Why I Coach
Jaime Hernandez, Eastwood High School
How long have you been coaching? Where did your career begin? What college or university did you attend?
I started coaching in 2006 as a co-op coach at Parkland Middle School, where I coached football, basketball, and baseball. That experience gave me my foundation and confirmed that coaching was something I wanted to pursue long-term. Since 2011, I have coached football, basketball, softball, and now flag football at Eastwood High School. I attended UTEP, where I received my bachelor's degree in mathematics in 2009.
Why do you coach? Why Flag Football?
I coach because I'm passionate about helping athletes grow—not just in their sport, but as individuals. Flag football, in particular, stands out to me because I have been playing since I was 12 years old. I've also had the privilege of coaching my boys, Jaysic and Jonah, who continue to play the game. I am currently the offensive coordinator at Eastwood High School, and when girls flag football started to become a reality, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Coaching these girls has been an incredible experience—getting to introduce them to something new, watching them learn, grow in confidence, and start to believe in themselves and the game. It has truly been a blessing to be part of the first-ever girls flag football team at Eastwood High School and to help build something from the ground up.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part for me is watching athletes develop over time—seeing their confidence grow, their skills improve, and their understanding of teamwork deepen. Watching them build chemistry, support each other, and grow together has been really rewarding. I also love seeing it in game situations—when they're able to take what we worked on in practice and translate it onto the field under pressure. Those moments show real growth. Another special part of this experience has been seeing girls from different sports come together and learn how to play as one team. The girls continue to prove, every time they step on the field, that football is for everyone.
Why is the growth of girls' flag football important to you?
The growth of girls' flag football is important because it creates new opportunities for female athletes to compete, lead, and be recognized in a growing sport. It helps break down barriers and reinforces that football is for everyone. Knowing that in 2028 girls flag football will be competing in the Olympics, and that the sport will only continue to grow, makes this even more meaningful. We understand that we are part of history as the first-ever girls flag football coaching staff at Eastwood High School. I'm truly thankful to coach alongside Coach Perales and Coach Pedregon, and grateful for the NFL's support in sponsoring and growing the sport at the HS level. We are passionate about what we're building, and we are honored to help grow the brand and be part of the foundation of something special. #GoTroop!
