For Coach of the Week, we chose to highlight Coach Guerschom Demosthenes, or "Coach D" as he's known here at OCP, where he's been working since 2013. He is extremely deserving, as he led our football team to claim the SSAC State Championship title this year!
Coach D began his career not knowing he was going to coach. In 2001, he had just finished college and was not sure what he wanted to do. His high school football coach gave him a call and offered him an opportunity to coach under him at Dr. Philips High School. He began coaching in 2002, where he found his passion in molding and developing young men into better players and citizens of this world.
Coach D has picked up years of experience, coaching at six different schools. When he was offered the head coaching job at Orlando Christian Prep, it was an offer he couldn't refuse, and has proved to be the right fit for him. During the first practice Coach held at OCP, only eight players showed up. Many would have been discouraged, but Coach kept faith in God and repeatedly said to players and coaches “Jesus gon' bring 'em,” and indeed He did!
During Coach D's first year at OCP, the football team made it to the SSAC State Championship, but unfortunately suffered a defeat, coming home runners-up. The next year they did the same. After that, it took a few years before he got the team back to the dance, but when he did they made the most out of the opportunity -- winning the State Championship against St. Stephens with a score of 35-14! Coach D had this to say about the season: "This was a special season, in which we had great players, great administration, and [it showed] what hard work and dedication can do when you trust and believe in God."
OCP is very lucky to have coaches like Coach D on staff. He has established a legacy of excellence with a record (so far) of 49-12. He teaches his players faith in the Lord, as well as great techniques on the field. He also works very hard trying to find them opportunities to play football in college so they can have a discounted or free education. Coach D is a walking image of a true OCP Warrior!
