Ropes ISD has hired a new assistant coach for football, basketball and baseball as well as teaching math.
Nathan Flores took the position at Ropes after working two years at Evans Middle School. During his time at Evans, Flores coached baseball. He has been coaching for a total of 11 years.
Flores graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Exercise Sports Science, even though he was initially going for Sports Marketing. His future slowly evolved into a coaching career, which is something he has loved to do every since he made the decision.
When asked about the students, Coach Flores did not hold back on how much he cannot wait to get started.
He said their group of kids are going to work hard. He also feels that they have a drive and dedication that is next to no other players that he has coached.
“I’ve met some of the students already at morning workouts, but not all of the students can show up. But, then again they are not mandatory and some of the students have jobs that they have to do, so I cannot be too mad. For the short time I was at workouts helping and learning they were getting after it. They were busting their tails for all of us and themselves. But, speaking for the guys I have met I cannot wait to get started with all the talent we have on our roster including the coaching staff,” stated Flores.
Coach Flores has an opportunity that a lot of other coaches wish they had, which is potentially coaching his own son at Ropes.
On top of that, the community for him has been eye opening as he says everyone has reached out to wish him nothing but the best and that they are excited for Coach Flores to be teaching and learning from the Eagles’ coaching staff.
Along with the community and getting to know everyone, Coach Flores is especially excited to be working with such experienced coaches such as Beau Riker and Lane Jackson.
“Coach Rikers mentality and attitude is contagious. He is so positive and passionate about what he does and how he does it,” Flores said. “He is a good coach and has surrounded himself with people he can trust; guys that have the same trust in him. I cannot wait to get started with this staff.”
“I want to make a difference with Riker and the others there at Ropes,” he added.
Baseball is Coach Flores’ main sport that he likes to teach. He played in his youth and cannot get over the fact that it is a timeless sport.
He felt like it was his calling and a good opportunity to get started with something he loves. It is something he and his family can be a part of together.
“I felt like taking this job was bigger than me,” stated Flores. “There were signs for me to take the job, so I trusted my gut and went for it. I talked it through with my family and they were supportive of my decisions.”
“My wife, my kids, my parents, my in-laws, everyone I know is excited for me to get started. Like I said before, I think it was my calling and something bigger than me telling me to go to Ropes,” explained Flores.
“In the end, it was a decision me and my family had to make and so far everyone that I have talked to about it cannot be more happy for me. Which also includes the students that I am about to be teaching and their parents, because like I said before, this community is one of a kind and something I can get used to very quickly,” Flores continued.
“I am so thankful to have them on my side and to help me make my decision,” he said. “Overall, I think it worked out. I am just so grateful that Ropes ISD is taking a shot on me and that I am able to do what I love. Hopefully, I make a difference in my students lives as well.”
This will be Coach Flores first high school coaching job and he cannot wait to get started with the team and the city of Ropes.
He has high expectations for the team and he says the team is loaded in all different sports because none of the athletes are one-dimensional and can play whatever sport they are asked to play.