From Player to Coach: Toby Vallas Returns to Monmouth to Talk Leadership
Izzy Gimm - Website and Social Media Manager
Former Monmouth College track and field athlete Toby Vallas returned to his alma mater to deliver a presentation on internal leadership. He shared his journey from student-athlete to head football coach and Director of Student Services at Farmington Central School District.
Vallas graduated from Monmouth College in 1998 and later coached track at the school for two seasons. He built a successful coaching career and currently leads Farmington’s football program. He shared his personal experiences and lessons learned with a large audience of current Monmouth students.
“I was the head coach at Knoxville High School, where I’m from, for about nine years,” Vallas said. “I got out of it after feeling a little burned out and overwhelmed by the pressure. I think I lost my love for coaching for a while and honestly felt like I had stopped growing.”
Rediscovering that passion led him to Farmington, where his leadership philosophy has transformed the program. “I made the transition to stop doing the things that gave me comfort and to let the kids control the program,” he explained.
“I stopped being afraid of failure and embraced change.”
Throughout his talk at Monmouth, Vallas emphasized the importance of balancing competition with values like teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership.
“I believe you can be ultra-competitive and still have sportsmanship,” he said. “Teamwork and leadership lend themselves to competitiveness. As an athlete, you constantly compete with yourself, discovering what’s inside you.”
When it comes to fostering leadership, Vallas believes in giving players the opportunity to lead.
“If the coach jumps in to lead every chance they get, the kids will struggle to develop,” he noted. “You also have to praise unselfishness constantly. It is an honor to give to the team.”
Vallas also addressed the importance of inclusivity and handling difficult conversations within a team setting.
“I think you have to be direct and teach people like they know nothing. Many of these issues, especially race, can be scary for people. They present opportunities to say something wrong with negative consequences, so many avoid the topic altogether. Don’t steer away from controversial topics, but don’t tell kids what to think either. It’s okay to disagree, but kids and adults need a safe place to work through things. People need ownership of their thoughts and beliefs.”
For Vallas, coaching goes beyond wins and losses.
“Seeing the growth in kids and watching them do things they weren’t sure they could do, that’s what motivates me.” Vallas said, “Don’t be afraid to change and grow. Everyone screws up - don’t dwell on it, move forward.”
In the future, his plans remain centered on player development.
“The goal is the same as every season: give each kid the best four-year experience we can.”
Vallas’ return to Monmouth College reminded him of the lasting impact of leadership, both on and off the field. His journey from student-athlete to head coach exemplified the power of growth, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change.
