At Soldiers To Sidelines, we take great pride in recognizing the dedication and impact of our Soldier Coaches. This month, we are honored to highlight Derek Brown as the February 2025 Soldier Coach of the Month for his outstanding contributions to the game and his athletes.
From Soldier to Coach: A Journey of Leadership
Derek Brown served seven years of active duty in the U.S. Army, completing three tours in Iraq. His experiences in the military instilled in him a deep understanding of leadership, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that have seamlessly transitioned into his coaching career. After leaving the service, Derek found a new mission: mentoring and developing young athletes.
“I jumped into coaching and teaching a couple of years after exiting the service to give back to the community I was in,” Derek shares. “It was such a great experience that I continued down this path and have loved every moment since.”
Coaching at Benedictine College Preparatory
Currently, Derek serves as an assistant coach for the varsity football and track teams at Benedictine College Preparatory in Richmond, Virginia. With 11 years of coaching experience, he brings an unwavering commitment to excellence and personal growth, both for himself and his athletes.
The structure and discipline ingrained in him from his military service directly translates to his coaching philosophy. “Being able to connect military experience to coaching is a lot of the same principles. You must be able to have a clear understanding of what the mission is and be able to train those under you to accomplish it,” Derek explains. “The small details are what make up the best results.”
The Impact of Soldiers To Sidelines
Derek credits Soldiers To Sidelines for playing a crucial role in his coaching journey. Through STS, he was able to land his current coaching position, attend coaching clinics, and network with fellow veteran coaches. The camaraderie and support within STS have reinforced the same sense of brotherhood he valued in the military.
“This has been a great organization, and the connections within this program allowed me to get the position I currently have. It has also helped me continue learning and growing as a coach,” he says.
Making a Difference One Athlete at a Time
Among his many meaningful coaching experiences, Derek holds a special place in his heart for mentoring tough, overlooked athletes—the ones who may struggle with authority or find themselves misunderstood by other coaches and teachers. “I was that kid in high school,” he reflects. “I want to provide that extra positive push if I can. Every kid needs that role model, and in the military, you never leave anyone behind—that has stuck with me in coaching as well.”
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Derek’s coaching journey hasn’t always been smooth. His first year coaching varsity football was a steep learning curve. The team faced many challenges, and he had to learn on the fly. However, through studying his team, reflecting on coaching strategies, and focusing on small victories, he developed his unique coaching style.
Looking ahead, Derek aspires to continue developing professionally and expand his network with the goal of one day coaching at even higher levels.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Derek’s journey from soldier to coach exemplifies resilience, leadership, and dedication. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting impact a coach can have on their athletes’ lives. We are proud to recognize Derek Brown as the Soldiers To Sidelines February 2025 Soldier Coach of the Month and look forward to seeing his continued success on and off the field.
Congratulations, Coach Brown! Your service, both in uniform and on the sidelines, is an inspiration to us all.
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