Why is the Teche Area important to you?

I was born and raised on Malain Street, in New Iberia. Coming up this place was rich in family, and friendships. It was close knit, my grandmother Yvette Olivier ran a Daycare for many years so our family was well known around the neighborhood. Some of my fondest memories were playing football, and basketball in the street, picking pecans, cold cups, and the neighborhood block parties. The people in my neighborhood cared about each other and they looked out for their kids. I can remember being brought to church and having my report card checked by people who believed in the village approach to raising kids. Finally, growing up the Boy’s and Girls Club was a pivotal influence in my life. I am still using the tools invested in me from the programs at the boys and girls club! I owe so much to Ms. Tamara Anthony for challenging me during my time there, her discipline and tough love approach helped shape me into the man I am today! These things all shaped and molded my view of what we are supposed to do for others, and how impactful it can be when you see the value in others!

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with my family, whether it’s watching movies, playing games, or training them in whatever sport they are in at the time. It’s always a good time. I enjoy fishing, although I haven’t mastered catching any yet. I enjoy playing dominoes, spades, and watching old fashion Karate Movies. I also enjoy fellowshipping with my brothers from our MOG group, they are always putting together events for us to have a good time. My favorite thing of all is taking my beautiful wife on a dates. They don’t happen often enough due to our demanding schedules but when they do come together it’s amazing!

What are your hobbies?

My job is my biggest hobby, I absolutely love what I do. I have been coaching youth sports for about 15 years and if I’m being honest it’s my piece of heaven. From NIRD league basketball, WestEnd strong camps, to building and being apart of the New Iberia Hurricanes whom I started with some amazing men in our community! This program grew to about 150 young men from the ages of 5 to 14. Huge shout out to Colby Peters and Shaq Allen for bringing the dream to a reality. To everyone else who helped in anyway from coaching to fundraising, and our board of directors thank you from the bottom of my heart. This program was the start of my love for coaching and my pursuit of my degree, and the amazing Job I have now at Acadiana Christian School! My other hobbies are training kids in the community and in my school through skill development in their perspective sports. As a result of this I am the Head coach of 3 major sports and I assist in a few others at ACS, and I’ve had a hand in helping build the Athletic Culture, along side of coach Boudreaux which is based on Building their relationship with God and strengthening their faith! I can’t thank my coaching Staff which includes Sanford Edwards, Dre Lyons, Garrison Neff, Porter Mauney, Carroll Olivier Jr. Ana Trueil, Falon Alford and our administration enough for championing our God First approach!

Who are your role models?

When I think of role models, I have to say I have a ton but I have to start with my amazing mother Llwelyn Olivier. I’m grateful for her because she raised 3 kids on her own, often working 2 to 3 jobs. The sacrifices I watched her make is what motivates me to do my very best. She raised me with the help of my grandmothers, Yvette Olivier, Bertha Mason and my aunts. Their influence shaped me into the man I am today. When I think of role models I think of Marlon Lewis, he is a successful businessman, and community leader who believes in reaching back and helping others. Because of his heart for people he gave me a chance to work in his barbershop where I learned more than just how to cut hair. He introduced me to community service, leadership training, and how to impact your community through multiple partnerships. Throughout my early coaching days, I was blessed enough to work with many great coaches who guided and helped me find my own coaching style. I took a little piece of each of their styles and added it to my philosophy. My biggest coaching impacts were from Glenn Fondal, Gerald Broussard, Rick Hutson, Neka Jones, Kaleb Gardner, Johnny Clark, Gerard Boutte, John Ngyuen, and Brigette Boudreaux. And if I had to pick my GOAT it would be Dave Saunders “PeePaw”. Watching you guide and love your family unconditionally, has shown me the type of man I want to be for my kids and grand kids. Thank you for opening your heart and family to me and my family, thank you for showing me how a Man of God is suppose to lead, your wisdom and understanding is in a league of its own!!!

What are some of your plans or goals?

My number one goal is to graduate from college, in the next year. I plan to continue my coaching career, and developing young men and women through FCA and Sports. I also plan to continue spreading the word of God through small groups, evangelism, and SWAT, which is a men’s Fellowship and Bible study I host every other Monday evening, at my house. Finally I just want to be a Man that my family, friends, and players can look at and see God’s handy work. Ephesians 2:10 CSB “For we are his workmanship, created  in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time  for us to do.”

Is there anything else you would like to say? 

I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me along my journey. I am so grateful for Mrs. Monique Sanchez, for giving me the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing school! Huge thank you to our ACS staff for loving on me and my family and spoiling me rotten! Shout to my DREAM TEAM IYKYK!!! To My Pastors Don Norman, Sean Boudreaux, and our OSC family for taking their time to love on me and my family. All the MOG family that I lean on for guidance and fellowship. Especially Gerard Boutte who walks with my family and I every single day. Thank you for not only inviting me to church, but for your willingness to be an example of Christ through the good times and the bad. To my Niece and Poppa Johnny thank you for your constant love and support, for covering us in times of need and for your powerful prayers! An my last thank you goes to my secret weapon, my wife Allison I can not express how grateful I am for all that you do for me and our family! The sacrifices you have made over the past 21 years of our relationship does not go unnoticed. Thank you for not only praying for me, but also loving me through my trials and triumphs. I love you more than you will ever know! God truly blessed me with you, this award isn’t just for me it’s for US!