An enthusiastic youth soccer player, Brian Fuller had the great fortune of competing in and winning a state soccer championship game. Many years later, Fuller would again find himself in competition for the state title, only this time, his team would lose, and he would have to give the always dreaded, but uber important, post game talk. And while it’s not about winning or losing, our Coach of the Week has learned to translate on-field experiences into life training tools.

Now more than 21-years into his youth sports coaching career, this Hamburg, Michigan resident continues to inspire young players - rooting his efforts in a foundation of healthy and fun play. Continuously reflecting on the many experiences and people who influenced him as a player, Coach Fuller feels he owes it to his community to give back.

In fact, he said his greatest reward from sports has been the number of former teammates and players that he has kept in contact with over the years. “There are many [former teammates] that are now also coaching,” wrote Coach Fuller “And in some cases I have coached against former players, former teammates, and with/against the children of former players and teammates.” Facing off with childhood friends on the field, while surrounded by the next generation of players, give him a tremendous feeling of purposee.

Considering Coach Fuller’s coaching schedule, it’s not hard to see how or why this busy leader has ran into so many childhood teammates in the community. For one thing, coaching boys and girls varsity soccer at Fowlerville High School for 21 years has kept him in his local athletics circle. He’s also coached club soccer for four years and is in his second year as the U14 Michigan Rush Capital area club team coach.

Not only is Coach Fuller totally invested into youth sports, his wife Jill, a physical education teacher, shares his passion too. Both Coach Fuller and Jill are coaches, referees, and fans of many of the youth/professional sports teams in their local area. No matter the event, a youth practice or a professional game, they’re there supporting.

But come 2011 the Fuller’s will have to a take a break or two from their sports fandom, as they welcome their first child into the family. While they plan to stay active and engaged with their teams, there’s no fault in enjoying some family quality time. Either way, we’re sure they’ll be back on the field coaching, cheering and making new memories with their little one in no time!

Congratulations again to Coach of the Week, Brian Fuller.