Players, students, managers, cheerleaders, and fellow coaches, sharing what Coach McCool meant to them.
When Coach McCool passed in 2023, the memories that poured in told one story over and over: he taught far more than basketball, and he made everyone feel they mattered.
"Coach always made you feel heard, respected, and important. He and Joy brought joy to so many lives by being real champions of faith, team, love, commitment, sportsmanship and honor. I have been hearing Coach in my head since 1981."
"I was a team manager on the '72 team at WSHS, and I still think of things he taught me every day. A great coach and teacher, but more importantly, a great man. We were lucky to have him."
"My time with Don enabled me to become the MVHS coach, and I've been most grateful. The intense games, championships, and packed gyms that Don accomplished left a legacy that will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Coach."
"I'll never forget watching them practice for the state tournament against Petersburg and Moses Malone, his defensive guys had tennis racquets in their hands to simulate the height and reach difference. I tell that story today."
"Algebra was impossible for me, and even during basketball season Coach McCool would have me sit in the field house while he coached practice and help me with assignments. He cared deeply about all kinds of students and lived his commitment to education every day."
"One spring day a tornado damaged the roof of his garage. He came in and explained that our exam papers were littered all over Fairfax County, so he was going to grade on a curve. I like to think Mother Nature helped me pass that class!"
"He'd roll up his sleeve to not get marker on it and inevitably have smudges all over his cuff by the end of class. After a game he couldn't contain his enthusiasm for a game-winning shot the night before. He was so theatrical, and always willing to help."
"Great to be a kid watching him coach and stamping on his jacket at pep rallies. As his math student, I got a kick out of how he wore the same ink-stained shirt and pretended the stain was new each time. A large personality that helped shape many young minds."
"Mr. McCool had a gift of patience when it came to teaching a student to love math instead of giving up. There wasn't a day I walked the halls of MV and didn't pop in to see him. Forever thankful and grateful for his patience and kindness."
Selected from the guest book on the Washington Post / Legacy.com obituary. Lightly trimmed for length; shared here with gratitude.