I’m a former head of school who enjoyed coaching for over 40 years – in various contexts, with people of wide-ranging ages and backgrounds. I’ve been told that my gifts are in motivating and team building. I came by those gifts naturally.
I’m a coach’s kid. My dad, Royce Jones, was an outstanding teacher, coach, and athletics director at Norfolk Academy and then a beloved Director of Cadet Affairs at the Virginia Military Institute. Testimonies abound to his constant, faith-filled presence. When he passed, our family was blessed to have his VMI Brother Rat ’55, Major General Tom Tait, become our stepfather. I can’t imagine finer models of servant-leadership than those two men.
Throughout my life, I have been guided and inspired by many remarkable mentors and engaging “coaches.” My purpose now in this LifeCoach17 project is to continue honoring their legacy.
I wish I could describe my life journey as a complete success, all satisfaction and smooth sailing. (Who can?) But I can say that I’m grateful for the trials that work together for good – for perseverance, character, hope – when the eyes of my heart are focused on the Truth. Here are a few bits of my background, what prepared me to be a life coach, to help people overcome adversity, to press on.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.
At VMI, back in the late ’70s, I played baseball, sang in the Glee Club, wore stars (dean’s list), laughed and cried with Brother Rats (classmates) and teammates, grew stronger in FCA, and had four good years as a placekicker. I got more than my share of recognition: All-Southern Conference, Virginia Offensive Player-of-the-Year (to a kicker?), Academic All-American, National Scholar-Athlete Award, Rhodes Scholar candidate, all sorts of ego-pumping stuff.
A fun highlight was playing for the East team in the nationally televised Hula Bowl All-Star game in Honolulu, a full week with the biggest names in college football. I even got interviewed on the sidelines by ABC sports commentator Jim Lampley! (Embarrassing, but cool). I was on my way to something big!
Ah, not so fast. . . . My shot at the NFL took a hit two weeks before training camp when I tore a muscle in my kicking leg. I spent the season on the Giants’ inactive roster – in meetings with assistant coach Bill Belichick, snapping the ball to QB Phil Simms, helping out where I could at practices. The next year I was cut from the roster having never played in a game, not even pre-season. After so much hype, I felt like a huge failure. I sure could have used a life coach.
Pressing on, I was hired as Washington & Lee University’s head baseball coach. I was 22. Next, I coached and taught at the high school level before returning to VMI as an instructor of English and public speaking and a Tactical Officer. I considered grad school to become a professor or seminary to prepare for ministry, but I ended up accepting a scholarship to law school at the University of Virginia. Good options, tough decisions. I sure could have used a life coach.
Studying law was challenging and rewarding, but practicing law was not my calling. When I started teaching teenagers in Sunday School and got involved again with FCA, the right path opened up before me. I met with two leaders at Fork Union Military Academy, a Virginia Baptist boarding school known for its postgraduate football and basketball programs and its impact on young men’s lives. COL R.L. “Red” Pulliam and Coach Fletcher Arritt helped me see their school’s unique ministry. I was thrilled when they invited me to join FUMA’s faculty and the football staff led by Hall of Fame Coach (VMI teammate) John Shuman. Later, as Admissions Director and then Assistant to the President, I saw that my law school education had prepared me well for leadership, to be an effective counselor, advisor, and crisis manager. I loved the FUMA family and working with talented cadet-athletes. And I got to coach my son!
New leadership opportunities came along. I was honored to serve at five schools, including three terms as head: Augusta Preparatory Day School (GA), Southampton Academy VA), Saint James School (AL), Massanutten Military Academy (VA), and The Phelps School (PA). Together, we enriched young lives and nurtured caring communities.
The career transitions were not easy. Looking back, I wish I’d had a confidante, a coach in my corner, especially in the toughest times – divorce, uncertainty, being alone while trying to lead school communities. Those experiences are what fuel my desire now to make myself available to others, to support friends, colleagues, and clients as they face their own challenges – whatever they may be.
What prepared me specifically for virtual life-coaching is my role in recent years at Southern Teachers Agency (now “ST Search”) helping administrators from all over the country and even internationally as they pursue exciting new leadership opportunities.
I am grateful for so many wonderful relationships over the years. Most of all, I thank God for the love, support, and memories I share with my family – and most of all, my beautiful bride Tammy, a talented teacher who loves the Lord and whose impact on young lives is immeasurable and inspiring.
My path’s twists and turns have given me the desire and the perspective to be an effective coach, a supportive colleague. My gifts as an encourager have been sharpened by my wide-ranging experiences. I am humbled and ready to serve.
Life Coach 17 