Garwin DeBerry

Burley and Charlottesville Highs, Charlottesville
Coach, Teacher, Mentor

Garwin DeBerry is a 1965 graduate of Burley High School in Charlottesville. He was an all-around athlete who participated in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He aspired to be a coach from an early age. He helped lead the football team to VIA Western District Championships in 1963 and 1964 and State runner-up Championship in 1964. He received a football scholarship to attend Virginia State College (now university) in Petersburg. He began his coaching career in New Jersey before returning to Virginia. For 35 years he coached at Charlottesville High including the last 28 years as head football coach. In 1980, he became the first African-American head coach at a formally all white school in the area. He was named as District Coach of the Year 6 times, won one Regional championship and qualified for the state playoffs 12 times. His contributions as coach, teacher and mentor have been recognized in many ways. In October 2015, the football field at Charlottesville High’s Tommy Theodose Stadium was named in his honor for exceptional service.