Frank Strakonsky: A Lifelong Advocate for Athletics and Youth Development

Frank Strakonsky has dedicated more than four decades to coaching, mentoring, and fostering excellence in cross country and track and field. His storied coaching career began in the late 1970s as a volunteer coach at Brunswick High School and PVYA Track and Cross Country. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of Frederick County athletics, coaching at Frederick High School and establishing programs that promote youth participation in sports.

As the head girls’ cross country coach at FHS since 1987 and boys’ cross country coach since 2017, Strakonsky has guided his teams to two state championships, multiple regional and conference titles, and in 1989 ranked as the top team in Maryland by the Baltimore Sun. His efforts were recognized in 2023 when he was named Maryland Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Strakonsky’s achievements extend beyond cross country. He led FHS to a rare “Triple Crown” in the 1995-96 school year with state championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. His influence on youth athletics is equally profound, founding the Frederick Fury and Frederick Athletic Academy programs, which produced numerous state champions and national qualifiers.

He was the high school coach of NCAA All-American Valerie Williams (FHS ‘96), who still holds high school state records. Some of his other standouts and state champions include Jenny Novak (1989), Michelle Higgenbothom (1996), Imani White (2001), Anna Routzahn (2003), Grace McCallum (1996), Jada Smith (2016), and Caroline Gregory (2021).

Beyond sports, Strakonsky has been active in community service, from organizing charity races to contributing to church leadership. His dedication to athletics, education, and his community has made him a role model for generations.