By Derrick Smith

When someone makes the decision to get into coaching, they are doing more than agreeing to coach their team on game days. They are also making the choice to have an impact on the lives of the young people that they choose to coach. They are going to be teaching more than the ins and outs of the game- they will also be teaching life lessons and guiding their athletes in the right direction.

Edmond Memorial girls head soccer coach Byron Gutierrez says that while he enjoys coaching, there are other things about the job that are more important to him.

“I enjoy being able to build relationships with my athletes that go past the sport we participate in. Always being there for them is the most important thing.”

Gutierrez, who is in his second season leading the Lady Bulldogs soccer team, has enjoyed his share of success at his previous stops. 

“One of the biggest highlights of my career is making it twice to the Class 4A state semifinals at Harrah,” he said. “Another would be the winning record on the boys’ side my last year at Harrah and our Edmond Memorial Lady Bulldogs making the playoffs last year by beating Bixby at their place. I am grateful to have been a part of those special teams and learn what I could.”

Throughout his coaching and playing career, Byron has had the privilege of working under and beside some outstanding men who have played a role in Byron’s growth and progress as a coach and teacher.

“There are two groups of men that have impacted me,” he said. “The first group is football coaches. Mike Hedge, Lonny Nolen, Chris Jansen, and Phil Webb. Soccer coaches would have to be Walter Cobb and Jon Johnson. These men invested in me when they did not need to but wanted to. I will always appreciate them for that.”