With 2011 nearing its close, the Reporter is taking a look back at the best that was in the world of Bellevue area sports and recreation. From now until the end of the year, we will recap the best moments, stories and athletes of our area.

Coach of the Year – Kirk Tavener, Interlake girls soccer

Leaving a school after back-to-back state tournament appearances is never an easy call, but Kirk Tavener knew it was the right one to make.

He was rewarded when his Saints topped Cedarcrest 1-0 for the 2A state title.

After leading the Lindbergh girls on consecutive trips to the 3A girls soccer state tournament, the first trip to state for the school in nearly a decade, Tavener had an opportunity to come back to Interlake, where he had previously spent time with the boys and girls programs.

Before 2011, Interlake had not captured a state championship in a team sport since John Olderud led the Saints to a 4A baseball crown in 1986.

But this time around, the job required far more than basic Xs and Os.

With an infusion of talent in the form of club soccer standout Isabel Farrell, coach Kirk Tavener returned to Interlake this year and led his team all the way to the trophy, besting Cedarcrest at Shoreline Stadium 1-0.

Interlake had a quartet of elite-level club soccer players at the school, but none of the four had ever turned out for the prep team until this year. That group included 2011 conference MVP Isabel Farrell and three others with national and high level club experience.

Rather than allowing animosity over the newcomers develop, Tavener established a family atmosphere around the team and got all of his players to buy-in to the notion that they could have success with a blend of new and old.

Also considered: Larry Royce, Bellevue Christian track and field and football; Chris O’Connor, Bellevue boys basketball; Brian Tucci, Sammamish football; Mark Yoshino, Bellevue College baseball; Jeff Razore and Jason Correa-Wood, Seattle Swish basketball

The rest of the Best: Humanitarian Recognition; Biggest Surprise; Comeback Story; Person of the Year; Most Inspirational; Contest of the Year; Team of the Year