Coach Shipe, the head football coach of Los Medanos College, has been a staple of this school for more than two decades. His transition from player to coach, as well as his commitment to his group, demonstrates a strong passion for football, leadership, and mentorship. In this profile, we’ll look at his history, coaching style, and the principles that motivate him on and off the field.
Coach Shipe’s football career began in Pittsburg, California, where he played quarterback at Pittsburg High School. He continued his playing career at LMC, then Humboldt State University. After completing his eligibility, he began coaching as a student assistant at Humboldt, which ignited a lifetime love.
In 2002, he returned to LMC as an assistant coach until taking over as head coach in 2010. With almost 26 years of coaching expertise, Shipe’s dedication to the game is as strong as ever. “The love and the drive is still there, the passion is still there,” he said.
For Coach Shipe, football is more than simply a game; it’s a life lesson. He leverages the sport’s hardships, like losing seasons, to teach resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
“We try to pinpoint the things we lacked during a loss and emphasize that in practice,” Shipe explained. “If you lose a job, you figure out why and work to improve. Football teaches the same lessons.”
To motivate his players, he must first understand their unique needs and personalities. “Every student-athlete is different,” he said. “Some need direct conversations, while others need a different approach. It’s about building relationships and finding what works for each player.”
One of the most rewarding components of coaching for Shipe is seeing his athletes succeed on and off the field. “The best moments are seeing players transition to four-year colleges, earn their degrees, and return years later to share how their experiences here shaped them,” he said.
Shipe believes that coaching is about more than merely football; it is about being a role model and a positive impact. “Our staff spends so much time with players; they become like family,” he explained.
Shipe’s coaching career has been influenced significantly by his family. His uncle, who coached at Arizona State, was an early influence, as were his high school quarterbacks coach and the previous LMC head coach. These mentors shaped his leadership style and his commitment to developing relationships with athletes.
Coaching requires a large time commitment, particularly throughout the season. Shipe shares that juggling his job with his family life has been tricky. With a 17-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter, he prioritizes family time whenever possible, especially during the hectic football season. “My family understands that between August and December, I’m not around much,” he said.
Shipe emphasizes the value of trust in his interactions with athletes. “Trust doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. It begins with recruitment and continues through everyday interactions, both on and off the field.
Shipe’s goal as a coach is to be a role model, particularly for athletes who do not have significant family support. “We want to make sure they know we care about them as people, not just as athletes,” he explained.
Coach Shipe’s commitment to LMC football extends beyond winning and losing. His emphasis on developing relationships, teaching life lessons, and encouraging personal growth has left a lasting mark on his athletes and the community. His rise from local high school quarterback to recognized head coach demonstrates his passion for the game and determination to make a difference.
As he looks ahead, Coach Shipe stays committed to enhancing the program and encouraging the next generation of players. Football, for him, is more than simply a sport; it is a vehicle for personal development, resilience, and change.
