Over the course of my life, I’ve worn a lot of hats—teacher, restaurant manager, father, athlete. I’ve worked in education and hospitality. I’ve stood in front of classrooms and I’ve led restaurant teams through packed dinner rushes. I’ve had jobs that came with promotions and responsibilities that were recognized on paper. But if you asked me what I’m most proud of—what’s left the deepest mark on who I am—it wouldn’t be a title or a paycheck.
It would be coaching youth sports.
I’ve had the privilege of coaching youth basketball through Lodi Parks & Recreation, high school basketball at Lodi High, and football with the Liberty Ranch Jr. Hawks. No matter where life has taken me, I keep coming back to the court or the field. And after all these years, I can honestly say that coaching young athletes has been one of the most fulfilling and impactful things I’ve ever done.
More Than Just a Game
To some people, youth sports are just that—sports. Wins and losses. Schedules and scores. But anyone who’s coached knows it’s about so much more than that.
When you coach kids, especially at the youth level, you’re not just teaching them how to dribble or tackle. You’re helping them build confidence. You’re showing them how to deal with failure. You’re giving them a space to belong, to be part of something bigger than themselves. And sometimes, you’re one of the only adults in their life who’s showing up consistently for them.
That kind of responsibility humbles you. It forces you to be more than a coach—it makes you a mentor, a listener, a role model. Those kids remember the way you treat them. They watch how you respond to stress. They notice if you show up on time, if you hold them accountable, if you believe in them even when they’re struggling.
And when they start believing in themselves because of it? That’s everything.
The Lessons Go Both Ways
It’s easy to think of coaching as a one-way street: the adult teaches, the kids learn. But truthfully, I’ve learned just as much—if not more—from the athletes I’ve coached.
I’ve learned patience. I’ve learned how to break down complex ideas into simple, repeatable steps. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are—how to push one kid to greatness while protecting another from burnout. I’ve learned the value of encouragement, the strength in vulnerability, and the magic that happens when a team starts trusting each other.
Some of my favorite memories aren’t even about winning games. They’re the practices where a kid finally “gets it.” The moments after a hard-fought loss when the team still holds their heads high. The parents who come up and say, “Thank you—my kid really needed this.”
Building Character, Not Just Athletes
One of the things I take most seriously as a coach is helping shape character. Sports are one of the last places where kids can learn real-life lessons in a raw, hands-on environment. They learn about discipline. They learn how to work with others. They learn that talent can only get you so far—and that grit, heart, and effort go a long way.
And when those kids start taking those lessons off the court and into their lives? That’s the win that really counts. I’ve seen former players grow into hardworking students, respectful teammates, and even leaders in their own right. I’ve had kids I coached years ago come back and tell me that something I said stuck with them—that I helped them through a tough time without even knowing it.
That kind of impact doesn’t fade. It lasts.
A Legacy Worth Leaving
I come from a family of teachers, coaches, and veterans—people who gave their lives to service, to shaping others. My father was a beloved coach and educator in our community. His example is a big part of why I coach. I saw what it meant to be the kind of adult who shows up for young people. And now, I try to carry that forward.
Coaching is a way I can give back, but it’s also how I keep our family’s legacy alive. It’s how I stay grounded, how I stay connected to my community. Even as my full-time work moved into hospitality and management, I never felt like I left the world of teaching behind—because coaching lets me keep teaching, just in a different uniform.I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I’m proud of. I’ve worked hard to build a career, to support my family, and to grow into the kind of man I want my son to look up to. But coaching youth sports will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I’ve felt most needed. It’s where I’ve felt the most connected to a purpose bigger than myself.
It’s not glamorous. There’s no award or big paycheck. Sometimes it’s thankless. Sometimes it’s exhausting. But every time I see a kid find confidence, make a friend, or learn how to bounce back from failure—that’s the real reward.
And that’s why, to this day, coaching still feels like my greatest accomplishment.