Derek Wahlstrom

Inducted: 2025

Sport: Football

Schools: Northwest Christian, Verrado, Estrella Foothills, Valley Vista, Trivium Prep

In his 30-year career, Derek Wahlstrom has served seven high schools, from the 1A level to the 6A level, in a wide variety of roles. In those three decades, it is the relationships that Coach Wahlstrom holds most dear. His mentors, administrators, coaches, and most especially his players have given him the greatest honor he could imagine, calling him “Coach.”

As an assistant coach, Derek was fortunate to serve on some very successful teams: baseball, basketball, track, and football. Team achievements included advancing to the quarterfinals on multiple occasions, a state baseball semifinal, and two state championships in football.

In 23 years as a head coach, Coach Wahlstrom led his teams to multiple region championships and state playoff berths. In his eight years as a golf coach, his teams always finished in the top six at the State Championships, including one runner up finish and two State Championships. During those eight years, Coach Wahlstrom was recognized as the 1A-3A Coach of the Year twice by the Arizona Coaches Association. As a football coach, he was recognized by the Arizona Cardinals as the “Coach of the Week” three times, selected Region Coach of the Year five times, and led teams to the Semi-Finals twice and a State Championship game.

Beyond the field, Coach Wahlstrom was committed to the ACA and Arizona Football Coaches Association serving as a coach for several All-Star teams. He also was part of the board for the National Football Foundation, presenting multiple times at local clinics for his colleagues and youth programs, and helping his colleagues through his work as the Vice President and President of the AzFCA.

Coach Wahlstrom thoroughly enjoyed watching his students & athletes apply their hard work and talent to achieve individual recognition as All-Region, All-State, and State Champion athletes. However, it is the student-athletes ability translate their successes on the field and in the classroom to pursue their life goals and passions that has been the most rewarding.