We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brandon Ward. Check out our conversation below.
Brandon, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
One thing bringing me joy outside of my coaching career is recently finding out my wife is pregnant and god will be blessing us with a little boy this coming March 2026 ! I’ve been a father before 2x but this go around it’s planned and I’m definitely more mature to take on life challenges.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Brandon Ward, widely known as “Coach Auto,” is a passionate football coach, mentor, and leader dedicated to youth development both on and off the field. A native of North Carolina, Brandon distinguished himself as a standout athlete, ultimately earning an athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central University (HBCU) as a Return Specialist.
Following his collegiate career, he continued his playing journey with the Triangle Rattlers, a semi-professional team based in Raleigh, NC. During his tenure, he had 9 punt returns for 184 yards and scored 1 touchdown, showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities.
In 2022, Brandon founded the TRC Program, an initiative designed to provide young athletes with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary for success in football and life. This program reflects his commitment to holistic development and long-term impact on youth athletes.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Joining the United States military in 2010 had to be my moment on how I started to see the world. I was stationed in South Korea and during my time overseas I got to see all walks of life not just the neighborhood I grew up in or the schools I attended. I got to see the world bigger than just my everyday community, learning to work with different groups of people and respect cultures other than what I was taught growing up. Teamwork has no racial profile we all get it done or we all fail.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to appreciate the good days. If everyday is sunshine and roses when disaster strikes you want be able to adapt because all you would know was success or fun. Being able to take a loss and learn from it then re apply it to the next day is how I live my life. One day at time one plan at a time
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you ask any of my friends or colleagues they will tell you nothing is more important to me than coaching these kids. It’s not about winning or loosing a game, it’s training their minds to win in life. In the real world when football stops, basketball, track or whatever sport you play stops your going to have to fill out an application get a job, have kids, get married all of these happen really fast and I wasent prepared so I made mistakes. When I train kids we don’t just do drills we work on life skills. I just want to see these young athletes get to college with the right tools to graduate college and live a productive life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
My passion for wanting to be the best or wanting the kids I coach to be the best. Sometimes parents or people in the community feel I’m angry or hot tempered but I’m not angry i just practice excellence and I expect my players to do the same. We can laugh and joke at practice but when it’s “GAME TIME” I’m straight business. Don’t give kids choices, give them direction and see how they respond.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TRCWITHCOACHAUTO
- Youtube: @TRCwithCoachAuto
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