High School Offensive Coordinator and DLine Coach Tony Spinosa has spent more than three decades proving that great coaching is about far more than wins and losses. A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, longtime football coach, and former strength and conditioning coach with the Washington Commanders, Tony has dedicated his life to developing leaders, first in uniform and now on the football field. From mentoring first-time freshmen athletes to helping elite professionals reach their potential, his philosophy remains the same: build character first, and success will follow. In this Q&A, the June Soldier Coach of the Month shares how military service shaped his leadership, why serving others is at the heart of coaching, and the lessons that continue to inspire every player he leads. Q&A
STS: How long have you been coaching?
Coach Spinosa: I have been coaching for over 30 years in many different arenas. My experience includes youth sports – soccer, tackle football, and baseball from TBall to Babe Ruth. Military Teams – Softball & Flag Football. While stationed overseas in Germany, I coached German athletes to play American Football (O-line coach) for the Konigsbrunn Ants. Upon retirement from the military, I started as an unpaid intern as a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Washington Commanders. The internship transitioned to a part-time and then full-time position. I spent 17 years coaching High School football in Northern VA, DC, and currently at OLGC – all freshman/JV teams.
STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.
Coach Spinosa: My coaching career was a result of playing High School football in PA. I saw the impact that coaches had on players. Growing up, I was involved in sports, and I had coaches who made a significant impact on me, not just as an athlete, but as a person. They taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Seeing how much a coach can influence someone’s growth inspired me to want to do the same for others. The military is the ultimate team sport, defining something bigger than self. As leaders, we invest time in guiding others to think, grow, and perform at their best. We ensure success for the individual we lead. As my military career was coming to an end, my goal was to be a Strength Coach in the NFL. As a Criminal Justice undergrad and as an Air Defense Artilleryman, these qualifications did not translate very well into being a Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NFL. I went back to school and earned a Master’s in Exercise Physiology and secured an internship with the Commanders, which led to full-time employment. While working with elite athletes, I realized that talent was never enough; it was their intangibles that made them elite. This experience helped me with my High School athletes in developing a strong mental game.
STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?
Coach Spinosa: The military has helped coaching by introducing structured leadership training, discipline, feedback methods, and a focus on personal growth, making coaching more effective in building strong leaders and teams. It translates very well into sports teams because both environments rely on discipline, teamwork, and performing under pressure. It’s a strong sense of purpose, being accountable to the process, not the outcome. Being disciplined to do the right things when motivation was not there. The teamwork it takes to achieve goals, the Team-First Mentality. Leading by example. The resilience and mental toughness are needed to do hard jobs. Being an active listener and providing direct feedback to enhance performance. As Jerry Rice once said, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.”
STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?
Coach Spinosa: It’s an amazing experience when you are in a room full of STS coaches who are like-minded people with a genuine passion for coaching! For us, coaching is no longer just something we do; it’s a core part of how we approach life.
STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?
Coach Spinosa: I have coached freshman football for 17 years, and every year is a new challenge. Most of them have never played organized football. The closest they got was in their backyard with their buddies. Watching them grow as players and as a team has a special place in my heart. It’s the foundation of any successful varsity program.
STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?
Coach Spinosa: My aspiration in coaching football is to become a coach who not only develops skilled players but also helps shape strong, disciplined, and confident individuals. I want to build a program where players understand that success comes from hard work, preparation, and teamwork. To inspire my 9th graders to love the game of football and understand the many life skills that football teaches us. To educate and mentor them in developing strong and resilient leaders. To help them develop strong work ethics and discipline, which will help them in life, to develop the whole person, not just the athlete.
STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?
Coach Spinosa: It was my Initial entry into coaching directly out of the military. No STS to help with the transition. My first coaching staff was all civilians with no military experience, and all coached together on various high school teams and were a close-knit staff. I was an outsider in their eyes, with no coaching experience. It was a blessing because I was assigned to the freshman coaching staff.
STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?
Coach Spinosa: Help others succeed! Be reliable and prepared, outwork your players – come to every practice and game with a plan and purpose to get better. Don’t waste your players’ time not being prepared. Rehearsing in darkness to prepare for the light. Always respect others’ time and commitments. Be persistent in what your goals are. Bring your “A” Game every day, no matter what the job is. If you are an intern and you are stocking a Cooler with various sport drinks and water, make it look dress-right-dress every day. Others will notice the small things. Be open and honest. Invested time in guiding others to think, grow, and perform at their best. Constantly strive for education. It’s never a good thing to say, “That’s how we always have done it” or “Because I said so.” Make sure you bring the “why” to every conversation you have with your athletes and coaches. Educate them as well.