The best thing a coach could ask for is an athlete who will give their all, day in and day out – an athlete that is willing to do whatever they can do to help their team win. Texas High graduate Quan Hampton embodied that player, and is now taking on his role from the sidelines as coach for the Tigers.
“Texas High is the reason why I was able to get to the places I’ve been because of the relationships I made with everyone here and because of the support I had from the people in my community,” Hampton said. “I knew I wanted to coach, but I wasn’t sure at what level. I’m still unsure but I knew if I was going to start somewhere, there’s no better place to start than where I came from.”
From early on in his schooling and throughout highschool, Hampton was a part of TISD. Hampton graduated from Texas High with the class of 2019. After graduating, he went on to play division one football at the University of Kansas before transferring to the University of Northern Iowa where he graduated from with the class of 2022.
Ultimately, Hampton made the decision to return home and refill the glass that poured into him at the start of his journey.
“Everything I’ve accomplished, you know, since I was in elementary school came through this school district,” Hampton said. “So, it means a lot for me to be able to come back and pour everything into these guys that was poured into me.”
Hampton made an extraordinary impact on the football program during his time as an athlete, and his mark is still looming over the tIgers to this day.
“He is one of the best to ever play here and still holds several school records,” Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Gerry Stanford said. “His experience is something the boys can learn from and he is someone they can look up to.”
Upon his return, Hampton is hoping that his collegiate and professional experience will bring the Tigers a new perspective and a few tips.
“Being in college for a good amount of time and experiencing all of the highs and lows that comes with this game at nearly the highest level taught me [a lot],” Hampton said. “I’ve been able to learn a lot of different drills and techniques to give them the little hints and details to help them take their game to the next level that maybe some coaches that haven’t played at the next level don’t really know how to do. Thankfully I am still young enough to get out there and show them how to if needed.”
In addition to helping the guys with their actual game, Hampton is wishful that his journey will bring them all hope, as well.
“Honestly, I hope I’m giving these guys hope. You know, with me just being able to do all that I did and getting so close to getting done what I wanted to get done, I hope it puts them in the state of mind that if I could do it, then they can do it too if they just put in the work.”
Hampton is looking forward to building relationships and connecting with the Tigers, since he is able to see so much of himself in them.
“My favorite part is being able to look at them and see myself in them. Just being able to look at them and talk to them and be able to relate to them all,” Hampton said. “I’m mainly excited to see the guys that I’m starting to build relationships with go out there and compete and win. I’m excited to join a winning culture again, there’s really nothing like it.”
