COIN StaffLet your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Nelson Cook: Founder and Director of COIN.
Email: nelsoncook@coachesofinfluence.com
Nelson has played many different sports for most of his life and he began coaching during his high school years. At that time he was exposed to the life changing message of God’s love for him and that God wanted to have a personal relationship, not a religious habit or experience. He took God at His word and put his trust in Jesus Christ alone for His salvation.Nelson graduated from the University of North Texas with Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education degrees. He also worked for several para-church ministries (Campus Crusade, Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes) as well as a few churches. He has been a teacher and coach (football, basketball, and tennis) in Richardson, Texas.In 1995 his wife passed away leaving him with three daughters, ages 12, 10, and 9. The Lord showed Himself strong on his behalf, meeting their family needs in prayer and strong support through his church and friends.He is the Founder and director of CO•IN (Coaches of Influence) which began March 1997. While directing the coaches’ ministry he has also been a tennis coach at Hope International University.In 2005 the Lord brought a helpmate, Sandy, into his life and they enjoy a blended family of five daughters and three sons-in-law. He and Sandy live in Placentia, California.
Greg Pappas
Greg and Lisa Pappas have been married for 16 years. They were introduced to each other by Azusa Pacific Athletic Director Bill Odell and his wife, Gayle in 1992 and were married a year later. Greg spent twenty years teaching and coaching basketball in high school. Pappas was the first basketball coach at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach when the program started in 1998. Pappas served as head coach at Rowland High School for six years, leading them to the playoffs in four of those years. He was named San Gabriel Valley Tribune Coach of the Year in 1991. Pappas also spent seven years at Millikan High School in Long Beach serving as the girls head basketball coach and an assistant boys basketball coach. Pappas coached his first four years at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower. In 2000 moved on to the college level where he served as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Azusa Pacific University for three years. He was part of two Golden State Athletic Championship teams in those three years, including the 2000-2001 team that won a school record 35 games and lost in the NAIA semifinal game. In 2003 Pappas accepted a position as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Hope International University. After serving one year as an assistant and another as the interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Pappas was named both Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach in 2005. He served in both capacities until stepping down in April, 2009. Pappas has been active in COIN since arriving at HIU in 2003. He continues today as part of the Long Beach COIN fellowship. Pappas resides in Long Beach with his wife, Lisa, and two sons, Jordan and Brandon who are ages 11 and 10. Lisa is a stay at home mom. Previously she served in ministry at Calvary Chapel Seal Beach now Pacific Coast for 15 years in office administration and event planning.
Sam Hieronymus
My Coach
My Coach is my hero. Even if he is hard on me.
My Coach helps me find victory in myself. Even if I have been defeated
My Coach gives me an endless supply of courage. Even if I am frightened.
My Coach helps me find positive things in myself. Even if no one else can.
My Coach gives me his time and attention. Even if he has little spare time to give.
My Coach shows me what it means to be a leader and a team player. Even if I am just a rowdy teenage boy.......today.
by Donald Holder, Longview Texas from COIN May 2008 newsletter.