Draft:Coach Jake

Coach Martin Jacobson (Coach Jake) Martin Jacobson, known affectionately as Coach Jake, is a distinguished American soccer coach and educator with a career spanning over five decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 31, 1946, Coach Jake has dedicated his life to nurturing young athletes and promoting education through sports. Early Life and Education Martin Jacobson was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, before moving to Long Beach, NY, on Long Island. From a young age, he was passionate about physical education, inspired by his gym classes and teachers. This early interest set the stage for a lifelong commitment to sports and education. One of the most significant influences in his life was Herman Druckman, a Holocaust survivor who introduced him to soccer at the age of 10. Jacobson attended Long Beach public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, excelling in athletics, particularly as the captain of the Varsity Soccer team and a standout in Varsity Wrestling. In 2023, he was inducted into the Long Beach High School Wall of Fame. For his higher education, Jacobson attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health in 1968 and a Master of Arts in School Counseling in 1971. He was a star soccer player and played for three (3) years on the Ball State University Varsity Soccer Team. He later obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Alcohol/Substance Abuse Counseling from Long Island University, Brooklyn, in 1988. Coaching Career Coach Jake began his teaching and coaching career in September 1968, coaching both soccer and wrestling. His early career took him across the United States, including Upstate New York, the Detroit Metropolitan Area, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he became the first Varsity Public High School soccer coach in the state in 1978. In 1986, Jacobson returned to New York City and in 1988 was assigned as a school counselor Martin Luther King Jr. High School. By 1994, he had become the Varsity Soccer Coach, leading the team to win his first of 20 New York City Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Championships. Under his leadership, the MLK Jr. High School soccer team has consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally over the last 20 years, maintaining a remarkable 98% graduation rate among his players.

Jacobson's coaching philosophy emphasizes holistic development, focusing on the well-being and future success of his players. He believes that "playing soccer for MLK is about getting a better life," integrating educational and personal growth into his coaching methods. Impact on Students Coach Jake has profoundly impacted the lives of his students, maintaining a 98% graduation rate and helping hundreds of players advance to college and professional soccer careers. His players have attended prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Connecticut, St. John's University, University of Pennsylvania and the University of North Carolina, among others. Dozens of players have gone on to the professional level.

Community Involvement In addition to his coaching duties, Jacobson is deeply involved in community work. He founded the Coach Jake Foundation, an advocacy group dedicated to assisting youth with their health and well-being. His community initiatives have earned him recognition and numerous awards. Awards and Recognition • 2017: Honored at the 5th Annual NYC Soccer Gala. • 2023: Inducted into the Long Beach High School Wall of Fame. • Various Years: Multiple Coach of the Year honors. • Commendation: Received a letter of commendation from the United Soccer Coaches Association for his exceptional service in soccer.

Media & Publications

Coach Jake's success and influence have been widely recognized in various media and publications. Here are some highlights: • 2004: Setanta Sports featured Coach Jake and the MLK High School Soccer team in the award-winning Irish documentary “Coach.” • 1999: “60 Minutes with Dan Rather” featured Coach Jake in a segment titled “The Winner.” • 2018: A special feature produced by Vice Media with Carmelo Anthony and the MLK Soccer team reached thousands of viewers. • 2019: Skyhorse/Simon & Schuster published his memoir, “Becoming Coach Jake.” • Amazon Prime: His story was featured in the award-winning documentary "Coach Jake." • Various Publications: His story has been covered by The New York Times, Newsweek, New York Daily News, The New York Post, and The Shadow League. • Shutterstock Studios: Filmed a 6-part docuseries titled “We are King,” set to air on the Olympic Channel in late fall 2024. • Other Media: Coach Jake has made appearances on various interviews and documentaries, including Newsmax's "Wake Up America."

Personal Life Beyond his professional achievements, Martin Jacobson enjoys various personal interests and hobbies that reflect his dedication to a balanced life. While he remains private about his family life, his commitment to his community and students speaks volumes about his character.

References

References 1. NYC Soccer Gala Honorees. (2017). NYC Soccer Gala. 2. The Coach Jake Foundation. Our Impact. 3. "Coach Jake" on Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime Video. 4. Ball State University Alumni Records. 5. Long Beach High School Wall of Fame.