Jeff Smith
Founder & CEO
Jeff brings over 25 years of deep-rooted experience in college football, shaped by his time under the legendary Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder. A former offensive lineman at Kansas State University, Jeff earned a starting role as a redshirt freshman (1991-1993) before a career-ending back injury transitioned him from player to mentor.
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Jeff’s journey through football extended well beyond the field. Over the years, he embraced diverse roles, including football operations and coaching, culminating in a remarkable 21-year tenure as team chaplain. His leadership under Coach Snyder instilled a foundation of integrity, discipline, and resilience, values that Jeff credits with shaping him as both a leader and a person.
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Outside of football, Jeff has excelled in senior executive leadership roles across multiple industries, including consulting, engineering, manufacturing, and software. His unique blend of athletic, spiritual, and professional expertise makes him a trusted guide for navigating challenges and fostering growth, both on and off the field.
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Jeff’s life mission remains clear: to empower others with the lessons he’s learned from one of the greatest mentors in sports history and to inspire the next generation of leaders to achieve their full potential.
Ryan Young
Board Member
Ryan Young, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, played college football at Kansas State University under Head Coach Bill Snyder. He served as a two-year captain while earning a degree in Communications. In 1999, Ryan was drafted into the NFL by the New York Jets. The Houston Texans drafted him a second time as the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft. He finished his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.
In retirement from the NFL, Ryan transitioned into sports broadcasting with ESPN Radio and Fox Sports before pursuing a career in medical sales. While earning his Master's in Practical Theology at The King's University, he started his career in Ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2018, he joined The Hills Church's ministry staff, serving as Minister of Evangelism and launching Celebrate Recovery.
In 2022, Ryan returned to the sports mission field as the Senior Director of SOUL Mission with the University of Oklahoma Football. In 2023, Ryan returned to Church ministry, becoming the Campus Minister at The Hills-Dallas Campus. He and his wife, Charity, are proud parents of four adult children—Caleb, Michael, David, and Morgan—and they reside in Dallas, Texas.
Rod Cole
Board Member
With over four decades of experience in athletics, strength and conditioning, and leadership, Rod Cole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Currently, he serves as an ambassador for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, primarily supporting athletes at Tarleton State University, while also directing “Ever Stronger!,” a business focused on physical training for athletes and individuals of all ages.
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Rod’s career has been defined by significant contributions to athletic performance, including his time at Tarleton State University from 2009 to 2024. As Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance, he served as head strength and conditioning coach for multiple sports, overseeing a team of more than 15 professionals and guiding the athletic department’s transition from Division II to Division I. Earlier at Tarleton, he held the role of Director of Athletic Performance, where he led training programs, taught weight training courses, and even organized a sports performance trip to India in 2012.
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Before joining Tarleton, Rod served as the Director of Football Performance at Texas A&M University in 2007, leading all strength and conditioning programs for Aggie Football. Prior to that, his tenure at Kansas State University from 1993 to 2006 saw him play a vital role in the success of Wildcat Football, contributing to 12 bowl game appearances and transforming the PowerCat Strength program into a nationally recognized initiative. His efforts earned him multiple accolades, including being named Conference Strength Coach of the Year twice and National Strength Coach of the Year. In 2004, he was recognized as a Master Strength & Conditioning Coach, a prestigious honor in the field.
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Rod’s journey began in 1984 as a teacher and coach at Mulvane Junior/Senior High School, where he developed strength and conditioning programs and earned his certification in 1985. He later became the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Dodge City Community College from 1990 to 1993. As a college athlete at Bethany College, he excelled on the football field, leading his team in tackles as a senior and earning all-conference honors, while also competing in track and field.
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Throughout his career, Rod has demonstrated a passion for mentoring athletes and fostering their growth, combining his deep expertise with a commitment to innovation and holistic development. His leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on every program he’s been a part of, making him a driving force in the advancement of athletic performance.
Reggie Davis
Board Member
Coach Reggie Davis brings over 25 years of elite playing, coaching, and training experience to every field he steps on. A former NFL Tight End with the San Diego Chargers and a standout at the University of Washington, Reggie’s journey on the gridiron began at Brethren Christian High School in Cypress, CA, where he excelled as both a quarterback and safety. His on-field success has seamlessly transitioned into a coaching career that spans the highest levels—from the NFL, including pivotal roles with the San Francisco 49ers, to collegiate programs at institutions like Nebraska, Oregon State, UNLV, and the University of San Diego, as well as impactful stints in the UFL with the Arlington Renegades and St. Louis BattleHawks.
Reggie’s passion for developing athletes is evident in his commitment to nurturing talent at every level. Whether mentoring high school athletes as head coach with Dallas HSAA or refining the skills of elite professionals, his best-in-class approach to winning and his deep dedication to each player’s growth set him apart. Beyond the field, Reggie’s life is enriched by his family—a dynamic team of athletes led by his wife, Jennifer, a former Duke University basketball standout. Together, they’ve raised five children, including two sets of twin boys who play football at the Air Force Academy and HSAA Varsity level, and a daughter who stars on the volleyball court at Davidson College. For over 15 years, their commitment to homeschooling has only deepened their bond and shared passion for education.
At his core, Coach Reggie Davis is driven by his gifts for coaching and teaching—all to the glory of God. His leadership, influence, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a remarkable coach but also an inspiring mentor for every athlete he guides.
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