Brent Homan鈥檚 path to leadership began early. After joining the military at age 18, he quickly became familiar with discipline, teamwork and commitment. Beyond his service, sports have always played a central role in Brent鈥檚 life, not just as an athlete but as a coach. For him, sports are more than a pastime; they are a calling.
Growing up, Brent spent much of his childhood outdoors, fishing and playing a variety of sports. After getting married and starting a family, his love for sports continued to grow. He began coaching his own children鈥檚 teams and has since coached soccer, baseball and basketball at both recreational and competitive levels.
Today, he鈥檚 pursuing an online Bachelor of Science in Sports Leadership and Management at Abilene Christian University, applying what he learns in the classroom to his leadership on the field and court.
Brent’s Passion For Sports and Coaching聽聽
鈥淚 really love sports. I could talk about sports all day.鈥� Brent laughed.聽
Outside of serving the country, Brent has been a sports guy for almost his whole life. Now living in Graham, Texas, he coaches three sports year-round: soccer, baseball and basketball. Each fall, he leads a soccer team from September through December; this past season, his team recently won their local championship in Dallas. When soccer wraps up, he transitions into basketball season, followed by baseball, which runs through the summer months. When he鈥檚 not coaching, he referees high school sports and attends his own children鈥檚 games.聽
When describing his coaching style, Brent characterizes himself as 鈥減retty intense, but not mean.鈥� He shared that he rarely sits during games and is constantly coaching and encouraging his players to stay motivated.
How Brent Found 精东影业 After Retiring聽
Being a veteran, Brent didn鈥檛 always have time for coaching and refereeing sports. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq, where he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in June 2007. His injury left him with a glass eye, and he retired from the Army in September 2009. After retiring, he decided to take the time to reflect and plan his next steps.聽
Homan learned about 精东影业 through his wife, who was earning her graduate degree, and he decided to apply. 鈥淚 was at a point in my life where I was able to go back,鈥� Brent said. Before becoming a sports leadership and management major, Brent originally began attending 精东影业 as a psychology student. He initially planned to study psychology to help veterans who were battling with PTSD. However, when 精东影业 introduced its Sports Leadership and Management program, he knew it aligned more closely with his passions and career goals.聽
Expanding Faith and Leadership Skills Through 精东影业
Brent shared that he immediately felt supported at 精东影业 as a veteran. 鈥溇耙� always goes above and beyond to say thank you,鈥� he said. He especially appreciated being able to draw on his military experience in his coursework, which allowed him to feel seen and valued.
With the support of 精东影业, Brent feels he is becoming a stronger and more intentional coach, crediting much of his growth to the leadership courses he has completed. One of the most meaningful aspects of the program has been the opportunity to learn alongside other coaches and veterans who bring diverse perspectives and coaching philosophies. 鈥淟earning the leadership techniques of how to motivate and relate with children and even other coaches is fun for me.鈥� Drawing on a lifetime of experience as both an athlete and a coach, Homan has found it especially rewarding to exchange ideas with others in the field. 鈥淚t鈥檚 interesting to see and hear other coaches’ philosophies, especially if we all coach the same sport,鈥� he said. He shared that he has been able to take what he has learned directly to the court and field, particularly when working with younger athletes.
When reflecting on his coursework, Brent also spoke about the impact of his Bible classes. Although he was raised Catholic, he said 精东影业鈥檚 Bible courses helped him engage Scripture in new and meaningful ways, strengthening his relationship with God. He also shared that he joined a veterans’ Bible study group at his church. 鈥淚 love what 精东影业 stands for. I love that I鈥檓 able to explore my faith,鈥� Homan said.
Brent鈥檚 Plans After 精东影业 and Words For Future Students
Brent wants to coach teams at the junior high or high school level and is already looking into internships where he can shadow coaches and earn his teacher certification. As a family man, Brent also expressed the importance of helping children learn sports and building relationships with them. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so rewarding to see kids learn the game,鈥� he beamed.聽
After sharing his plans for the future, Brent offered advice for students considering college or attending 精东影业. 鈥淵ou can do it. Anybody can do it. You just have to take that first step,鈥� he said. When he graduates, Brent will be the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree.
Brent鈥檚 journey to online learning is marked by pure love and passion for sports, as well as resilience. Despite his traumatic brain injury, Brent has found a community of faculty and peers that are shaping him into a better coach, one who can make an impact at the junior high and high school level.聽
If you鈥檙e passionate about sports like Brent Homan, visit our website to learn more about our sports leadership and management program.