![Ayala Wins MVP Coach Award, $50,000 Grant [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/591/files/2017/11/Luis-Ayala-Foxcroft-21.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Ayala Wins MVP Coach Award, $50,000 Grant [VIDEO]
Foxcroft Academy soccer and wrestling coach Luis Ayala has a lot to smile about today - he is the 2017 national Most Valuable Coach and wins a $50,000 grant for his school.
The MVP Coach Award is a program sponsored by U.S. Cellular and Samsung.
It began with nominating high school coaches from around the country who have made a difference in their community.
Ayala was the top vote-getter through online voting as the list of 50 was narrowed down to 15 finalists.
A panel of judges that included former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and former NBA player Michael Cage selected the winner after reviewing bios and essays.
Ayala earned $5,000 for his school for finishing in the top 15.
Now, another $50,000 grant goes to the school in Ayala's name.
Ayala is a teacher and coaches soccer and wrestling at Foxcroft. He is originally from Ecuador and grew up in Virginia. He was a combat medic in the U.S. Army and deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
NOTE: Ayala will be a guest on Tuesday's 'Morning Pitch Show' on Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket.
More From WBZN Old Town Maine
![Maine & N.H. Are The Only States That Don’t Have This Restaurant](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-sonic-sn-yt.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Another FREE Movie Night Is Coming To Maine Savings Amphitheater](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-encanto-walt-D.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Mall In Maine Declared ‘The Most Amazing Dead Mall Ever’](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-fleabitten-adventures-yt.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Massachusetts Guy Now Living In Maine Thinks Our Pizza ‘Stinks’](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/05/attachment-otto-pizza.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hozier Is Already In Bangor Ahead Of Wednesday’s Concert](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2023/11/attachment-GettyImages-1719787520-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Jen Nittolo From Winterport In Central Maine Idol’s Friday Finale](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-jen-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![4 Years Later Maine Created ‘Quarantine Karaoke’ Is Still Rockin’](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2020/03/RS21067_GettyImages-473690442.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Does Maine Have Any ‘Michelin Star’ Restaurants?](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-jay-wennington-N_Y88TWmGwA-unsplash-21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Are Working Payphones In Maine Still A Thing?](http://townsquare.media/site/495/files/2024/07/attachment-john-paul-henry-ejPPVWDPeGU-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)