For over thirty years, Alan Keen devoted his life to shaping champions on and off the field, inspiring student-athletes and advancing the mission of interscholastic athletics across Florida. He began his coaching career at Glades Junior High in 1967 before moving to Richmond Heights Junior High (now Middle School), where he built a sports program that became a model of excellence throughout Miami-Dade County. A longtime physical education teacher, Keen inspired students both in the classroom and on the playing field, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

Keen’s leadership extended far beyond his own school. He oversaw middle school athletic competitions across multiple sports in Miami-Dade County and coordinated athletic events for both middle and high school programs at the County Youth Fair. Alongside Coach Paul Green, Keen co-created the Junior High School Interscholastic Sports “Feeder System,” a groundbreaking model that connected youth leagues to high schools, while also creating a pipeline that extended to colleges and professional programs. He has also served as Co-Founder and Administrator of the Dade County Junior High School Interscholastic Sports Program.  His vision and dedication strengthened athletic and educational opportunities for young people across South Florida, an impact that continues today.

Keen also made his mark as an official and administrator in multiple sports. He officiated collegiate baseball for 35 years and served as commissioner of the South Florida College Baseball Umpires Association for 14 years. In addition, he officiated volleyball, basketball, and baseball at both the high school and collegiate levels, working numerous district and regional tournaments. For the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC), Keen served as a basketball official from 1968 to 2003 and as a baseball umpire from 1967 to 2003. His commitment to fairness, professionalism, and mentorship elevated officiating standards across the region and provided guidance to countless young officials.

One of Keen’s most enduring contributions to Miami-Dade County sports was his 51-year tenure (1971–2021) as a public address announcer for high school football games at Central, Tamiami, and Tropical Stadiums. His distinctive voice became synonymous with Friday night football, bringing excitement, energy, and a sense of tradition to generations of student-athletes and fans. More than just an announcer, Keen became part of the fabric of Miami high school football, creating memories that still resonate throughout the community.

Keen’s lifetime of dedication has been recognized with numerous honors. In 2000, he was inducted into the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association Hall of Fame in Chicago. He is also a member of the Circle of Honor at his alma mater, Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. On May 26, 1999, the City of Miami honored him with “Coach Alan Keen Day” in recognition of his 30-year association with the 500 Role Models of Excellence Program. In 2012, Richmond Heights Middle School further cemented his legacy by naming its fitness center after him.

Throughout his career, Keen also served as a mentor to countless young coaches, officials, and educators, instilling in them the same passion for athletics and education that has defined his life’s work. His enduring commitment to student-athletes, colleagues, and the community has left an indelible mark on Florida high school sports.

Alan Keen’s legacy is one of vision, leadership, and service. Through his decades as a teacher, coach, official, announcer, and administrator, he helped build a foundation that continues to support and inspire generations of student-athletes across Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida.