LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jeffery Staus was nominated by an anonymous student. The student reflected on his positive experience knowing Mr. Staus through the following story:

"About five games into my senior season as a member of the Arrowhead Union High School varsity soccer team, we matched up against Whitefish Bay. Ten minutes in, with the ball at my feet, I dribbled around two defenders, and the ball soared into the box—only to be missed just left of the post," said the student.

"Coach Staus didn't care about the shot or the miss. Instead, he said, 'They can't stop you,'" the student said.

"Coach Staus gave me a boost to finish one of my best games as an Arrowhead Soccer player. He gave me words that stuck with me for 80 minutes. Wiping any doubt away from my mind, Whitefish Bay couldn't stop me. Coach's words made me unstoppable," said the student.

"With one of the best performances of my high school career, Coach named me as player of the game. I couldn't have been happier," said the student.

"Coach Staus has been my coach ever since I could remember. From the time I was six learning the basics of what to do and how to do it to trying to make history in a state tournament, he was by my side, coaching me through it all," said the student.

"Through my many years with Coach Staus, I learned that having good character is the top priority above anything else, both on the field and off. With countless hours of studying film and ensuring everything was right, Coach would come into every practice ready for us, ready to get going, not wasting any time," said the student.

"Apart from being my coach, he was also my teacher for Coach and Officiating. Coach Staus made the class more than just a grade; it was a life lesson I could use when I get older. It wasn't about letters or a percentage; it was about cracking open my shell and figuring out what kind of person I was. It all may sound crazy that a coaching class could do that, but he made it that way," said the student.

"Alongside being a coach and a teacher, It wouldn't be fair not to mention the many hours Coach Staus put in for the community and the younger ages of our sport. With many camps run in the summer for youth soccer, he makes it the enjoyable experience that every parent would want for their kid; you can drop your child off and know that they will be a part of something great, even if it's for two hours," said the student.

"Without Coach Staus, it would be hard to imagine how my soccer career would have played out. I will always remember the dedication that he had for the sport, the community, and for us. He pushed me every day. Even if I was in a bad mood, I would always want to go to practice knowing that I would have a great coach and, even more importantly, a great person," said the student.