At Taft Middle School, success isn’t just measured on the scoreboard — it’s measured in opportunity.
This spring, Coach Eric Parker led an incredible effort to get his student-athletes signed up for Oklahoma’s Promise, helping open the door to college for dozens of students across campus. What started as a team challenge quickly became something much bigger.
“A few years ago, the initiative was presented during my first year coaching,” Parker shared. “The prizes were jerseys and the team was committed to win, but it grew over time… a lot of the boys were excited to have options or even someone to tell them college was possible.”
This year, Parker took that vision even further.
He personally guided all 30 of his 8th grade boys soccer players through the sign-up process — making it a clear expectation within the program. And as Taft’s Athletic Director, he expanded that impact across campus, helping an additional 32 student-athletes get enrolled.
Building Trust, Creating Opportunity
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Parker met students where they were — literally.
“I pulled the students into my room in small groups during the day and explained what the program was,” he said. “They very much signed up out of interest and trust in me.”
That trust is at the heart of everything.
“It really comes down to your relationship with your students and your community,” Parker explained. “They need to understand you have their best interest in mind beyond the field and the score.”
Why It Matters
For many families, the path to college can feel uncertain — or out of reach entirely.
“I think for a lot of our families there isn’t a true understanding of cost at university,” Parker said. “Everyone is banking on their kid getting a full ride scholarship, but we know that isn’t very likely for all our kids.”
Programs like Oklahoma’s Promise help fill that gap, providing real, tangible support for students who are putting in the work.
“This can provide an opportunity for that education… It’s something that can assist our athletes who might need more financial help than they thought.”
For Parker, it’s personal.
“I just want options for my kids. I want college to be something that isn’t impossible for them because of financial burdens. For many of them, they would be first-generation college students. Assistance like this can be a game changer for a family.”
A Win Beyond the Field
Taft’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed — the team won the district-wide challenge for sign-ups. But for Parker, the recognition is just part of the story.
“It feels good,” he said. “We really push to make Taft Boys Soccer something special on the field, but also in the school building and in our community. The boys do a lot of work here, and it’s nice when they are acknowledged for things in all aspects of life.”
A Message to Fellow Coaches
Parker hopes more coaches will see the role they can play in shaping their athletes’ futures.
“Remember what is actually important for these kids,” he said. “They are people that we can have the greatest influence of change for the better with.”
His advice is simple — and powerful:
“Beyond the scoreboard, always think about what you are doing for them and what you can do for them… If you are committed to them and what coaching is about, you can spare the 15 minutes for a lifetime of rewards.”
It Takes a Village
Parker is quick to point out that this work doesn’t happen alone.
“Appreciate you all for what you do… it’s the true meaning of ‘it takes a village,’” he said. “I cheer for Taft, but I care about the lives of all the students in this city regardless.”
And because of leaders like Coach Parker, more students across Oklahoma City are seeing what’s possible — not just in sports, but in life.