Abrielle Jarles attends Valley Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's Student SID program.

In high school sports, few people make as strong an impact as Coach Jake Petersen. As a third-generation coach, his path to coaching football is deeply rooted in his family's sports legacy. Growing up with a grandfather and both parents as coaches, he developed a lifelong passion for competition and mentoring. 

The Journey to Coaching 

For Coach Petersen, sports are more than just a hobby; they're part of who he is. His early involvement in football, basketball, baseball, and track paved the way for his future. After committing to the University of Mary, he chose the school for its solid athletic training program. While there, he played both football and baseball, ultimately gravitating toward football, which aligned more with his competitive spirit and allowed him to express his emotions on the field. 

While still in college, Petersen began his coaching career as the Head Baseball Coach at a high school in North Dakota. This experience ignited his passion for mentoring young athletes. He also continued coaching football at the University of Mary, which helped him extend his scholarship and deepen his understanding of the game. 

After graduating, Coach Petersen served in the Airforce National Guard. During this time, he didn't coach, but he remained involved in sports and continued to learn from his experiences. After his military service, he moved to Arizona, where his coaching journey truly expanded. 

In 2006, Petersen became the Head Freshman Baseball Coach at Higley High School. His leadership helped establish a solid baseball program, and he quickly made a name for himself in the local coaching community. Three years later, he took on the role of Head Football Coach at Rancho Solano Prep's Junior High in 2009, where he focused on developing young athletes and instilling fundamental skills. 

A Turning Point at Valley Christian High School 

In 2013, while trying to enter a score for Rancho Solano Prep in the Valley Christian Junior High League (now the Cactus Christian League), Petersen stumbled upon an article announcing the head football coaching position was open at Valley Christian High School. With encouragement from the athletic director at Rancho Solano, who was friends with Coach Haagsma at Valley Christian, Petersen secured an interview. Although he didn't land the Head Coach position initially, he started as a volunteer coach for the Trojans, which allowed him to gain valuable experience in a well-respected program. 

As a volunteer, Petersen's dedication and passion shone through. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming the Defensive Coordinator. In 2020, he took on the role of Head Coach, bringing his years of experience and his strong values to the program. 

A Coaching Philosophy Based on Relationships 

What makes Coach Petersen stand out is his commitment to building relationships with his players. He believes that knowing each player personally helps motivate them.

"I'm a relationship guy," he says, highlighting that stronger connections lead to better communication. 

He emphasizes four core values: commitment, service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Each week, he focuses on these values through biblical lessons to help his players grow both as athletes and as individuals. For example, Mondays are about commitment, encouraging players to seek mentors, while Tuesdays highlight the importance of serving their teammates. 

Coach Petersen believes that these values not only create better athletes, but also shape better people—fathers, businessmen, and husbands. He stresses the importance of finding identity in Christ rather than just in sports, a lesson he learned during his time in the military when he felt lost without a sport. 

Memorable Moments and Motivation 

One of Coach Petersen's most rewarding experiences happened recently when he met a former Valley player at church. The player told him that he and his fiancé wanted to base their marriage on Coach Petersen's four core values. This affirmation reminded Petersen that his work truly matters. 

To motivate his players, he uses these core values and encourages them to engage in community service. He believes that helping others helps the boys appreciate their own lives and find a deeper sense of purpose in God's plan. 

Looking Ahead 

As the season continues, Coach Petersen sees great potential in his team. He believes they can achieve big things, including winning a championship, but knows they need to work on unity. To help with this, he brings in outside speakers to reinforce the importance of teamwork. 

Balancing coaching with personal life can be tough, but Petersen makes family a priority. With a supportive wife and two kids attending Valley, he ensures he's present for both his family and his players. He sets aside family time and encourages team bonding without coaches around. 

Conclusion: More Than Just a Game 

In the end, Coach Petersen hopes his players leave with a stronger faith in Christ and a sense of community. He aims to be a mentor for his athletes as they navigate high school life. For those aspiring to play at higher levels, he advises them to understand the realities of college sports and seek guidance from mentors. 

For Coach Petersen, football is more than just a game; it's a powerful tool for building character, fostering relationships, and instilling lifelong values. As the season unfolds, his dedication to his players and faith continues to guide his coaching journey.