Kathy Fleming’s first year as the girls track coach at Natick High concluded in spectacular fashion.

The 57-year-old native of Long Island, N.Y., was selected as Coach of the Year for outdoor track, not only by the Mass. State Track Coaches Association, but also by the Boston Globe.

Fleming, who guided the Redhawks to a 6-3 record during the Bay State Conference’s dual-meet season, saw her squad get good results in the post-season by finishing fourth in the conference meet and second in the Division 1 State Meet.

“I was pleasantly surprised to win both awards,’’ Fleming said. “This was my first year as a varsity coach and I’m humbled and honored. Much of the credit goes to the girls and our coaching staff. We improved over last year and it was important to have everyone on the same page.’’

Natick, which scored 69 points in the Division 1 meet, was a distant second to Lexington, which compiled 108 points. The Redhawks, however, finished ahead of powerful programs like Westford Academy, Needham, Newton North. Wachusett, Weymouth and Lincoln-Sudbury.

Fleming, who was an assistant track coach at Natick for eight years, is also the girls indoor varsity coach. Her winter team experienced success, too, by finishing third in the BSC meet and third in the Division 1 meet.

No stranger to track, Fleming practically became a household name when she competed at Massapequa High School in Long Island. She achieved the No. 1 ranking nationally in the 1500-meter run and captured six state titles in other events. A Villanova University graduate, she excelled in track and was also a member of the Wildcats’ 1989 NCAA champion cross-country squad.

“After graduation, I became a professional athlete, competing in track for sponsors that included Reebok, Nike and New Balance,’’ said Fleming, who’s married and has three children. “During my 10 years at the pro level, I competed in four Olympic Trials. I later was an assistant coach at Boston College and Wellesley College.’’ 

Besides coaching at the high school level, Fleming currently works as a coach for recreation programs, women’s running clubs, and private individuals.

Winning two awards for her efforts as Natick’s outdoor coach didn’t come easy for Fleming. It involved lots of flexibility.

“The girls did a great job, learning to adjust their goals from the regular season to the post-season,’’ she noted. “Then, our goals changed for the league meet and for the Division 1 meet. For me, the awards are huge because this was my first year as a head coach. It was a learning experience. And, it was intense but still fun.’’

Fleming’s dedicated staff helped create some of the fun. The group includes Than Bogan (high jump, pole vault); Gary Coles (long jump, triple jump); Erin Toomey (hurdles); Ivor Ford (shot put); Ralph Roper (sprints), Michaela Hava (multiple events) and Jeanette Christensen (field events). “I respect them for their knowledge and ability to instruct in all areas of track,’’ she emphasized.

Fleming’s philosophy of coaching focuses on improving and learning a lesson from every meet. 

“It’s important to have fun, reach one’s potential, and learn something about yourself from each event whether it’s a win or a loss,’’ she said. “And, track can teach life lessons, like dealing with adversity and striving to be resilient. Keeping our competitors committed to the sport is a priority. I also want good outcomes in post-season meets.’’

The 2025 outdoor track season was one that Fleming won’t forget. Her rookie year as a varsity coach was spiced with success on all fronts. A diligent work ethic no doubt was the basis for the Redhawks’ success.

“The girls rose to the occasion and performed better than they expected,’’ Fleming offered. “We hope to keep improving next season and have continued success.’’