Because of the coaches, the football team experienced more than practices, games, and competitions. They experienced leadership, guidance, and a sense of family. Players consistently highlighted the coach’s dedication and influence throughout the season.
“The coaches helped make this team so special and so close,” Kyle Jenkins said, “it spilled over into us as a team and helped us feel more comfortable.”
He also reflected on the sacrifices the coaches made
“Many of them are dealing with a lot outside of coaching, whether it be heart problems, having a little kid at home, or driving from college to coach every day,” Jenkins said, “each coach has different challenges and comes to work every day with the same drive and same motivation and discipline.”
This dedication resonated with players in the lessons they carried forward. Senior kicker Trent Smith recalled the coaches’ advice
“Hang around four successful people… you’ll be the fifth,” Coach Michael Kelly says.
Smith added that he would “miss their determination to getting us better each day.”
Similarly, senior player Graham Toner noted that he hopes the coaches remember his class as “pioneers for the classes below us.” He explained that “the Class of 2026 had a sense of leadership and team bonding that other classes haven’t had in years.”
Senior kicker Alex Jenkins highlighted the coaches’ belief in the players, saying he would thank them for always believing in them and noting that they pushed the team to their limits to get better every day. He also hopes his class is remembered as “a very hardworking and loving class… always willing to give 100% effort but at the same time having fun while doing it.”
Even the lighter moments contributed to the team’s culture.
“I’ll miss the jokes [coach] Purcell would come up with out of the blue, making fun of Coach Hud,” Senior Henry Wans said, showing how humor and camaraderie balanced the intense focus on growth.
Together, these reflections demonstrate that the HSE coaches shaped more than just a football season, they built a culture of dedication, trust, and teamwork that will leave a lasting impact on every player. Through their guidance, encouragement, and belief in their athletes, the coaches fostered a stronger sense of family and resilience that will influence the program for years to come.
Their leadership has inspired players to approach challenges both on and off the field with confidence and determination, ensuring that the lessons learned this season will continue to guide them long after their time on the team ends.
