THE JOURNEY
I was born and raised in Rochester, NY. I graduated from East High School where I was apart of the first city school to win back-to-back football sectional titles. After graduating, my heart was set on playing football at the collegiate level. Not receiving any letters of interest from colleges, my older cousin suggested I should relocate to Los Angeles, CA and attend Santa Monica Community College. I took his advice and enrolled in Santa Monica Community College, majoring in Sports Management. I arrived too late on campus to play football my first semester in college. One of my first classes was coaching philosophy, where I meet Coach Barnett, the then defensive coordinator. I was the only non-football player in that class. One day he pulled me aside after class and asked me why I wasn’t on the team, and I better see you for spring ball. Once spring ball came around, I was right there and ready to go. That’s when I was introduced to the late, legendary Coach Robert Taylor, where I learned he helped develop NFL Wide Receivers Isaac Bruce (St. Louis Rams) Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens) and Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals). I made the team and started 18 out of 20 games at Santa Monica, while playing multiple skilled positions on the offensive side of the ball. I received letters of interest from multiple D1 and D3 schools. I took some time off after being injured and I then went on to play at the University of Mount Union and that’s where I received my B.S in Exercise Science, Minor in Sports Business and Coaching.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A COACH?
One reason I was inspired to become a coach was due to how unprepared I was when I went to college. I have had some bad coaches and learning that natural talent can only get you so far at that level was a wake-up call. Not having a real weight room program, not knowing how to watch film, and the lack of doing skill specific drills while in high school put me behind. The second reason I decided to become a coach was due to a one-on-one meeting with the offensive coordinator at Santa Monica. He mentioned that I would be a better coach than a player because I am very detailed oriented, and I’m an unselfish player. So, after my college career is over, that would be a great career for me to venture into. The third reason is I wanted to be the coach that I did not have while I was in high school and in college. Now that I am a coach, I made it a priority to help my athletes reach their full potential and to have a great experience.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER COACHES?
What separates me from other coaches is the environment that I create cannot be duplicated, it’s an experience. The impact I make, the random check in calls, attending athlete’s games and the brotherhood/sisterhood bond that the athletes build with each other is second to none. Secondly, is having the nationally accredited certifications to train athletes. Knowing how to progress athletes is very important in their development. Thirdly, is attending football, track and field, strength and conditioning clinics yearly and applying what I learned. Lastly, having mentors within this profession at the highest level. Being able to reach out to coaches for advice at the University of Tennessee, University of Cincinnati, University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Stevenson University, Minnesota Vikings, Notre Dame and former professional athletes has helped me remain humble and has helped me improve my camp every year.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INDIVIDUALS LOOKING TO ENTER THIS FIELD OF WORK?
Go to college and get your degree in Exercise Science. Then study for your CSCS exam. This will open the door for you to apply for internships at major colleges, potentially getting your master’s degree paid for, learn programming, make connections with coaches and travel. Most importantly, you must trust the process, be consistent, attend clinics and seminars, have fun and make a positive impact.