PEABODY — Longtime Peabody cross country and track and field coach Fernando Braz is well known for deflecting praise to fellow coaches and student-athletes.
But there was no way Braz could dodge the spotlight when a packed audience full of former and current athletes, coaches, high school administrators, city officials, family members, and friends recently gathered inside of City Hall’s Wiggin Auditorium to celebrate yet another milestone in Braz’s storied coaching career: selection as a USTFCCCA (U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) National High School Coach of the Year.
“This is an unthinkable honor… and I simply didn’t see it coming,” said Braz, a member of the Peabody Athletics and Boston College Varsity Club Halls of Fame.
He thanked everyone who has helped him over the last 27 years to know the “impact you had on this program … and the community. The program is very fortunate to have the contributors and supporters, many that I see here tonight.”
Braz’s coaching record includes two state titles (2015, 2025) and 53 conference titles, including 18 consecutive indoor and 19 outdoor titles through 2025. He’s coached 11 All-Americans and a handful of state champions. He is a three-time MSTCA Coach of the Year and has also received Eastern Mass, MIAA, and conference coaching honors.
In his opening remarks, Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt Jr. said that Braz’s career record of 481-38-1 is “a testament to him and his amazing coaches and the incredible athletes we’ve had at Peabody.”
He said he personally has always admired how humble Braz has been and “his good heart.” Bettencourt added it was “important to have this moment in our community.”
Bettencourt said that while Braz has received many individual accolades over the years, “Sometimes, you don’t hear a lot about them because he is so humble and he never promotes himself. It’s always about the team and the athletes. To receive this national honor is just mind-boggling – that’s just an incredible accomplishment.”
Former Peabody High and UMass track and field standout Heather MacLean, an Olympian who set the American record in the 1,500 meters earlier this year, described Braz as a “pillar to this community.”
She said that Braz played an instrumental role in her growth as a person and athlete.
“Even though he was not my personal coach, it didn’t stop him from being my biggest cheerleader,” she said. “Coach Braz has always been there, thinking of me. … Sometimes, I think all roads lead back to coach Braz, whether that be meeting someone on the street who was coached by him, or my best friend Zach Grube, or my current New Balance teammate (Kate Mitchell of Lynnfield) who said, ‘yeah, I was coached by Coach Braz.’ Whether it’s a good luck text, a text after the race, or just checking in or connecting me with a good resource, Coach Braz is always there. I know he puts everyone before himself. I am so grateful and lucky, and so many others are to have you in their lives.”
PVMHS Principal Brooke Randall said the evening was “a testament to all the lives you have touched. I’m so grateful to work with you every day and to have you on our staff at Peabody High. You are a wonderful family member to our Peabody High community.”
Randall said that while Braz has coached some incredible athletes who have gone on to collegiate careers and the Olympics, he’ll be remembered for personal touch.
“The way you touch students’ lives, to impact them as people – that, I think, is most impactful,” Randall said. “The athlete component has been wonderful, but really, how you’ve impacted their lives as people and all of the intangibles you learn through sports and what you’ve done to teach them is so special.”
Former Athletic Director and track and field coach Phil Sheridan, a member of the Peabody Athletics Hall of Fame, noted that while Braz “had an amazing running career, we’re here to talk about him as a coach.
“He is passionate about his athletes,” Sheridan said. “He develops the kids not just as athletes, but as people. He’s always checking in on them to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do.”
Sheridan highlighted Braz’s selflessness, saying, “He tries to stay behind and let the kids shine. It’s an honor to work with him. With him as our leader, we are among the best staffs in the state. We are all so proud of you.”
Bettencourt presented a plaque to Braz and read the inscription.
“Recognition of Fernando Braz, who has been the guiding star of Peabody High School track and field. Your dedication has led to countless wins, many state and national honors, and so many amazing memories for student-athletes and their families. Your legacy will forever inspire our community.”
Braz said the success of this program could not have happened without the support of city and political officials, superintendents, principals, athletic directors, boosters, coaches, and student-athletes.
“The core and pulse of this entire program for 27 years is the student-athletes,” Braz said.
He thanked the coaches who have contributed to the program’s success. He also thanked event organizers Patricia Marcus, City Councilor Julie Daigle, and Bettencourt.
Braz said he is grateful to have the “unconditional support” of his wife Pam and children Shane and Ella, “who regularly bring perspective, reality, and humility to our discussions – all directed to me.
“Thank all of you, for making this night a night I will never forget.”
The night concluded with a standing ovation.
