By Derrick Smith

Coaching is a profession that gives you the opportunity to impact the lives of young people. And that impact goes beyond the sport they coach. Jake Hemphill is the head coach of the Edmond Memorial boys’ soccer team and he says he enjoys being able to have an influence on the lives of the next generation.

“I love impacting their lives,” he stated. “Being able to mold them, guide them, uplift them, and help them grow both on and off the field. I try to create the best environment possible to help us grow the best way we can. I am proud and honored to be the coach at Edmond Memorial. I definitely feel like it is my calling in life.”

Hemphill is in his third season at the helm of the Bulldogs soccer team. While the first year was hampered by the pandemic, his program saw immediate success the following year. 

“Year one was the Covid-19 outbreak so I don’t really count that one,” he said. “Last season was my first full year and our team made it to the Class 6A state championship. We lost to Broken Arrow 2-1, but it was a fun ride. I am looking forward to this upcoming season.”

Several factors caused Jake to decide to get into coaching. 

“First off, I love the game and enjoy getting to be a part of it,” he said. “I also like getting to watch the kids work hard and see their hard work pay off. An awesome bonus is that I get to coach my son, Roman, who is a sophomore at Memorial. That is a rare opportunity that not every coach gets.”

Hemphill says that he has had a couple of people that have had an impact on his coaching life. 

“There have been two men that have had an impact on me as a coach,” he said. “Brian Harvey was the head boys and girls coach at Oklahoma City University, and he has been one of my biggest influences. He actually joined my staff last year and helped us get to the championship game. The other is Chris Taylor, who is an assistant coach for ORU men’s soccer. He has been another one that has guided me and lifted me up numerous times.”