By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Following a recent investigation into illegal recruitment practices, the Roosevelt High School football program has undergone a complete ‘remodel’. Now at the helm of that rebuild is Zach Porter, a 24-year-old coach who served as junior varsity offensive coordinator last season and has stepped into the role of varsity head coach.
Porter, who holds a degree in sports psychology from Western Washington University, is in his third year of coaching high school football and his second season in the Metro League. Before joining Roosevelt, he coached at Redmond High School.
Young, determined, and honest about the learning curve ahead, Porter is embracing this new chapter with optimism.
“This is something that I have always known I wanted to do. So, since the opportunity was there, I figured, why not take it?” said Porter. “But yes, I do know it is a learning experience, and that I don’t have as much experience as some of the head coaches that I have talked to in the Metro. But, at the same time, I see the game differently, and I think that gives me a different set of advantages than other coaches may have.”
Despite the 50-minute commute, Porter believed that taking on the leadership of Roosevelt’s football program was a big decision — but a necessary one.
Despite the challenges, including a 50-minute commute, Porter didn’t hesitate to take on the leadership role when the team needed someone steady.
“When the boys needed somebody to step up, I was there. It was a pretty big decision for me to make because it is not the easiest commute, but I did it because what we needed was some consistency,” said Porter. “I have been through a lot of adversity in my life before, and I figured I was the one to help them, direct them, and teach them how to get through adversity.”
Although Roosevelt’s recent success has raised expectations, Porter said his top priority is building a positive environment for his players and helping them put themselves in the best position possible as athletes—especially when it comes to earning scholarships
“[My players have] a lot of other sports they want to play, and some of them want scholarships,” said Porter. “My goal is to help them get the scholarships that they deserve and really put them in the best position to succeed and be the best man they can be.”
For Porter, success isn’t just measured in wins and losses—it’s about his players excelling both on the field and in the classroom, and keeping his seniors on track for graduation.
“Success is defined as all of my seniors graduating on time,” said Porter. “We have a study hall period right now to make sure that their grades are where they should be, and also to help them focus as well. I am really trying to get on top of the whole grade scale, because I want everybody to go off and go to college, and that to me, that is a success.”
While uncertainty and a lack of trust may linger among the community, parents, players, and administration due to recent issues within the football program, Porter is committed to rebuilding that trust and reputation of the program.
“The staff that was here and everyone who was involved in that is gone. And I think that Roosevelt still has this painted picture that we are cheaters and everything like that, but everyone that was a part of it is now gone. The players, everybody—they are gone,” said Porter. “We got a new good group of guys that are playing honest football. And, for me, it is important for us to get back with the community. So, we have been reaching out to sponsors, food banks, and things like that to get my boys out in the community to help reshape that identity.”
“At the end of the day, we are a community. We rely on the support of our community here at Roosevelt. So, anything that we can do to get back is what we are trying to do,” added Porter.
Though excited about the opportunity, Porter admits the transition hasn’t been easy.
“The timing of everything is the hardest thing for me right now. It is hard for me to build my staff, and it has been just a scramble and really hard for me coming in,” said Porter. “Trying to build the program and continue to build the program is a lot. We lost a lot of freshmen last year, and a lot of players didn’t want to come back out and play. So, I am just making sure that I retain as many players within the school as possible.”
Looking ahead, Porter’s vision for Roosevelt’s football program is straightforward: rebuild with integrity
“I want to just rebuild the program, and I want to do it the right way,” said Porter. “I think that there is a lot of talent within the school, and it is just trying to get those kids to come out and play. I know a lot of kids were hesitant, but at the beginning of fall, we had about 50 kids, and now we are looking at about 78 coming into week two.”
“More and more kids are coming out because of word of mouth, and more seniors, too. The kids are signing up just because they say they are having fun,” continued Porter. “So, it is really good to see, to begin to build a program within the school.”
