One on one: Bellefonte JH coach Drew Hanes

By Kenny Varner Jr.
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: August 14, 2023

Editor’s Note: Recently Hometown Sports writer Tara Jackson sat down and interviewed Bellefonte Football Junior High Head Coach Drew Hanes.

HS: What would you say your coaching style is?

DH: As a football coach, I strive to embody the principles of servant leadership in my approach. My primary focus is on serving and supporting my players, helping them reach their full potential both as athletes and individuals. I approach coaching with a servant mindset, always seeking to serve the best interests of the team. I am willing to make sacrifices and put in the extra effort to ensure my players have the support and resources they need to succeed. I prioritize the team’s goals above personal recognition or accolades.I foster a team-oriented culture where players support and uplift each other. I encourage collaboration, communication, and respect among team members. I emphasize the importance of teamwork and the collective effort in achieving success. Ultimately, my servant leadership style aims to create a positive and empowering environment and culture where my players feel valued, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential both on and off the football field.

HS: What strengths do you bring to the coaching staff?

DH: I have a very diverse background, I served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer so with that I bring strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate players. I believe in setting clear expectations, leading by example, and creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere. I strive to bring out the best in each player, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the field. I Coached for 3 years at the State College Little Lions Youth Program, 1 year of Volunteer Coaching in Texas (when I was in the service) and I played football from Youth To Senior High School. So I have experience playing and/or coaching the sport, which allows me to effectively teach and guide players in their development. My knowledge and experience help me make informed decisions and provide valuable insights to the coaching staff. Above all I have a genuine passion for the sport and a strong dedication to the success and well-being of my players. I am willing to put in the time and effort required to develop the team, whether it’s through planning practices, analyzing game footage, or providing individualized attention to players.

HS: What are your coaching goals for the season?

DH: 1. Player Development: One of my primary goals is to ensure the development of each player on the team. I strive to always get my players ready for the next level of football. I want to help them improve their skills, knowledge and overall athleticism of the game. By providing individualized attention and tailored training programs, I aim to help each player reach their full potential and contribute effectively to the team’s success for years to come.

2. Team Cohesion: Building a strong and cohesive team is crucial for success on the field. My goal is to create a positive team culture where players respect and support each other. I will encourage team-building activities, open communication, and foster a sense of belonging and unity. A strong bond among teammates will lead to better coordination, trust, and ultimately improved performance.

3. Character Development: Beyond the field, I believe in the importance of character development. I want to instill values such as discipline, resilience, sportsmanship, and respect in my players. I aim to create an environment where they not only grow as athletes but also as individuals, developing qualities that will serve them well beyond their football careers.

By focusing on these goals, I hope to create a positive and successful season for both the players and the team as a whole. Not just for this season but for the rest of the football careers.

HS: What are three things you’d like to instill your players this season?

DH: 1. Resilience: I want my players to develop a strong sense of resilience, both on and off the field. I want them to understand that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the game, but it’s how they bounce back and respond that truly matters. Building mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversity will not only benefit them in football but also in life.

2. Teamwork: Football is a team sport, and the success of the team depends on every player working together towards a common goal. I would like to instill the value of teamwork in my players, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and selflessness. By fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and unity, we can achieve greater success as a team.

3. Growth Mindset: I want my players to adopt a growth mindset, which means embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and continuously seeking improvement. I want them to understand that their potential is not fixed and that with hard work, dedication, and

a positive attitude, they can constantly develop their skills and reach new heights. Encouraging a growth mindset will help them push their limits and achieve their full potential on and off the field.

HS: What is one word that you would like your team to associate with you at the end of the season?

DH: Motivated.

I would like my football team to associate me with the word “motivated” at the end of the season. As a coach, it is important for me to inspire and motivate my players to give their best effort, both on and off the field. I want to instill a sense of drive and determination in each player, encouraging them to push themselves to reach their full potential. I aim to create a team culture that is driven and motivated to succeed. Being associated with the word “motivated” would indicate that I have successfully ignited a fire within my team, fostering a strong work ethic and a desire to excel in all aspects of the game.”