They raised three children: Kennedy, Gabby and Brady. Two of his daughters won state championships while playing for him. Brady has taken over as head coach of the Lady Hawks and continues the family legacy.
Schlabach’s career reflects the values celebrated by the John Wooden Legacy Award. The award honors excellence, character, service and leadership. Established in 2021 in partnership with the Wooden family and the National High School Basketball Coaches Association, it recognizes high school coaches who exemplify those traits. Recipients are selected by their respective state coaches associations and submitted for final approval.
