WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Football, a sport known for its physicality, strategy, and dramatic plays, also can also provide a strong sense of community and camaraderie. It is this aspect of football that drew Senior Airman Kristof Rixmann to become the coach of a group of 10-11 year olds10–11-year-olds in the Ohio-based flag football league Flag Football Fanatics.
It was a familiar community bond that led Rixmann, a public affairs specialist at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, to take on the position.
“Megan Coffey, who works as NASIC’s legislative liaison, knew I played in an adult flag football league and mentioned her son’s team didn’t have a coach for the upcoming season,” Rixmann said. “She asked if I’d consider stepping in.”
“Her supportive push was exactly what I needed. I said yes, and I’m really glad I did,” Rixmann said.
Shortly after accepting the position, Rixmann asked two close friends, Staff Sgt. Ethan Evans and Senior Airman Jermel Allende, to join him.
“None of us had coaching experience, but we were excited to try something new and give back to the community,” Rixmann said. “It turned out to be one of the most genuinely fulfilling things I’ve done in the past few years.”
The season, which lasted eight weeks, included some growing pains as coaches and players were getting used to each other.
“It was a season of growth for the kids and for us as coaches,” Rixmann said. “We started out pretty rough with some tough losses. As coaches we immediately took responsibility for those losses as we learned what tactics work and don't work with our group of kids. And, week after week, the players showed up, were coachable, adjusted, and most importantly, supported each other. By the end, we weren't just a group of individuals, we were a team whose players trusted each other and had fun playing the game.”
Allende, a data operations technician at NASIC, echoed those sentiments.
“Some of the biggest challenges I faced were finding ways to maintain player motivation, especially during difficult periods or tough games,” Allendre said. “Also balancing the needs of players with varying skill levels requires careful planning and differentiated instruction to keep everyone engaged and challenged. Finally, consistently staying positive and encouraging, even amidst setbacks, requires resilience and a strong belief in the players' potential.”
One such player was Daniel Coffey, the son of Megan Coffey, who split time at both quarterback and middle linebacker. He enjoyed his experience playing for his coaches.
“It was fun and it was exciting to play,” Coffey said. “It was one of the better seasons I’ve played, and I would recommend those coaches.”
Coffey went on to say he appreciated their effort and just being there.
“They were good, they were nice, and they tried a lot,” Coffey said. “I liked that they were young and because they cared. They showed up to the practices and games.”
Another player who said he enjoyed and profited from the wisdom of his coaches was the team’s other quarterback, Louis Harrison, the son of NASIC Chief Scientist, Duane Harrison.
“They pushed me and the team throughout our journey,” he said. “But in a way that made me happy. My biggest challenge was confidence, but coaches Ethan, Mel and K each helped me fight through it.”
For his part, Rixmann said he cherished the lessons his players imparted on him.
“I learned a lot about myself working with these kids. Being around them every week made me more aware of my own behavior and how much of an impact a consistent, positive role model can have, especially in a setting they care about, like sports,” Rixmann said.
“It reminded me that coaching isn’t just about teaching plays or winning games. It’s about helping them grow into more confident, resilient people. And in doing that, it pushed me to grow, too. I started thinking more intentionally about how I carry myself—not just on the field, but in life.
It wasn't perfect, but it was real and I'm so grateful for the opportunity and look forward to coaching again in the fall.”