When Rayshon Banks first stepped onto the field as the head coach of the Euclid High School girls flag football team, he did so with one mission in mind: to teach young athletes the values of teamwork, discipline and resilience, not only in sports but also in life.
It's this profound commitment to his players and their growth, both on and off the field, that led him to be named the inaugural Cleveland Browns Girls High School Flag Football Coach of the Year. For Banks, coaching isn't just about teaching the game. It's about empowering young women to believe in their potential and to pursue their dreams with confidence and heart.
"I've always had a love for football, and it taught me invaluable lessons growing up—discipline, teamwork, resilience," Banks shared. "I wanted to give those same lessons back to young athletes, particularly through flag football, a sport that is growing rapidly and provides a platform for these girls to shine."
His passion for mentoring is what drove him to take the helm of the program, knowing that he could make a real difference in the lives of his players.
Coach Banks's journey as a coach began with youth basketball, where he built a foundation in teaching the fundamentals and promoting a positive, inclusive environment for all athletes. But it was flag football that ignited his passion for mentoring young women, giving them an opportunity to play a sport they may not have otherwise had access to.
"My inspiration to coach came from the game itself and the desire to mentor these young athletes," Banks explained. "I wanted to show them that through sports, they could develop skills that would help them both on the field and in their personal lives."
In his two years as head coach, Banks has proven to be more than just a coach. He's a mentor, a role model, an uncle and father figure for his 26 players. He wears many hats—literally and figuratively—as he balances the duties of a head coach with the needs of his athletes. Whether it's becoming an Uber driver to ensure his athletes have transportation, a DoorDasher to make sure they're fed, a therapist providing a safe space or a bodyguard protecting them when necessary, he does whatever it takes to support his athletes. Banks is fully invested in the well-being of his team. He is quick to recognize the importance of building strong relationships with his players, their families and the wider community.
"I make it a priority to stay connected with my players' families, not just about their performance on the field but also about their academic and personal growth," he said. "I want them to know that I care about them as individuals, not just athletes."
This connection to his players' families is vital in creating a support system that fosters growth and trust. It's an approach that has helped Banks establish a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within his team. His players are not only learning how to work together as a team but are also developing the confidence to tackle life's challenges.
"I hope my players walk away with more than just an understanding of flag football," he shared. "I want them to walk away with confidence, resilience and a sense of self-worth. I want them to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds to, both on and off the field."
For Banks, the true reward comes from watching his players grow—not just as athletes but also as individuals.
"The personal reward I get from coaching is a deep sense of fulfillment," he said. "Seeing my athletes grow in their skills, their teamwork and their confidence is incredibly gratifying. But the real reward comes when I see them push through their limits, not just for the sport, but for their personal growth."
This commitment to personal development is evident in the lessons his players take with them from the field into their everyday lives. One memorable example occurred when the team suffered a tough loss due to miscommunication on defense. Rather than blaming each other, the players took responsibility, regrouped and worked on improving their coordination.
"That lesson in communication and accountability followed them into the classroom," Banks reflected. "They became more proactive in group projects, more open in resolving conflicts with peers and more resilient in their everyday lives."
Beyond the field, Banks is dedicated to ensuring his players have the opportunities they need to succeed in all areas of life. He emphasizes the importance of academics, knowing that success in the classroom is as crucial as success on the field.
"Education and graduation open doors to future opportunities," Banks said. "I want my players to know that flag football is just one part of their journey. The lessons they learn on the field—like discipline, time management and perseverance—will serve them well in their academic careers and beyond."
Banks's advocacy for his players extends beyond their time in high school. He dreams of sending multiple young women to college through flag football, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their passions on a larger stage.
"My ultimate goal is to help my players reach their potential—on the field, in the classroom and in life," he shared. "I want to be a part of their journey, helping them to believe in themselves and showing them that they can achieve greatness."
As the inaugural Cleveland Browns Girls High School Flag Football Coach of the Year, Banks exemplifies what it means to be a coach, mentor and advocate for young athletes. His unwavering dedication to the growth and empowerment of his players has not only shaped them into strong athletes but also into resilient young women who are ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. Through his leadership, Banks is not only building a winning team—he's building a future. And that is a legacy that will last for generations.
