By R.L. Harvey - Exclusive to Tday in Fort Smith
Living in rural Leflore County is more than just a lifestyle for Coach Aaron Lloyd; it's a deeply ingrained way of life. Growing up nestled in the community of Summerfield, his roots run deep in this picturesque part of Oklahoma.
He graduated from Leflore High School in 2017 and went on to earn his degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah in 2021.
This year marks a significant milestone for Lloyd as he embarks on his first year of coaching and,teaching. He has been hired by Buffalo Valley Public Schools to coach softball and boys basketball.
Buffalo Valley, located in the west-southwestern part of Leflore County within the Choctaw Nation, is not quite fifty miles from the county seat of Poteau and just a little over a thirty-minute drive from his high school alma mater.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and cannot wait for this school year to start,” Lloyd
says with a smile that stretches across his face.
Aaron's personal life is equally fulfilling. He shares his life with his amazing partner, Ary, and their four wonderful children: Elden, Baker, Beckett, and Lennox. His family is his pride and joy, and they are a constant source of inspiration and support. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick- up basketball, listening to podcasts, and attending church.
His favorite way to spend a day off is with his family at the lake or attending any Oklahoma Sooners sporting event—Boomer Sooner!
From a young age, he knew he wanted to become a coach. He believes that sports play a crucial role in developing skills and characteristics that benefit individuals throughout their lives. His passion for mentoring and teaching student-athletes is driven by a desire to help them become the best versions of themselves, something he learned from others when he was in school.
Lloyd’s coaching philosophy centers on creating an environment of positivity and
encouragement. He plans to hold his student-athletes to high standards and to teach them to play with integrity. The new coach says a team is like a family, united in working towards a common goal through encouragement, accountability, and forgiveness, something he learned very early under his coaches.
This year, his goals for his teams are to develop a strong sense of commitment and
responsibility. He emphasizes focusing on what can be controlled and giving the best effort in every game, whether on the field or the court.
“Success in sports is not just about winning and losing but about witnessing the growth and
development of student-athletes, their sportsmanship, and their integrity,” Lloyd declares with a
passion that says he means business. His advice is to continually be a sponge, soak up everything you can learn from others, and be confident.
When it comes to handling setbacks or losses, he says, “I believe in learning from each
experience.” He sees losses as opportunities to identify areas for improvement and maintains a positive attitude while staying committed to the team. Developing each player's potential is a priority.
He understands that every student-athlete communicates differently and strives to listen and communicate effectively with each one to help them achieve their individual goals.
Academics will also be a top priority for his teams, as he believes that success in the classroom is just as important as success in sports.
High School athletics is a year around job if you do it right. He stays up-to-date with coaching
and sports techniques by listening to podcasts, reading articles, and watching videos. He balances competitiveness and sportsmanship by playing with integrity and maintaining high standards of excellence, always prioritizing good sportsmanship. A new school with your first head coaching job could be a daunting task.
But he’s not afraid to reach out to his mentors if he needs to. His influences are many, but his
number one influence, he says, is the unwavering presence of Jesus Christ.
His high school basketball coach, Mark Warren, also played a significant role in inspiring him, and igniting his passion to become a coach.
Everything in Aaron’s life orbits around two focal points: family and sports. From movies to the Bible, these threads weave through his days.
When it comes to films, Aaron faces a delightful dilemma—choosing a favorite is as challenging as a buzzer-beater shot. His topthree picks? “Glory Road,” “Remember the Titans,” and any of the “Rocky” movies. But beyond entertainment, Aaron defines personal success by living out his faith and representing Jesus daily.
His favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, serves as a daily reminder to strive to be the best person he can be. He adds that his proudest achievements are accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and his family. If he could sit down and have dinner with any three people, he would choose Jesus Christ, Baker Mayfield, and Forrest Frank, his favorite singer.
Leflore County, with its rich history and beautiful landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop forAaron's journey. From the rolling hills to the vibrant communities, it';s a place where dreams arenurtured, and futures are built. Coach Aaron Lloyd is a testament to the power of dedication, faith, andthe unwavering support of family and community.
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