Week 9
School: Cypress Springs High School
Years Coaching: 24
How long have you been coaching? Where did your career begin? College\university you attended?
- This is my 24th season coaching football. I began my coaching journey as a graduate assistant at my alma mater, the University at Albany in New York, an FCS program. After wrapping up my playing career at Albany, where my senior class achieved a 39-7 record over four years, I was eager to step into a coaching role and stay connected to the game.
Why do you coach?
- My high school coaches imparted invaluable life lessons that laid the foundation for the man I am today. Coming from a single-parent household, these coaches were father figures to me, filling a crucial role in my life for which I am forever grateful. They showed me that coaching is about more than just sports—it's about making a positive impact. I'm driven to coach because it gives me the opportunity to influence young lives in a meaningful way. I aim to help my athletes grow into responsible, productive members of society. Success goes beyond wins and losses; it's about developing young men who will thrive on and off the field.
What is the most rewarding\fulfilling part of your job?
- My coaching career has spanned all levels of football, from Division I and II to junior college, and even professional leagues like the UFL and NFL. Through the Bill Walsh Fellowship, I interned with the New York Giants in 2009, gaining invaluable insights. The most rewarding part of this career is witnessing player growth and development. Helping young men realize that hard work, grit, and sacrifice can lead them to their dreams is incredibly fulfilling. I take pride in seeing former players go on to become police officers, firefighters, doctors, and even elected officials.
In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood thing about the coaching profession?
- One of the most misunderstood aspects of coaching is the assumption that it's solely about X's and O's. If it were that simple, everyone would do it. To be truly effective, coaches must understand the unique needs of their players and build relationships grounded in trust, communication, and support. Coaching is about much more than just calling plays; it's about the daily work of helping young people grow.
Please share the importance of what your staff/ players are doing for your community?
- Through hard work and sacrifice, our coaches and players are transforming the Cypress Springs community's reputation. When we took over, the program was struggling, having made the playoffs just once in its history. But our efforts paid off—we led the team to the playoffs for the first time in 20 years last season, and this year, we've been ranked as one of the top 25 6A teams in Houston. This success has boosted the pride and confidence of the entire Cypress Springs community, strengthening self-esteem and fostering a sense of unity.