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When Coach Brad Poppe earned his 500th career victory as head coach of the Avon Lady Pirates, his first thoughts weren’t about numbers, they were about people. “It makes me realize how fortunate I have been to have coached so many amazing young ladies that enjoyed playing the game,” Poppe said. “And I have had good assistant coaches the whole time. You can’t accomplish a milestone like this without having good people around.” Poppe never imagined reaching a milestone like 500 wins when he first started coaching. “No, never. You never know for sure how long you will be in it. I have been very fortunate,” he said. Over the years, the Lady Pirates program has become known for its consistency. Avon has competed in 12 State Tournaments during Poppe’s tenure, something he says stands out most when he looks back at his career. “I feel our program’s consistency stands out the most. We are always very competitive year in and year out.” On the court, Poppe’s philosophy centers around consistency, accountability and caring for one another. Fundamentals and effort are key. Off the court, he hopes those same lessons carry into everyday life. “I want them to understand that teamwork is important and that it doesn’t matter what your role is, everyone is important,” he said. “And how to deal with adversity. Everything isn’t always going to go our way.” Through the years, Poppe says his players have taught him just as much as he has taught them. They have shown him the importance of relationships and how each athlete learns and grows differently. “The richness of these relationships is the greatest win of my life,” he shared. Team culture has always been a cornerstone of the Lady Pirates program. Traditions such as team prayer, the cross hanging by the locker room door, and the girls saying Philippians 4:13 after team introductions remain important parts of the program. Coaching in a small community like Avon makes the milestone even more meaningful. Poppe grew up in Avon and later returned to teach and coach, replacing his own high school coach, Gerald Gramm. “The community has always been very supportive of our program,” he said. Local businesses have helped fund camps over the years, and fans continue to fill the stands to cheer on the girls. Poppe is quick to credit his family for their unwavering support. His wife Shelly, daughter Megan and son Nick have all been involved in the program in various ways. “I couldn’t have stayed in coaching this long without them,” he said. While there are many games he will always remember, including a double-overtime State Championship loss to Baltic, Poppe says the most rewarding moments are watching a player’s hard work pay off and seeing her confidence grow. After 500 wins, what keeps him going? “I really enjoy going to practice and watching the girls grow,” he said. “It’s about the girls.” Looking ahead, Poppe hopes to guide the Lady Pirates back to the State Tournament. “There is nothing better,” he said. As for how he hopes to be remembered? “Someone who cared for each one of his players,” Poppe said. “I tell my teams they are my daughters. We spend a lot of time together.” To his players, their parents and the Avon community, Poppe offers a simple message: “Thank you for the hard work and support.” Five hundred wins is an impressive milestone. But for Coach Brad Poppe, the true victory has always been the relationships built along the way.