A SOTX Superhero: Meet Coach Brown

Special Olympics Texas Coach Jeffery Brown (on the left) has been coaching our athletes for over 12 years. He serves as a head coach for the La Porte Bulldogs coaching bocce, softball, flag football, volleyball, bowling, basketball, track and field, and Unified Sports. He started the Unified program 6 years ago and has also served as a Unified Partner in several sports. Coach Brown got his start with Special Olympics Texas through his involvement as a Program Director for the City of La Porte Special Programs. He also has a brother with intellectual disabilities, who has participated as an athlete for many years so his involvement as a coach came “very naturally” to him.

Coach Brown aims to create a real game-time experience for his athletes at every competition or event. He achieves this by playing music during warm-ups, creating handshakes with his players, and encouraging his athletes just as a professional coach would. He believes in giving our athletes an authentic sporting experience, no matter their ability level. Although Coach Brown is very passionate about his position as a SOTX coach, he has faced a few obstacles along the way. He stated that “learning to adapt and understand the way they learn a certain skill or sport” has been the hardest challenge to overcome while serving as a head coach. But “just the joy and excitement on the athlete's faces makes it all worth it!” 

Coach Brown’s favorite memory while coaching is competing at state for Unified Basketball in 2018, and taking home the gold! He also has been recognized with the Most Inspirational Unified Partner Award for his dedication to the program. Coach Brown explains his experiences with his athletes as “the greatest blessing”. He is inspired by their hard work and ability to overcome any adversity. Coach Brown describes his team as “fearfully and wonderfully made” after one of his favorite Bible verses, Psalm 139:14. 

Thank you, Coach Brown, for your leadership and dedication to ensuring our athletes receive the best possible opportunities to showcase their talents. Your involvement with Special Olympics Texas has impacted our organization in more ways than one. We look forward to seeing all the incredible things you, and your team will accomplish.