The new head coach for Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy has only been in Henry County since the spring, but is already making an impact on the players of the ELCA Chargers’ football team. Coach Justin Roberts moved from Debary, Florida, with his lovely wife, Jessica, their two sons, JJ and Jackson, and their dog, Alli, to start this new chapter in their lives.
Throughout Coach Robert’s life, athletics have always played a significant role. In high school and college at Valdosta State University, he played football. After college, he took a teaching job that included a coaching position. Soon after he started that job, he knew it was what he was called to do. In his previous head coaching position at a 7A school, he boasted an impressive 19-5 record, having led his team to the playoffs and secured a first-place district finish. His philosophy from a sports perspective is to be process-oriented.
“Sometimes in life, we stress the result so much that we lose sight of the process. And while you may get the result you want, if your process isn’t right, it is not sustainable or repeatable.” Coach Roberts also brings a Christian focus and mentality to the gridiron. “I try to emphasize work and Colossians 3:23. We have all been given gifts and talents from our Creator. Our work and effort that we exert isn’t to please man, but rather our Savior. We want to make sure whatever our role or gift is, we are maximizing that to bring Christ His Glory.”
Coach Roberts makes a point of having players know their teammates and respect them on and off the field. He hopes that when the players leave the program, they are better sons, brothers, and eventually, husbands and fathers. “If they are just better football players, then we have failed them. We always stress it is never about just 4 years; it’s about 40.” He still messages and talks to several of his former players on a regular basis. You can see Coach Roberts on the ELCA field and maybe run into him in the school halls, walking his sons to class or checking on his players. He is always on the move and focused on the Chargers’ season ahead!
By Delaney T. Kirby
