West Ridge Middle School Girl’s Athletic Coordinator / PE Department Head
By: Alison Bogle, Eanes Education Foundation
Coach Jeremy Donalson didn’t set out to be an educator. “I started out just wanting to compete. I majored in business and still do some investing on the side. However, nothing really pulled me in until a coaching position came open. I fell in love with coaching and felt a purpose to what I do. I enjoy learning and coaching never gets monotonous as I adapt my approach based on what I continue to learn,” shared Coach Donalson.
Coach Donalson is now the Girls’ Athletic Coordinator and PE Department Head at West Ridge Middle School. Although he didn’t set out to teach, he’s clearly found his calling. In total, he’s taught and coached over 22 years in Houston and Austin combined. “I have coached girls’ and boys’ basketball, softball, baseball, and track and I have taught social studies, personal finance, economics, and PE. I’ve taught at Hasting’s Ninth Grade Center, Second Baptist, Houston Christian, Southwest Christian, Lake Travis High School, Lexington High School, Anderson High School, Westlake High School, and West Ridge Middle School,” said Coach Donalson.
Coach Donalson was recruited to Westlake by two Westlake staff members that he knew from his time at Lake Travis High School. “I had always heard great things about Eanes and was searching for a district that fit what I had to offer. Eanes gives me opportunities to grow, and I feel that I understand these kids very well. Our parents are very supportive, and we grow together through support and communication,” said Coach Donalson.
Coach Donalson finds satisfaction in watching his students develop as athletes over the course of the school year. “I take a group of kids and make them work very hard at things they are unfamiliar with. I stay relentless in my expectations until they realize they can attain these expectations consistently. In the process, they realize they have to lean on each other, and I can see them build pride in what they do both individually and as a group. It’s a great feeling to see their growth and maturity and to see them gain confidence and the understanding of what it takes to push through difficult circumstances and find a way to come out better and stronger than they ever thought,” shared Coach Donalson.
Coach Donalson would love to see the community come out to support these young athletes. “Come to our games – basketball, volleyball, track meets, tennis matches, cross country meets and golf matches. These kids work very hard and deserve the greatest cheering sections. Our games are fun and exciting. You will see kids play with passion and with poise that will make you proud of our community,” enthused Coach Donalson.