Highlands High School

FORT THOMAS, KY — Highlands High School is proud to announce that two of its outstanding coaches have been recognized for their excellence this season. Girls Soccer Head Coach Kelsey Etherton has been named the United Soccer Coaches Association (USCA) Large Public School Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, the Bluebirds finished the 2024 season with an impressive 15-10-2 record, capturing their second consecutive 9th Region Championship and finishing as KHSAA State Runners-Up. During their remarkable postseason run, Highlands went on an eight-game winning streak, scoring 33 goals and allowing only two — a testament to both the team’s dominance and Coach Etherton’s leadership. Football Head Coach Bob Sphire was also honored, being named the 4A District 4 Coach of the Year by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association. The Bluebirds finished the regular season 8-2, highlighted by a district championship, a thrilling comeback win over Frederick Douglass, and a last-second victory over Covington Catholic. Please join us in congratulating Coach Etherton and Coach Sphire on these incredible accomplishments and for representing Highlands High School with excellence both on and off the field. #GoBirds 💙