Streaks Alumni Profile- Zach Statham 2008

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” features Zach Statham from the GHS Class of 2008. 

Zach has had an outstanding career already. He has coached high soccer at East Peoria, Monmouth, and Morton. At Monmouth he started up the girls soccer program and quickly turned them into a successful program. At Morton, his girls team just took 2nd in State!!

When I told my son that Zach’s team took 2nd in State, Allen’s comment, “He was a great babysitter. We played video games and ate pizza!” So I guess Zach can do it all!

Favorite Teachers/ Classes

I enjoyed all of my civics and politics classes. My favorite class and teacher was Chemistry with Mr. Johnson.

Sports/Activities/Jobs in HS

I played soccer at GHS and worked at St. Mary's Square in the summer when I was old enough. 

Best Memories Growing Up in Galesburg/Attending GHS

Galesburg always feels like home to me. I used to love riding my bike around town, hanging out with friends and going to Coney Island (which I still enjoy). 

Education after GHS

Monmouth College (played soccer) for my Bachelor's Degree and Greenville University for my Master's Degree. 

Career

I taught 3rd grade at South Pekin grade school for 6 years while I was the Head Boys Soccer coach at East Peoria High School. Then I went to Monmouth-Roseville where I taught 5th grade and was the Head boys and girls soccer coach for 6 years. Now I just finished my first year teaching Jr. High and leading the boys and girls soccer teams at Morton High School as Head Coach. 

Up To Today

I am unmarried and just enjoying my life teaching and coaching. It is nice moving to Morton and being close to my sister and her family who live in the Bloomington/Normal area. 

Advice for Today’s Students/Athletes

I think the biggest obstacle that throw people off in life is lack of patience. It is extremely difficult to be patient, but keeping sight of your dreams and working hard will pay off in the end. Dreams and goals will come true if you are patient enough and willing to work. 

You had a great team, taking 2nd in State this year. What are some of the “little things” that were actually “big things” that made your team champions?

My girls team this past season had a state runner-up finish. I think the girls’ attitudes to show up every day ready to work and the seriousness of practice made us into what we became as the season progressed. 

I have never had a group show up everyday with such a businesslike approach and ready to work hard no matter what. This ended up making us very mentally strong down the stretch. 

Trust was also a massive factor, the players had massive trust in the coaches and vice-versa. We really believed in each other and that we were all pulling in the same direction and nothing ever wavered our belief in the group.