After serving as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in the Infantry, AJ McKinney faced the difficult transition of leaving behind the soldiers he once led. Through Soldiers To Sidelines, he discovered a new mission — one that allowed him to channel his leadership, passion, and care into developing young athletes. With the support and training from STS, AJ has not only grown as a coach, but has also become a beacon of mentorship, creating opportunities for youth in his community through free football camps and hands-on guidance. Now leading athletes at Lake Mills High School in Wisconsin, AJ exemplifies the heart of a Soldier Coach: resilient, selfless, and committed to shaping the next generation of leaders both on and off the field. Learn mor about Coach McKinney’s coaching Journey and the impact he has made.
STS: Tell your story about how and why you go into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.
Coach McKinney: Back in 2006, I got into coaching because I loved competition and wanted to help improve my former school’s football program. At the time, the program didn’t have funding for more coaches, and there wasn’t much community interest or support. I stepped in because I cared and wanted to make a difference.
I really started taking coaching seriously, both as a passion and something like a job, when the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) allowed me to volunteer at a local high school. Coach Ben McMillan brought me on staff, and that experience felt different than any of my past coaching roles. I wasn’t on a base anymore, surrounded by infantry soldiers I had served with for years. I was just a regular guy in the community, looking to reconnect, give back, and fill a personal gap that opened up when I left the infantry to become a recruiter.
That change left a hole. I no longer had soldiers to mentor and lead every day. Coaching gave me that connection again. I thrived on helping young athletes grow, both on and off the field. I kept up with their lives, supported them when they needed help, and watched them grow into strong teammates and good people. For me, it wasn’t just about winning games or seeing kids earn college scholarships. It was about building real relationships and helping them become the best versions of themselves.
STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?
Coach McKinney: Leading Soldiers in the Infantry, whether during training or on combat deployments, is a lot like coaching on the football field. We trained constantly, focusing on every detail, so that when the moment came, we were ready to put everything together. In the Infantry, it was me and my Soldiers preparing for combat. Now, it’s me and my fellow coaches getting our players ready to perform at their best under the Friday night lights.
Football and the military have a lot in common. An infantry platoon is like a football team. The people come from different backgrounds, look different, and bring different strengths, just like players on a team. In both settings, everyone has a role, and the goal is to work together as one unit.
Coaches are like the leadership in a platoon. That made the move from military life to coaching feel natural to me. I went from caring for and leading soldiers to mentoring and supporting players and fellow coaches. The environment changed, but the mission stayed the same, build trust, prepare the team, and give everything we have to the people around us.
STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?
Coach McKinney: STS has given me more than just a support system through other Soldier Coaches and staff, it has also given me the confidence to plan and run my own football camp for players of any age. I have attended the STS Chicago high school player camp for the past three years, twice at Lake Forest College and this year at the Chicago Bears’ facility. Each time, I have learned valuable skills that I can bring back to my own community.
My goal is to use what I’ve learned to create a free camp at my school, giving local players a chance to grow and compete. I also plan to bring in other Soldier Coaches to help run the camp, just like we do at STS. It’s a great way to give back and support the next generation of athletes and Soldier Coaches.
STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?
Coach McKinney: When I was coaching at Stuart Cramer High School (SCHS) in Cramerton, North Carolina, I had a freshman who just stood out. He was taller, faster, and bigger than everyone else. That was Kendall Karr. I coached Kendall as a wide receiver/tight end coach and offensive assistant. He developed into a great athlete and earned a full scholarship from Coach Mack Brown to the University of North Carolina. He later transferred to Coastal Carolina and he recently made the tough decision to medically retire from football.
To my wife and me, Kendall has always felt like our “third child.” He’s a great young man who has gone through a lot since he left for college. I’ve stayed close with him over the years through regular phone calls, sometimes weekly, sometimes even daily. We’ve talked about everything: how our families are doing, how his classes are going, ways to improve his run blocking, and even moments where he’s been a mentor to my own son.
Before Kendall’s retirement, my daughter Riglei and I had the chance to attend his Senior Day game at Coastal Carolina this past November. Watching the man he has become has had a huge impact on me as a coach. I feel lucky to have coached him. He’s still processing his decision to step away from football, and just last week, he also lost his mother.
So, this is a big shout-out to Kendall. You’ve been through a lot, but you continue to show strength and character. Love ya kid.
STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?
Coach McKinney: I’ve been a volunteer high school football coach for over 11 years. My goal is to coach at the next level. I’m not exactly sure what that level that is yet, but I’m open to any opportunity that allows me to turn my love for the game into a paid career.
What I do know is that I’ll bring the same energy, passion, and care for my players that I’ve had at every stop along the way. I’ll also bring the work ethic and mindset that came from my time as a leader in the Army. Whenever that next step comes, I’ll be ready to give it everything I’ve got.
STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching and what have you learned from that experience?
Coach McKinney: I was recently let go by a school I had poured my heart and soul into. It hit not only me, but my family hard. It was tough to move on, especially because I thought I’d be there for at least another five years.
What I’ve learned from that experience is to never discount yourself. I was hurt, angry, and sad, especially knowing I was leaving behind a senior class I had coached since they first arrived at the school. After getting that email, I took a breath. So did my wife and daughter. Then I got to work. I updated my resume and sent it out to four schools asking if they had any volunteer coaching spots open for the upcoming season. I heard back from five, and the very next day, Coach Tyler Huber at Lake Mills High School offered me a chance to join his staff.
In that moment, I had doubted my value just because I was let go. But I realized something important, never forget your worth as a Soldier Coach. Keep track of what you do, what you learn, and always keep your resume ready. There are coaches out there looking for people like us, coaches who bring heart, experience, and the ability to help build a strong culture. I truly believe Lake Mills is the right place for me to bring everything I’ve got, and a place that will support my growth as I continue chasing my goals in this game.
STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?
Coach McKinney: Coaching gives me purpose. I work hard to be the kind of coach I wish I had when I was growing up. My goal is to make an impact, not just on the field, but in the lives of my players as they grow into adults.
I believe coaches have one of the biggest influences on young people in any community. I’m proud to be in a position where I can help shape the future by guiding and supporting the next generation of leaders.
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