Ben Thomas has been a dedicated coach at ACA for the past 11 years, bringing 13 years of coaching experience across a range of sports, including Football, Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball. He has been married for 11 years to his beautiful wife, Lauren, and together they have two children, Ritter Jay (8) and Rexton (3).

Ben’s coaching philosophy is centered on building strong, trust-based relationships with his players. He believes in being approachable and creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable coming to him with challenges, both on and off the field. Open communication is key, as he sets clear expectations from the start and encourages players to share their perspectives. Mutual respect is at the core of his interactions, treating each player as an individual and being consistent and fair in his feedback, whether offering praise or constructive criticism.

Ben takes time to understand his players’ motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, and he shows interest in their lives beyond the game. This holistic approach strengthens the bond between coach and player. He also emphasizes empathy and understanding, particularly during tough times, to help build trust and foster mental resilience in his athletes. By challenging them both mentally and physically, he encourages his players to step outside their comfort zones and learn how to cope with adversity.

Throughout his career, Ben has achieved notable successes. His teams have won multiple championships, including the Jr. High State Championship in Girls Volleyball (2018) and two Regional Championships in Varsity Girls Basketball (2022 and 2023). He was also part of the coaching staff for the Varsity Boys’ State Championship (2018) and the Varsity Football State Championship (2020), as well as the Varsity Football State Runner-Up team in 2019 and the Jr. High Girls Basketball State Runner-Up team in 2020.

Ben is committed to leading by example and helping his athletes develop the skills, resilience, and character to succeed both in sports and in life.