Soldiers To Sidelines proudly recognizes Coach H. “Dean” Battenberg Jr. as the September 2025 Soldier Coach of the Month. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Coach Battenberg exemplifies the values of leadership, resilience, and service that define both military life and coaching. Through his role as Defensive Line Coach, Team Strength and Conditioning Coach, and JV Defensive Coordinator at Lewisburg Area High School in Pennsylvania, he continues to impact lives on and off the field. His journey into coaching is fueled by a dedication to mentorship, a passion for football, and an unwavering commitment to shaping young athletes into strong leaders. We are honored to spotlight his story, service, and coaching journey.
STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.
Dean Battenberg: I originally started coaching to help my son, who was struggling with development on his high school football team. He was asking to be coached but wasn’t receiving much support. My Army mindset told me he needed training, so I turned to the internet. On YouTube, I came across a video of Ohio State Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson giving a clinic to local high school coaches. He was sharing so much of his expertise, and I was in awe. Then Coach Johnson said, “I am giving all of this to you because when I was in high school, I wish someone would have done this for me.” In that moment, I was hooked. His pay-it-forward attitude was inspiring and motivated me to become more involved in football. That spark led me to continue learning as much as I could so I could help others do their best. Since then, studying the game and collaborating with others has been part of my life. One of my biggest goals as a coach is to teach my players the safest techniques possible, particularly to help reduce concussions through proper form.
STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?
Dean Battenberg: I was fortunate to hold many instructor roles in the Army, and all of them helped prepare me for coaching. I’m especially grateful for my time as a Drill Sergeant Leader and as an ROTC instructor. Those two experiences built an incredible foundation for my coaching career. The most important aspect I carried over is the ability to mold players. The Army gave me a unique creative process for teaching individuals, building cohesive teams, training with limited resources, and planning and executing missions. One of the greatest lessons I took from the Army is that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If someone has a resource or method that’s better than what you can create yourself, go find it and use it.
STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?
Dean Battenberg: I cannot say enough about this organization. I could thank STS a thousand times, and it still wouldn’t be enough. STS has given me the opportunity to be in rooms with college defensive coordinators and defensive line coaches. Because Coach Smith told us, “If you want help, ask,” I reached out to a Division I program for guidance, and doors opened for me. The knowledge and precision shared during my first online training session were among the best I’ve ever received. Attending in-person training was even more impactful. On a personal level, STS also helped me heal unseen scars from my military service. I’ll never forget visiting the Jets’ locker room at MetLife Stadium. When I saw my name on a player’s locker, it overwhelmed me. It took several minutes to compose myself. No one outside of my loved ones had ever thanked me for my service like that. I never served expecting gratitude—I saw it as my duty. But that simple act of kindness helped me release old burdens and find peace. I left that day changed for the better.
STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart.
Dean Battenberg: I’ve been blessed to coach at the Mid-Atlantic FCA Competitors Camp for the past three years. The summer before last, one player didn’t take camp seriously—he skipped defensive periods often. Last summer at Liberty University, I immediately noticed his transformation. During warmups on the first day, his entire demeanor was different. I told him, “You’ve changed.” He smiled and said, “Yes, Coach. It’s good to see you. I was terrible before, but I’ve changed.” Seeing him take accountability for the past and embrace growth filled me with joy. He gave maximum effort in every drill, smiling the entire time. Watching that young man’s transformation made every moment worthwhile. That’s the true impact of coaching—helping young people “get it” and chase excellence.
STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?
Dean Battenberg: I want to coach wherever I can serve best—whether that’s youth football or the NFL.
STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?
Dean Battenberg: The Army was the greatest organization I’ve ever been a part of, and transitioning to environments without that same mission-driven focus was challenging. Sometimes it’s hard to see when other coaches’ motivations don’t align with the best interests of the organization. The lesson I’ve learned is that improvement begins with me. Every day, I strive to better myself and stay committed to the long game. My focus is to improve the lives of the young men around me and teach them life lessons through football. Respect from players and coaches isn’t given—it must be earned. Even if I had answers in the past, I learned that input is best received when others ask for it.
STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?
Dean Battenberg: I believe there is no greater calling than coaching after serving our nation. It’s another way of serving—just in a different capacity. Our young men and women need strong role models and examples of leadership. Veterans bring real-world experiences, problem-solving skills, and organizational leadership knowledge that are deeply needed today. Our legacy is the investment we make in future generations. The athletes we coach will carry that investment forward—if we lead by paying it forward first.
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