Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer coach Chris Aiken (right) poses with his wife, Becca Aiken (left), and their two sons CJ (left) and Landon (right) in front of the Billy Henderson stadium on Feb. 15. Chris has been a father for four years and Becca noted Chris’ effort to set aside time for their boys during his busy schedule. “When he gets home from work, it’s like playtime for 45 minutes when they’re just all over the place and laughing and having so much fun because all CJ and Landon want to do is play with daddy,” Becca said. “Anytime there’s a home game, the boys come up here so they can play with dad for two or three hours before the game starts, so he’s just the best.” Photo by Aza Khan
CCHS boys varsity soccer coach Chris Aiken has left a lasting impact on his players, colleagues and the CCHS community through his 10 years of service.
Chris Aiken, Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer coach, physical education department teacher and Associate Athletic Director, has reached his 10th year of teaching at CCHS. His efforts to build relationships and supportive environments for his players, students and colleagues have left a positive effect on the CCHS community.
Before arriving at CCHS, Chros graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2012 with certifications in AP 12th Grade Math and Social Studies Education. He was then offered a job at CCHS that appealed to many of these credentials.
“I only heard back from three of (the employers) and the other two (positions) didn’t come with soccer,” Chris said. “They were both social studies positions, and so the position that (CCHS Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward) offered was much more intriguing because it came with the soccer element, as well.”
Chris grew up playing youth and travel soccer, and went on to play for UNG for four years, making the coaching position at CCHS an influential factor when he was deciding between jobs.
“(Soccer) was always something I was passionate about. I wanted to get back into coaching soccer,” Chris said. “I really enjoyed the high school level, particularly. Getting a chance to play for your school is a unique experience and a very exciting time for these players in their life to get to play in front of their friends and parents and also represent their school at the same time.”
Hired by former CCHS principal and current Social Circle City Schools Superintendent Dr. Robbie Hooker and Ward, Chris met both of the requirements for a boys varsity soccer coach and an 11th grade math teacher, though it wasn’t only his qualifications that made him an appealing candidate for the job.
“He was just a genuine person during the interview and his demeanor,” Hooker said, “We felt as though he would be a good fit for Clarke Central and that has proven to be true — he’s been there 10 years and has taken on additional roles while being there.”
“(Chris) was just a genuine person during the interview and his demeanor,” Hooker said. “We felt as though he would be a good fit for Clarke Central, and that has proven to be true — he’s been there 10 years and has taken on additional roles while being there.”
— Robbie Hooker,
former CCHS principal
CCHS senior and varsity soccer player Ajani Wade has played for Chris since middle school, and recalls when Chris has assisted his athletes beyond the field, into the classroom and even in their personal lives.
“He cares about his players a lot,” Wade said. “When I’m struggling with school or anything, he’s always gonna push us to get all our work done, and if you need someone to talk to, he’s always there to talk to us.”
Chris uses the time during the soccer season on and off the field to get to know his players.
“You’re spending—a lot of times—more time with (soccer players) than your own family, throughout the season,” Chris said. “It gives me a lot of chances to talk with them (about) a lot of things that go beyond education. We’ve talked a lot about their own families and relationships and places they’ve worked and beyond high school, career aspirations.”
Chris’ relationships with his athletes are also apparent through his continued connections with at least 20 alumni that have returned to CCHS after graduation in various athletic capacities.
“To build those relationships while I’m coaching them and see them want to come back and be a part of what we’re doing and give back to the current students, there’s probably no greater joy as a coach,”” Chris said. “It means a lot to me that there’s players that I built that relationship with, that they enjoyed so much they want to try to build that relationship with the next generation.”
“To build those relationships while I’m coaching them and see them want to come back and be a part of what we’re doing and give back to the current students — there’s probably no greater joy as a coach. It means a lot to me that there’s players that I built that relationship with, that they enjoyed so much they want to try to build that relationship with the next generation.”
— Chris Aiken,
boys varsity soccer coach
During the first four years that Hooker worked with Chris at CCHS, Chris’ dedication to his relationships with students became apparent.
“You could tell not just his love for the game, but his care for the kids,” Hooker said. “Making sure that they were not just soccer players but they were student-athletes. Some of the students may have struggled with math, he took time to tutor with kids and to work with them.”
Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer coach Chris Aiken speaks to CCHS senior and boys varsity soccer player Ajani Wade in the Billy Henderson field during the Oconee High School game on March 25, which CCHS won 2-1. Aiken has coached Wade since middle school and has played for Aiken for four years at CCHS. “He’s a very competitive guy. I know in
gym he’s always trying to win, always trying to just be the best at what he’s doing,” Wade said. Photo by Aza Khan
Chris hopes to give his athletes the same learning experiences that his coaches gave him.
“I developed a lot of my work rate and determination that through athletics and a lot of that’s translated into my professional life and career, how I coach, and also my family life,” Chris said. “I’m thankful for all the coaches I worked with throughout my life and I’m hoping to be doing that now for a lot of student-athletes currently.”
Beyond his career, Chris approaches his more familial relationships with the same dedication as those between his student-athletes. Becca Aiken, Chris’ wife of 10 years, notices this in Chris interactions with their two children, ages 2 and 4.
“Anyone who sees him actually coaching a game, their first comment is always, ‘Coach Aiken you were so calm, you never yelled, you’re not yelling at the players, you’re not yelling at the ref, you didn’t try to argue with anything,’ and he’s the exact same way with our kids,” Becca said. “He is the chillest person. He doesn’t get mad. He talks so calmly and kindly to them all the time. It’s pretty amazing to watch.”
Chris’ attention to his loved ones and care for the environments he builds have had lasting impacts on those around him and Hooker finds that it’s this dedication that has aided Chris in his success.
“I think the thing about Chris is his positivity. He’s always positive and no matter what’s going on — he’s the bright side, but also, he’s a caring person,” Hooker said. “Not just for his players, but anyone under his supervision. He cares about kids, he’s willing to go that extra mile to build relationships with students and that leads into the coaching.”
Story by Cadence Schapker
Package by Anna Shaikun
