Jake Monden, second-year head football coach and careers teacher at Southmoore High School, is eager to showcase his team this fall.

His goals for this season: “mental growth, culture growth, belief in the process.” “The rest will fall in line,” Monden said.

It will take consistency and efficiency on the part of everybody in Southmoore’s facility.

Monden said he “couldn’t imagine” not being part of the game he loves. “I love this game so much,” Monden said. “I also am blessed to be around great young people.”

His athletes, Monden said, have taught him patience.

“They have also taught me to be grateful for all I have been given in my career,” Monden said. “We all follow someone or something. This is a part of human growth process. I feel the decisions we make and who we follow and how we lead those around us is the most important thing. The way we influence
those around us is priority.”

Monden’s long-term goal in coaching has always been “to make a difference” in the lives of his players and those around him.

“Use this game as a tool to help everyone involved in our program become a better version of themselves,” Monden. “Winning will take care of itself. The distance – in life, in this game and as a program. But most importantly as a follower of our Father in Heaven.”

VYPE: What’s a piece of advice you would give to a young coach entering the profession?
Jake Monden: Be loyal, listen, ask questions, be the best version of yourself you can be. Be willing to do anything asked without any questions. You have the biggest opportunity to make opportunity to make a difference. Lastly, create relationships that will last forever.