Region 15 proudly announces that Stephanie Bregman, special education teacher and Unified Sports coach at Pomperaug High School (PHS), has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 George Synnott High School Unified Coach of the Year Award.

This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a coach who demonstrates exceptional dedication to inclusive athletics and to the mission of Unified Sports—bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities through shared experiences in training and competition.

Ms. Bregman was formally recognized at the Unified Sports Awards Banquet on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut. She will also be honored at the Region 15 Board of Education meeting on June 9, 2025.

As a coach at PHS, Coach Bregman has gone above and beyond to create inclusive, empowering opportunities where every student is invited to participate, lead, and succeed. Her influence extends beyond the school’s athletic fields—she is also a key coordinator of collaborative Unified Sports events and inclusive activities involving neighboring schools and communities.

"Stephanie Bregman exemplifies what it means to be a Unified Sports coach," said Region 15 Superintendent Joshua Smith. "Her passion for inclusion, her tireless work in the classroom and on the field, and her positive influence across our schools and community make her an extraordinary role model and leader. She is truly representative of the values we strive for in Region 15—compassion, excellence, and a commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and included."

The George Synnott Award not only recognizes Ms. Bregman’s leadership in Unified Sports, but also her broader advocacy for students of all abilities and her commitment to fostering a school culture where everyone belongs.

Pictured: Unified Coach of the Year Stephanie Bregman and John Niski, CIAC Unified Sports® Assistant Director, at the Pomperaug High School End of Year Unified Sports Event on May 28, 2025.